Bicycle wheels

Buying advice for: Bicycle wheels

• Wheel types

  There are different types of bicycle wheels, each of which is optimised for specific purposes.Road bike: These bikes are light and aerodynamic, ideal for road cycling and long distances. They have narrow tyres and curved handlebars for optimum speed.
  Mountain bike (MTB): Mountain bikes are robust and designed for rough terrain. They have wide, grippy tyres and suspension that absorbs shocks. Perfect for off-road adventures and difficult trails.
  Trekking bike: A mixture of road bike and mountain bike, ideal for long tours on various surfaces. These bikes are comfortable and often equipped with pannier racks and lights.
  City bike: Designed for everyday use in the city, city bikes are comfortable and practical. They usually have an upright seat, mudguards and often also baskets or pannier racks.
  E-bike: Electrically assisted bikes that make pedalling easier and make longer distances or hilly terrain more accessible. E-bikes are available in many designs, from city bikes to mountain bikes.
  BMX: Small, robust bikes for tricks and stunts, mainly used in skate parks or on special BMX tracks. They have a small frame and no suspension.
  Cargo bike: Designed for transporting goods or even children, cargo bikes have a large loading area or box. They are particularly popular in cities with high traffic volumes.

• Wheel brands

  The leading brands for bicycle wheels include Shimano, Campagnolo, DT Swiss, and Mavic. Shimano offers a wide range of wheelsets for different disciplines, known for their reliability and innovative technology. Campagnolo is known for its high-quality road bike wheels, which are appreciated for their performance and durability. DT Swiss and Mavic are renowned manufacturers of rims and complete wheelsets that are popular in both the road and mountain bike sectors.

• Materials and workmanship

  Bicycle wheels are typically made from a combination of aluminium, carbon and steel. Aluminium is widely used due to its lightness and strength, ideal for road bikes and city bikes. Carbon is used for high-end models as it is extremely light and stiff at the same time, which improves pedalling efficiency. Steel is sometimes used for robust mountain bike frames as it offers a high load capacity, but is also heavier than aluminium and carbon. The finish of the wheels has a significant impact on overall performance and durability. High-quality wheelsets use precision-manufactured rims and hubs that offer high stability and durability.

• Technical features

  Modern bicycle wheels offer a range of technical features that improve their performance and versatility. Aerodynamic rim profiles reduce drag and improve speed on the road. Tubeless ready wheelsets make it possible to run tyres without inner tubes, which reduces weight and minimises the risk of punctures. Quick-release or thru axles make it easier to mount and dismount the wheels and improve safety.