Bicycle Wheels: Untangling The Jargon

It's difficult to know where to start when buying bike wheels. Here are a few tips to get you started.

There is so much technical jargon involved with bicycle wheels, that it can seem impossible to judge what is right for you personally. For beginners, it is best they invest in wheels with stainless steels spokes. These spokes are stronger than other types and they do not rust. Cheaper spokes, including those that are zinc or chrome-plated, do rust and have a greater potential for dangerous buckling.

In terms of rims, a steel rim is the least favorable choice and, in this day and age, they are found only on the cheapest of bikes. A modern rim will be made from a material called "extruded aluminum." This type of aluminum is stronger and more versatile for the rider. Although it is possible to build your own wheels, it really isn't necessary in this day and age. With the wide-variety of custom-sized wheels available, you can find almost anything you require. Most wheel-building is done by racers trying to gain an edge.

If you want to build your own bike wheels, realize that it could take you several hours per wheel when you are first starting out. Your best bet would be to pick up a how-to book and go through each step carefully. One can't rush a project of this type because faulty building could cause serious injury.

While building, remember to focus on the "key spoke". This is the first spoke installed when building a bike wheel and it is crucial. Be patient. Building your own wheel will provide you with a great sense of accomplishment, but it can also be frustrating. It isn't the easiest of bike accessories to begin building!

Featured Merchants