Bicycle Wheels
Bike wheels are divided into three categories: Tubular, Clincher and Tubeless. Tubular wheels are the traditional choice of racers.Tires with tubes sewn into them are glued onto tubular rims using rim cement or gluing tape. While gluing tires is a bit of a project, tubular wheels deliver a higher quality ride than that of clinchers. Clincher wheels have the more familiar "hooked" rim, on which a tire is mounted with a separate tube inside. In recent years, clincher tire makers have dramatically closed the gap between tubulars. Traditionalists may naysay, but clincher wheels are convenient and fast.
At BikeTiresDirect.com, we offer a variety of wheels to meet the needs of all cyclists. Brands such as Reynolds, Mavic, Fulcrum and Easton are all available. Each of these manufacturers offers a range of wheels suitable for all levels of cyclists.
In the past several years, bicycle wheels have gone through dramatic transformations. High-end wheels are almost always made of carbon fiber, with deep rims to improve aerodynamics. The Easton EA 90SL, Fulcrum 2012 Racing Speed Tubular Wheelset, and the Zipp 404are all examples of deep dish carbon tubular wheelsets. They are tried and true wheels ridden by the pros.
The Hed Ardennes and Ksyrium Elite are examples of aluminum rimmed racing wheels. Available as clinchers or tubulars, these are the type of wheels commonly seen underneath amateur racers. They are light, durable and convenient.
A third wheel system is referred to as Tubeless. These wheels allow the use of tires without tubes. Typically this setup is run with sealant inside, quickly sealing the small cuts and nicks that leave those with tubes on the side of the road changing flats. While used in the mountain bike world for years, tubeless wheels are becoming more accepted in the road world.You don't have to drop a grand to get a reliable set of wheels. Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution Clincher Wheelset, Ksyrium Equipe Clincher, Easton EA 50 are more budget minded wheelsets. Everyone needs a reliable pair of everyday wheels and these fit the bill nicely. Many of these wheels utilize the same technology as their lighter, spendier counterparts. A good set of wheels doesn't have to set you back a mortgage payment.
One more wheel of note is
We have a staff of experienced cyclists here at BikeTiresDirect.com, contact us at sales@biketiresdirect.com or 1-800-682-0570 with any questions regarding wheels or any other component choices.
