![]() ![]() When buying replacement rims for an existing wheelset or when building a new wheelset from parts, be sure to match the number of spoke holes on the rim with the number on the hub – e.g. More extreme riding styles call for more strength so 36 spokes are common in AM, Enduro, DH and FR wheelsets, while the most demanding jump and street riders may opt for anything up to 48 spokes in order to handle the impacts dished out by tarmac and concrete. The more spokes a wheel has, the more the load is spread and the stronger the wheel should be, while less spokes means a lighter wheel.įor general trail riding 32-spoke rims have become the accepted standard, with more lightweight race wheels featuring 28- or 24-hole drilling. Rims without this should be marked as ‘disc’ or ‘disc only’. NOTE: Remember that if you are choosing new wheels for a bike equipped with non-disc brakes you must make sure that the rims have a braking surface for the pads to make contact with. Meanwhile DH and FR riders who put their wheels through serious punishment in the air and on the race course may choose rims of 36-40mm or even more, with the capability of using heavy, reinforced 2.5”-2.7” DH tyres. More extreme AM or Enduro riders who aim to tackle rock gardens and technical terrain lean towards rims of 28mm in width, with the ability to comfortably take large-volume 2.25” to 2.4” tyres. In recent years 23mm has become accepted as a standard rim width for XC and trail riding, usually matched with tyres up to 2.1” in width. Narrow, lightweight rims are used for XC, marathon and general off-road riding, and tough, wider rims for more gravity-orientated adventure. Whichever rim diameter you opt for will be determined by your bike type (you can’t put 27.5” rims on a bike made for 26” wheels, for example), which in turn will depend on the type of riding you intend to do and your personal preference in wheel sizes.įinally, some specialised disciplines – Dirt Jumping (DJ) and Street – opt to use smaller, 24” wheels so you may need rims to suit. The three most common MTB rim diameters are 26”, 27.5” (sometimes referred to as 650b) and 29” (see our ‘Wheels’ buying guide for an-depth explanation as to the differences between the three and the history of the standards). The three most important considerations when choosing an MTB rim are diameter, width and number of spokes. However wheels for certain MTB disciplines – particularly downhill racing (DH), Enduro riding Freeride (FR) require wider, stronger rims, which can take sustained punishment without folding like a taco (not good). Lighter rims mean less rotational weight, which translates into improved acceleration and easier speed – perfect for fast cross-country riding and racing. The type of rim you choose must be matched to the type of riding you do – a lightweight set of XC racing hoops simply can’t withstand the beating dished out by a boulder-strewn descent, while a super-strong pair of DH rims is hard work to pedal for any length of time. The vast majority of MTB rims are made from aluminium alloy although some high-end racing hoops may utilise carbon fibre – but at a price. When upgrading or replacing an MTB rim or building a wheelset there are a number of factors to take into consideration, including not only the size of rim your bike is designed for, but also characteristics such as weight, width, spoke number and type, etc. Read on for more information about the different types of rims suitable for BMX, MTB and road riding. However for high-octane biking disciplines such as BMX and downhill (DH) MTB racing, rims must be strong and wide enough to take considerable punishment without folding. Meanwhile the latest generation of deep-section carbon rims gives competitive road racers an aerodynamic advantage. Don’t go round in circles! Use our best bike rims buying guide to get the right ones!įor road and trail riding, stiff and lightweight rims reduce rotational weight, helping you go faster for less effort. ![]() Your wheel’s rim – the aluminium or carbon fibre hoop that they tyre sits on – is one of your bike’s essential components, having a significant effect on factors including your speed and ability to absorb impacts. ![]()
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