On a bicycle, the wheels are among the most important components. In fact, it is often one of the first peripherals that you change when you want to improve your performance. After discovering the different types of wheels, today we explain what wheel height to choose for my bike.
What rim height to choose for my bike?
One of the first criteria to consider when you want to buy a wheelset is the rim height. Indeed, it is essential to choose a rim height compatible with your practice and your training ground.
Then, you will have to choose your wheels according to your braking system (pads or disc), the desired material (carbon or aluminum wheels), the type of tire (tube, tubeless, tubular).
Why opt for a wheel with a low profile rim?
A wheel is considered to have a low profile when the rim height is less than 30mm.
The lower the rim height, the more light and manageable the wheel will be. Therefore, these wheels are ideal when the gradient is very high, i.e. for very hilly roads and mountain.
Why opt for a wheel with a high profile rim
A wheel is considered to have a high profile when the rim height is greater than 50mm.
The higher the rim height, the more the wheel will have better aerodynamics and better inertia. On the flip side, it will have a greater wind grip. These wheels are therefore best reserved for low gradient roads with little exposure to wind, as well as for well-honed cyclists as they are harder to ride due to their high stiffness.
Why choose a wheel with an intermediate profile rim?
A wheel is considered to have an intermediate profile when the rim height is between 30 and 50mm.
Halfway between a low profile and a high profile, these wheels are polyvalent and allow you to go just about anywhere. This makes them ideal for the rider who doesn't want to buy multiple pairs of wheels.
Now that you know what wheel height to choose for your bike, how about finding out how to choose your road bike wheels? Do you know how to unveil a bike wheel? Do you know the bike wheel size guide? Finally, to protect your bike, do you know how to choose your bike lock?