For a long time in the Soviet and post-Soviet space, a bicycle was considered a means of transportation for children, summer residents and those who could not save up for a car. Fortunately, today he is gradually gaining the glory of the attribute necessary for every person who cares about his health. After all, this type of transport not only allows its owner to get to the goal without traffic jams, but also helps him to keep his body in good shape, thanks to moderate physical activity and staying in clean air while riding.
Everyone who is inspired by all of the above advantages and decides to become a cyclist is faced with the need to choose a reliable and convenient steel friend. However, it turns out that this process consists of many nuances. Among them, the choice of wheel rim, corresponding to the growth of the future owner. Let's find out what sizes of these accessories are and what types of bicycles they are intended for.
What a wheel consists of
First of all, it is worth learning about the design of the bicycle wheel. Regardless of its type (mountain, city, sports, etc.), the device of this part is identical.
- Hub (sleeve). It is located in the center of the wheel and rotates around a fixed fixed axis on the bearings. The ends of all knitting needles are attached to it.
- Wheel rim of a bicycle. This is a metal circle to which the second ends of the spokes are attached, as well as the camera and tire.
- Knitting needles. Together with the rim, they take up most of the load when driving. Depending on the size of the wheel and its type, there can be a different number of spokes, in addition, they can be interlaced in several ways. For mounting these devices on each rim there are special holes. Since the rear wheel of a bicycle always has a large load, until the 80s. XX century it always had a larger number of spokes - 40 (and 32 in the front). However, most modern bikes have an equal number of spokes on both wheels. Depending on the size, their number ranges from 24-36 pieces. So, for example, on one of the most common sizes of a bicycle wheel rim (26) - 32 spokes.
- Tires and cameras. Most models have both components, but many mountain bikes use specialized tubeless tires. Air is held in them due to their airtight fixation on the wheel rim.
- In addition to all of the above, plastic reflectors - reflectors are mounted on the considered part of the bicycle . Their type and quantity usually depends on the desire of the vehicle owner.
What material are the rims made of?
Having considered the features of the bicycle wheel device, it is worthwhile to dwell in more detail on the materials from which the rims are made.
Since it is precisely them and the spokes that have to bear the main burden, they are always made of high-strength, but at the same time lightweight materials.
- Steel rims are the most common. This contributes to their strength and low cost. However, compared to other materials, steel is heavier and susceptible to corrosion.
- The aluminum rim of a bicycle wheel is today considered the most successful choice. Due to the properties of the metal, it is lighter than steel and is more durable, although more expensive. For this reason, those who care about their iron friend, as a rule, choose this option.
- Carbon (carbon fiber) is a lightweight, durable, but very expensive rim material. In this regard, only not many allow themselves to purchase such bicycle accessories.
- The titanium rim is the lot of professional athletes and wealthy cyclists. This material is the most durable and reliable, among all of the above, but its price is very high.
- Wooden rim - less reliable and durable than made of metal. This kind of use in wooden bicycles, which in recent years have become a fashionable exotic. In addition to lower strength, the main disadvantage is the "capriciousness" of this material, which does not tolerate dampness. And also its fragility, in comparison with metal.
What rim sizes exist
At the moment, the main 10 sizes of the bicycle rim stand out. The units for their diameter are inches.
- 12;
- 16;
- 19;
- twenty;
- 24;
- 26;
- 27;
- 28;
- 29;
- 36.
Children's Rim Size (12-20)
The 12th size is placed on children's bicycles for the tiniest - from 2 years. As a rule, these are either three-wheeled or two-wheeled with auxiliary plastic wheels.
The 16th size is designed for bicycles for older children - 4-7 years old.
The 19th size refers to children's only conditionally. This is a specific size, which is most often set on models for a bike trial (overcoming obstacles and jumping on bicycles). Such a small wheel size is due to the fact that in this case, speed is not as important as the ease of the vehicle.
The 20th dimension (rim diameter - 406 mm) is boundary, since it simultaneously refers to the last child and first adult. Most often it is referred to as teenage. Many bicycle trials “iron horses”, along with the nineteenth size, are equipped with the twentieth, as more common and affordable for acquiring tires. As a rule, such rims are also on folding bikes.
24th size
In millimeters, the diameter of such a rim is 507. This type was installed on all Salyut bicycles in Soviet times. Today he stands on teenage models and urban female models.
It is generally accepted that vehicles with this wheel size are suitable for adolescents / adults up to 170 cm tall.
Also, such rims are on many mountain bikes, and, as a rule, they are installed back.
The most common bicycle wheel rim 26 (photo)
Without a doubt, this size is the most common in the world. In millimeters, its diameter is 559.
Such wheels are placed on the vast majority of adult mountain, recreational or urban views.
In some cases, a 26-inch bicycle wheel rim is mounted on Chinese mountain models for teens.
It is worth noting that on most types of "iron horses" for teenagers and adults, rim (V-brake, tick-borne, hydraulic, cantilever) or disc brakes are installed.
In this regard, wheels of the 26th size differ among themselves in compatibility with their various types.
As a rule, a separate model has been developed for each of them, as indicated in the title. For example: a bicycle wheel rim 26 (under V-brake) or 26 (under Disc).
Sizes 27 and 27.5
Some classifications do not mention these sizes. The fact is that by modern standards they are considered obsolete.
The 27th size (622 mm) was previously used on road models that were intended for cycling a la Tour de France.
27.5 (584 mm) is a rim for mountain bikes designed for extreme riding. On the expanses of the former USSR, such wheels first appeared on sale in 2013.
28 and 29 inch wheel rim
Legendary bicycles "Ukraine" were famous for such sizes of a rim (28 inches - 655 mm). By the way, they still continue to be released with them.
In addition to this model, a bicycle rim (28 inches) is usually placed on models designed for riders with a height of 180 cm. Typically, these wheels are on hybrid and road bikes, as well as city bikes.
In recent years, a variation of the aforementioned size, which is conventionally called "29 inches." In reality, the rim size is similar to the 28th - 655 mm. The difference is only in the size of the tires. Despite the fact that there is no fundamental difference between them, the 29th size is actively positioned as the most modern, adapted to the needs of cyclists with a height of more than 180 cm.
Z6 rim size
A recent addition to bicycle accessories is the 36-inch rim. Manufacturers claim that wheels of a similar size allow the vehicle to better overcome uneven sections of the road due to the larger contact area of the tire with the road.
As far as this corresponds to the truth, the majority of domestic cycling lovers have not yet had the opportunity to make sure. Since vehicles with such a rim are still rare in our open spaces.