Understanding Bicycle Rims

The Bicycle Rim is 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 the 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 centre 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. 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 difficult to mould it back. These were later replaced by alloyed rims (including aluminium). Alloyed rims can be moulded in any profile. but not too deep. as that will increase the weight too much.