| Wednesday, July 18, 2007 |
| Don’t Go Around In Circles: Mountain Bike Wheels |
When in the market for a quality mountain bike, there are a number of features to consider. Some of those considerations include whether the bike is equipped with dual or single suspension, the choosing of a steel, carbon fiber or titanium frame and whether the brakes are disc or rim in nature.
Another important feature to consider before making your purchase is the choice of mountain bike wheels that the various models incorporate. Some of the mountain bike wheel features to consider are the rims, the traction of the tire and whether the biker wishes to go tubeless.
Rims
When considering the purchase of a mountain bike there are a number of factors and features to consider before a significant investment is made. One of the major considerations is the rims that the mountain bike wheels will be mounted on.
When considering wheel rims it is important to remember that you generally get what you pay for. Therefore, an expensive wheel rim should equate to a better quality product.
The two most common materials used to construct mountain bike wheel rims are steel and aluminum.
In addition, quality mountain bike wheel rims will have fewer spokes, trick spoke lacing and hidden nipples. Rim nipples are those raised features attached to the rim of the wheel and allow for the spokes to connect to the rim.
Traction
Another important feature to study when looking at the purchase of mountain bike wheels is the traction that the tires will bring. The traction is important as it enables the wheel to grip the surface that the mountain biker is riding on. Therefore, depending upon the surface that the biker rides most on, the traction of the tire should be bested suited for that surface.
The treads of various tires vary in the depth of the tread pattern. For example there may appear to be no pattern at all and give the appearance of being almost bald. Or some treads are very detailed and prominent. The general rule of thumb is that the greater the prominence of the tread the greater the traction and grip that will be provided and the less prominent the tread the less resistance that will be experienced when using the mountain bike.
Tubeless
One other factor that may be consider when selecting a mountain bike wheel tire is whether the biker wishes to go tubeless. A tubeless tire will eliminate a common puncture of tires with tubes.
This common puncture is known as a pinch flat. A pinch flat is caused when the inner tube of the tire is pressed against the hard rim.
Another advantage to a tubeless mountain bike wheel tire is that the tire can operate using lower tire pressure. This advantage allows for greater speed, better maneuverability, greater traction and a more comfortable ride. |
posted by Cimon @ 8:34 AM  |
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