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As the only point of contact between your bike and the ground, wheels are a critical piece of equipment in determining the performance of your bike. For an aspiring racer, no piece of equipment will do more to improve your performance more than a set of high quality race wheels. For the recreational cyclist, a wheel upgrade means a smoother, more efficient ride with improved control and a more enjoyable experience.
Bike wheels are divided into two categories, clincher and tubular. 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 are said to 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, we offer a variety of wheels to meet the needs of all cyclists. Brands such as Reynolds, Mavic, Campagnolo, Miche, Fulcrum and Zipp 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 now made of carbon fiber. Deep rims are often utilized to improve aerodynamics. Zipp 404 Tubular Wheelset, Miche Supertype Carbon Tubular Wheelset, Reynolds Stratus DV46T 20/24 Tubular Wheelset are all examples of a deep dish carbon tubular wheelset, they are tried and true wheels ridden by the fastest pro's.
Fulcrum Racing 1 Clincher Wheelset, Mavic Ksyrium ES Clincher Wheelset, Campagnolo Eurus Clincher Wheelset 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.
You don't have to drop a grand to get a reliable set of wheels. Fulcrum Racing 5 Evolution Clincher Wheelset, Reynolds Solitude Wheelset, Mavic Ksyrium Elite Clincher Wheelset, FSA RD 400 Wheelset are more budget minded wheelsets. Everyone needs a reliable pair of everyday wheels and these fit the bill nicely. Many of these wheels will 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 made by the brand Topolino. Topolino wheels utilize carbon fiber and kevlar spokes creating a resilient, durable and light wheel. Topolino wheels look like something from a space station and employ the most advanced wheel building technology. Topolino has gained a small yet loyal following in the bike world. They're a product every rider should try once.
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