#LIGHT ALLOY RIMS BIKE PROFESSIONAL#

The ends of the rims are then joined together. A couple of different methods can be used to do this. Next, the sections are bent into perfect circles. The rims are then cut to length for the appropriate wheel diameter ( 700c, 26”, 20″, etc.). The material exits the die in a long, straight, straight section of rim. This plays a big role in the weight and performance of the finished wheels. The die shape determines the rim shape and wall thickness. This material is melted and pressed through a pre-made die that is shaped like a cross-section of the rim. A higher-end alloy, called niobium, is also used.Īluminum rims start as a block of metal. Of the two, 6061 is a bit more common because it weighs less. The two most common aluminum alloys used for building bike rims include 60.

The alloy plays a major role in the ride quality, weight, and durability of the rim. Some are lighter or more resilient than others. To increase strength and durability, aluminum is alloyed with other metallic elements such as magnesium, zinc, or silicon.ĭifferent alloys offer slightly different characteristics. Aluminum is a lightweight, stiff, durable, and affordable material.Īluminum itself isn’t strong enough for building bike wheels. Pretty much all bikes, other than a few top-of-the-line models, come from the factory with aluminum rims. Aluminum Bike WheelsĪluminum is, by far, the most common bike wheel material. Manufacturers can optimize carbon wheels for different types of riding. For example, a road wheel could be made stiffer and an off-road wheel could be made flexible.įor more info about how carbon fiber bike wheels are made, check out this interesting article. This can affect the wheel’s weight, the bike’s handling, ride characteristics, and comfort. For example, manufacturers can vary the type of resin used, the direction of the fibers, the weave of the fibers, the density and types of fibers used, the grade of carbon fiber, the thickness of the layers, the number of filaments per tow, the way the material is heated and molded, etc.Īll of these variations play a role in the stiffness, weight, and durability of the finished wheels. There is quite a bit of variation in the way that carbon wheels are built and the way the carbon fiber itself is made. When the wheels come out of the oven, they are finished. This process melts and combines the layers into a single piece and hardens the wheels. The temperature and heating time are precisely controlled. The heat starts at a low temperature and ramps up over time then cools off. The wheels are heated in a special heating cycle called a ramp cycle. Next, the carbon fiber sheets and mold are heated up in an oven. Rim manufacturers can use modern technology such as computer modeling and 3D printed molds to shape wheels with incredible precision. The pieces are then layered and shaped into bicycle rims using a mold. The resulting sheets of carbon fiber are trimmed to size with a precision cutting machine.

These ribbons are woven together into a sheet and impregnated with epoxy resin. Thousands of these filaments are combined to form a tow or ribbon. The filaments measure just 5-10 microns in diameter.

Carbon fiber is the lightest material used to build bicycle wheels.Ĭarbon fiber is made by processing a polymer into thin filaments made of carbon atoms. In other words, it is a plastic that is reinforced with strong fibers. It is made from ultra-strong fibers that are woven into sheets and bound together with epoxy resin. For competitive riders, carbon wheels are often the only choice.Ĭarbon fiber is a lightweight, rigid, and strong material that was originally developed for use in the aerospace industry.

#LIGHT ALLOY RIMS BIKE PROFESSIONAL#

These days, almost all professional racing bikes use carbon wheels. Carbon Fiber Bike WheelsĬarbon fiber is the most commonly used material for building high-end and high-performance road and mountain bike wheels. Hopefully, this guide helps you choose the best wheels for your style of riding. The best type of wheels for your bike depends on a number of factors including the type of riding you do, the terrain you ride, your budget, and personal preference. Roots and rocks on the trail can cause rim damage. Some models can be overly stiff and uncomfortable. They are typically less durable and long-lasting.

There are also compromises to make when using carbon fiber wheels. Of course, not everyone needs expensive carbon wheels. They allow you to ride faster and more efficiently. High-end wheels are lighter, stiffer, more aerodynamic, and more supportive. Unfortunately, these aluminum wheels don’t perform very well because they are heavy and flexible.īy upgrading to carbon fiber wheels or premium aluminum wheels, you can greatly improve your bike’s performance and ride quality. The benefit of this is that it keeps costs down. Most bikes are sold with low-end to mid-range aluminum wheels.

Light alloy rims bike