Bike Wheels and Rims

The rim holds the tire and helps the drivetrain and chain propel the bike. Its function is to roll over the road, handling terrain irregularities and providing initial cushioning against stones and other obstacles. To get the most out of your training, race, or giro leisure ride, choosing the right wheels is essential. Standard wheels are generally designed to offer a strong balance, so they can suit the widest possible range of riding styles and disciplines. But if you are looking for greater customization, nothing stops you from replacing them with something more aligned with your riding approach. When purchasing a new rim, wheel sizes and construction materials are the elements to pay the most attention to.

Rim Diameter

When it comes to wheels, many numbers come into play. It all starts with the diameter, which determines the overall dimensions of the component. The 28-inch wheel is the most common on road bikes, in gravel and in cyclocross. This wheel also performs best on urban bikes and touring bikes. For those who prefer MTB, the available formats increase. Off-road, you can choose between a 29" wheel, which can roll over rocks with relative ease, or 27.5" wheels that offer greater control on descents. Internal rim width, on the other hand, affects the size of the tires. For this reason, gravel wheels are increasingly larger than road wheels. Not to mention MTB models, especially in fat e-bike configurations. Last but not least, profile height affects the weight and aerodynamics of the wheel and the entire bike. For time trials, for example, very deep profiles are preferred. For everything else, lower weight is better with a lower-profile wheel.

Wheel Materials: Carbon or Aluminum?

Your pedaling style will tell you which material to choose for your wheels. Aluminum is the preferred material for the balance of strength and light weight it provides. But there are also lighter solutions such as the Mavic Allroad, a gravel rim, or the DT Swiss X 1900 Spline for XC. If you are looking for performance, regardless of cost, carbon rims are a must. For example, the Fulcrum Red Zone Carbon 29 MTB wheels or carbon road wheels Vision TC30 DB CL .