The wheels of the bike are ” tortured ” to each output. Obviously, the degree of wear depends on the type of route, but there is no doubt that the two wheels of a bike have to suffer the impacts and traction significantly higher than those typical for the wheels of a bicycle.
Unlike other components, the wheels have an impact on every rock, rock, roots, step, trunk, holes that are scattered in abundance along our journey. It’s a downhill at a breakneck speeds down a bumpy trail or a tract less demanding, but still on a dirt road and uneven.
This translates into the need for the manufacturer to make a wheel robust, reliable and specialized for specific routes, and by the fans regularly check the state of health of the wheels and replace them when necessary. Thus, given the nature of the market, it is inevitable be faced with a wide variety of solutions, different dimensions, specifications, materials, weights, and of course costs.
The choice depends, as always, from their first … portfolio and the use you have to do mountain biking. On the other hand, when you change the wheels, a little experience in the saddle of your bike, you will have made, so you can choose with a minimum of awareness.
Wheels MTB: Types and sizes.
In the catalogs of wheels for MTB (online or printed) is usually a list that contains a set of data, such as the weight of the pair of wheels, the characteristics of rims, spokes, nipples, hubs, pins and freewheeling, but also compatibility with different types of tires and the color as well as more detailed information on the model and manufacturer. The wheels MTB can be divided according to the type of use, the size and compatibility with different types of coverages and braking systems.
In the first case, it is evident that a wheel used for downhill pushed must have characteristics different from that confronting some placid picnic on hill roads, in which the point is represented by the more challenging grooves left by the tires of the tractor … In principle, the wheels for cross-country and trail you prefer the reduced weight, weights less than 1,800 grams, with extremes to 1,200 and the number of rays of less than thirty-two, looking thinner and lighter hubs.
For all-mountain or enduro will seek a better balance between weight and durability, with profiles of the rims are stronger, better able to absorb shocks, a larger number of rays and wider circles. Activity for the most demanding in terms of robustness, as freeride and downhill, are wider wheels and much more robust, heavier (1.900 g, but also 2.500 g), from 32 to 36 rays, and a larger width of the circles with respect to the wheels for other disciplines.
As for the size, the choice is between the two main measures available today, ie 26 ” and 29 “, with an intermediate less widespread: 650b (or 27.5 ” ). The 26 ” wheels are the standard measure classical, employed on the bike since the beginning of the sport in the 80s of XX century, while the other two measures are more recent. The dilemma in which they struggle enthusiasts is substantially related to the choice between 26 ” and 29 “.
The evaluations that could be done are many (eg types of frame and fork, features and style of riding MTB, characteristics of the paths on which you use the MTB) but, ultimately, the only way to know if there will better along their favorite trails with tires 26 ” or 29 ” is … try them! Bearing in mind that the frame will be suitable for the tires fitted.
Finally, we come to tires and brakes. Starting from the brakes, it is enough to say that you have to buy a pair of wheels are compatible with the brakes mounted on the bike, otherwise you may have to replace, for example, in addition to the wheels, even the V-brakes with disc brakes. In the case of tires, wheels should be on the cards indicates the type of covers that can be fitted, or tubeless or room, in addition to measuring the width of the rim.
The components of the MTB wheels.
We now give an overview of the different parts that make up a wheel MTB and their characteristics.
- Hubs – The hub is the mechanical element to the center of the wheel attached to the frame. It contains the free wheel mechanism and bearings which allow rotation. The differences between the hubs are based on the material production, on the quality of the various fasteners and rotation, on the type of bearings (sealed bearings, or bearing’s cones and spheres), on the standard adopted for fixing the wheel, on the type-free wheel mounted and, in the case of the use of disc brakes, even on the standard used to fasten the disc (six holes or center lock). Broadly speaking, better to choose a hub of good quality that lasts longer, is lighter and minimizes maintenance activities.
- Spokes and nipples – The spokes are made primarily of steel or aluminum. Other differences are weight and design. Since, on a bike you have 48 to 72 rays, who takes a lot to the overall weight reduction must also consider the weight of the latter. In the aspect of design, the spokes can be straight (ie beams with a constant cross section, the least-expensive solution), losers (the section at the center of the beam is smaller than at the ends) and flat (middle section to the blade). The choice between rays lighter or heavier, more expensive or cheaper than usual depends on how and where will guide our MTB. The nipple, produced in brass or aluminum, are the elements that allow you to attach the spokes to the rim.
- Looking for – Along with the shell, the circles are the most stressed of the wheel, since the continuous contact with the ground and the tension imposed by the changes of direction and speed while riding the bike. Here we must look for the optimal balance between lightness and strength, agility and robustness, cost containment and durability. The models available are many and vary according to the size (diameter and width of the circle), the production materials (from aluminum to carbon, with various production technologies), the type of coverage to be mounted (ie tubeless tires for with tube or tubeless ready rims, or room air, but ready to be converted to tubeless rims).
Cleaning and maintenance of the wheels.
Wash and clean the wheels after every ride is a good habit to keep them for a long time and in order, a valid concepts of rest for all members of the MTB. And as for the other parts, the wheels can be controlled more carefully if they are very clean, looking for any damage to rims, spokes, hubs or covers. To consider carefully the possible need to replace damaged parts, for always a count on maximum safety during our tours.
