Complete Wheels

Buying advice for: Bicycle wheels: Complete Wheels

• Types of complete bikes

  Complete bikes are fully assembled bicycles that are available in different versions for different areas of use. The most common types include road bikes, mountain bikes, trekking bikes and city bikes. Road bikes are optimised for speed and aerodynamics, with a lightweight frame and narrow tyres. Mountain bikes are designed for off-road use, with robust tyres and suspension for rough terrain. Trekking bikes combine elements of road bikes and mountain bikes and are ideal for longer tours on mixed terrain.

• Complete bike brands

  Leading brands in the complete bike sector are Trek, Giant and Specialized. Trek is known for its innovative technology and a wide range of bikes for different purposes, including road bikes, mountain bikes and trekking bikes. Giant, as one of the largest bicycle manufacturers in the world, offers high-quality complete bikes at competitive prices and is known for its reliable performance and technical features. Specialized is famous for its high-performance bikes, especially in the road and mountain bike segment, and is characterised by advanced technologies and ergonomic design.

• Materials and workmanship

  The materials and workmanship of a complete bike are crucial to its performance and durability. Most frames are made of aluminium or carbon. Aluminium is widely used because of its favourable weight-to-strength ratio and cost savings. Carbon fibre offers greater stiffness and lower weight, but is more expensive. Some high-end models use titanium for its exceptional durability and comfort. The workmanship should be precise to ensure long life and reliable performance. Components such as the gears, brakes and wheels should be carefully assembled and tested.

• Technical features

  Technical features of complete bikes include frame construction, gears, brakes and suspension. The frame construction can have different geometries depending on the area of use of the bike. The gears can range from simple 3-speed systems to complex 12-speed derailleur systems. Brakes can be rim brakes or disc brakes, with disc brakes often offering better performance in all weather conditions. Suspension varies between rigid forks, sprung front forks and full suspension on mountain bikes to suit different riding conditions.