Bike Wheels
Finding the right set of bike wheels can transform your
cycling experience. Whether it’s a deep-section carbon race wheel, a tough do-it-all
gravel wheel, or something to see you through commuting in all seasons, at ProBikeKit
we have wide range of wheelsets for all occasions.
As one of the bicycle’s fundamental components, upgrading your
wheels is perhaps the most significant investment you can make to your bike,
and the one that will yield the biggest returns in performance. Whether your goal
is to increase straight line speed, grip on loose surfaces, or simply comfort, having
the right wheelset for the job is the place to start.
Material Matters
It can be daunting when setting out to find a new set of
hoops for your pride and joy, there is seemingly a wheelset for all eventualities.
Traditionally carbon bike wheels have the potential to be lighter and are designed
to be more aerodynamically advantageous, but these performance benefits come at
a (literal) price. However, if it’s a wheel for racing, be that a criterium or
road, or simply for going fast with your friends, then they’re the perfect addition
to your bike. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, are typically more robust and
economical. That isn’t to say they’re inferior. It is still possible to get a high-quality
alloy wheelset, which is the right choice for the task you have in mind. It’s a
case of different spokes, for different folks.
What’s New
Until recently, rim-brake bike wheels had been the most
popular — if not, only — choice on road bikes. However, over the last few years
disc brakes’ popularity on the road has surged, and we are now seeing more wheel
makers producing ‘disc-brake only’ models. Generally, rim brakes were lighter
and easier to maintain than discs. But advances in disc brake technology has almost
eroded this benefit-gap. Add to this the increased stopping power and
all-weather reliability disc brakes offer, and it’s easy to see why they have become
the favored option for riders across all disciplines. Though it should be noted
that mountain bike riders have been touting these benefits off road for many
years!
Another bit of tech common off road, which is slowly gaining
traction among road cyclists, is tubeless tires. Diehard pros may cling to
tubular tires — which is apt since these tires are glued to the rim — for years
to come, but the number of pros touting the performance advantages of tubeless tires
is mounting. Tubeless tires, not only reduce the chance of a ride-stopping
puncture, but also offer lower rolling resistance, translating into more speed
for less effort. For the everyday cyclist, clincher tires, the traditional inner
tube set up, still remains a popular choice, but as with disc brakes many manufacturers
are now offering wheels as tubeless only.
Thankfully, we have you covered with a vast range of bike
wheels. Whether you want a wheelset for your road bike, mountain bike, or
something in between, browse our range of brands, such as Campagnolo, Fulcrum,
FFWD, Reynolds, Shimano, Zipp and more, all available at ProBikeKit.