Understanding Bicycle Rims
Author: Alastair Hamilton

The Bicycle Rim is definitely one of the most important part on
the bicycle wheel. People often had mistaken the whole wheel.
consisting of rim and spokes as the "rim". but actually rim is
defined as the metal circle which holds both the tube and the
tire. Each wheel of the wheel set consists of several spokes
which are used to connect the rim to the main hub (i.e. the
center of the wheel consisting of the axle and the bearings).

Types of Rim

Rims come in various size and shapes. depending upon the
underlying tire. If the traditional tubular tires (these have
inner tube sewn into the tire allowing the tire to be inflated
without being mounted on a rim) are being employed. the tire
needs to be glued to the rim. Although they are expensive and
difficult to maintain. yet they provide excellent speed and
often the preferred choice when it comes to racing. The other
set of tires are the clincher tires (these enclose an inner
tube to hold pressurized air). They can be repaired easily and
the performance is also at par with the tubular tires. As both
these tires are widely used. most manufacturers prefer to
produce rim fittings for both sets.

Building a Bicycle Rim

In the beginning. wooden rims were used. which were later
replaced with rims made of steel. The problem with steel is
that it is heavy and if the rim gets damaged. it is really
difficult to mould it back. These were later replaced by
alloyed rims (including aluminum). Alloyed rims can be molded
in any profile. but not too deep. as that will increase the
weight too much. These provide lightless and beauty to the
bicycle rim. The latest trend to hit the market is the carbon
fiber rim. These are very light and quite strong. but then they
hurt the pocket a lot more. The carbon fiber rims don't brake
well in damp situations. Thus. special brakes that can block
carbon are required and these are again expensive. For the
carbon rims to work. the rim needs to perfectly circular with
no bulging.


About The Author: Alastair Hamilton is the editor of
http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com .If you would like more
information on this topic please checkout his website at
http://www.bikecyclingreviews.com/rims.html