The Best Bicycle Wheels for your Bike

Bicycle wheels are categorized according to their primary use. Using this manner of categorization there are four categories of wheels. These are the racing wheels, mountain bike wheels, BMX wheels and the road bicycle wheels. Each of these types has their own characteristics specific for its intention. If you are a bicycling enthusiast, a hobbyist or a cyclist who race for gold then you need to get yourself more familiar with the various types of wheels.

Racing bicycle wheels

In the creation or manufacturing of this type of bicycle wheels several factors are being put into consideration so that the optimum performance during the race is achieved. These factors are aerodynamics, weight, rotational inertia, bearing smoothness and stiffness. Each factor must always be in the perfect possible score in order that the racing cyclist will reach the finish line first place.

Mountain bike wheels

Mountain bicycles as their name suggest are perfect for off road and unforgiving terrains like mountains and hills. Owing to that fact it is of vital importance that the wheels of this bicycle are apt with the ragged environment. There are two types of wheels developed that falls under this category- these are the 26 and 29 inches wheels. The 26 inch wheels are the most common and best choice when it comes to off road biking. Their thickness is perfect for the dangerous mountain terrains. The typical 26-inch rim has a diameter of 559 mm (22.0") and an outside tire diameter of about 26.2" (665 mm). These are best for lightweight cyclists.

For heavy bicyclist, 29 inch bicycle wheels are the best option. Its thick rims and larger diameter can support heavy riders and can withstand longer in off road racing. These types of mountain bike wheels also conform to the 700C which is popular in cross country biking for longer distances. Their rim diameter of 622 mm (~24.5 inch) is identical to most road, hybrid and touring bicycles but is typically reinforced for greater durability in off-road riding.

700C road bicycle wheels

700C road bicycle wheels are perfect for touring, cross country biking and even for racing. It resembles somewhat the 29 inch wheels but it is much wider and far sturdier compared to the latter.

BMX wheels

Bicycle Motocross (BMX) wheels are usually 20 inches in diameter with a rim diameter of 406 mm. BMX wheels are small for several reasons. For one they are suitable for young and small riders making it the bike of choice for children wanting to learn cycling. Since BMX is an extreme sport, the small size of the wheels makes it stronger against the additional loads generated by BMX jump and stunts. Also its size reduces rotational inertia and increases wheel acceleration.

The above-mentioned are the major categorization of the various bicycle wheels according to their usage. As a cycling enthusiast the knowledge of the right type of wheel is an important component in the success of your bicycling venture.