On a bicycle, the wheels are one of the most important parts. In fact, it is often one of the first devices that we change when we want to improve performance. Today, we are offering you a quick overview of the different types of wheels because there are some for all prices, in different materials ... and adapted to each practice.

What is a bicycle wheel ?
For the average person, a wheel consists of a rim, spokes, a hub (with the freehub body on the rear wheel) and tires.
For connoisseurs, and in particular thanks to technological advances, the composition of a wheel is a little more complex than that thanks to the different materials used, the different rim heights, the different braking systems, etc.
Indeed, the wheels have a great influence on the behavior of the bike ... and therefore on the performance of the cyclist.

Aluminum wheels or carbon wheels ?
The main difference between aluminum wheels and carbon wheels is the price difference between the two ... but also the weight difference.
At the entry level, you will only find aluminum wheels… and often quite heavy. Generally, the more you go up in price, the lighter they will be.
To have carbon wheels, you will have to considerably increase your budget… but you will have lighter and more rigid wheels, therefore more responsive.
So the choice between the two will depend above all on your budget and your cycling experience.

If you practice competition or if you take part in cyclosportives (and your budget allows it), the choice of carbon will be consistent. On the other hand, if you want to go out without looking for performance, aluminum wheels, which are more versatile and less expensive, might be right for you.

Disc brakes or rim brakes ?
The chosen braking system will influence the choice of wheel type. Indeed, the wheels are not compatible with the two braking systems.
Today, among bicycle manufacturers, disc brakes have taken precedence over pad brakes. As a result, apart from the so-called entry-level aluminum models, there are fewer and fewer wheels with rim brakes.
But what you need to know is that while disc brakes perform better, they turn out to be heavier than a brake pad system.

Shelving
You've probably noticed it, but not all wheels have the same number of spokes. In fact, the more spokes a wheel has, the more rigid it will be and the less spokes it has, the more aerodynamic it will be.

Which tires for which roads?
It is not possible to fit every type of tire on every type of rim. So, depending on whether you prefer tires with an inner tube, tubular or tubeless tires, you will have to make sure you have a suitable rim (and therefore a wheel).

The most famous brands
Among the wheel manufacturers, there are some iconic brands like Mavic, Campagnolo, Fulcrum, DT Swiss, Shimano, etc.
But, beyond these brands, you should know that it is also possible to have artisanal wheels made to measure according to your profile as a cyclist.

Which wheels for the road bike?
For the road bike, once you have answered the previous questions on the choice of tire type, brake system and wheel material, there are still a few questions to ask yourself when choosing the right bike wheels. route adapted to your cyclist profile.

Road bike wheels are available in different rim heights, suitable for different practices:

In the mountains or in a region with a lot of unevenness, light wheels with a low profile (rim less than 30mm) should be preferred;
On hilly courses, we will favor wheels with an average profile (between 30 and 50mm);
On rolling terrain where the drop is very low, we prefer wheels with high rims (more than 50mm).

Which wheels for mountain biking?
In mountain biking, there are different wheel diameters from 26 to 29 inches :

Today, the 26-inch wheels - which were used extensively before - have all but disappeared, replaced by the 27.5-inch wheels which offer more handling while remaining versatile.
The 29-inch wheels provide more comfort, allow a higher center of gravity and make it easier to overcome obstacles.
As you have seen, depending on whether you practice road cycling, mountain biking, whether you have a leisure or competitive approach to cycling, the wheels chosen will not be the same because the characteristics sought will differ.