Wheelsets

Wheelset Construction

A modern wheelset consists of several precisely coordinated components that together form a highly complex system.

Basic Components

A wheel consists of the following main elements:

• Hub - The core with bearings and freehub
• Spokes - Connect hub and rim, transfer forces
• Rim - Outer ring, carries tire, influences aerodynamics
• Nipples - Connect spokes to rim, allow adjustment
• Tire/Tube - Contact with road, separate system

How It Works

The spokes connect the hub to the rim and transfer forces from the frame to the road. Modern wheels work on the principle of spoke tension: the spokes are mounted under high preload and the rider's weight is absorbed by reducing spoke tension in the lower area of the wheel, not by compressing the upper spokes.

Rim Materials and Construction

The rim is the defining element of a wheelset and significantly determines its properties.

Aluminum Rims

Advantages:

• Significantly cheaper than carbon
• Very good braking performance with rim brakes
• More robust and less sensitive
• Easy repair if damaged
• Consistent braking performance in wet conditions

Disadvantages:

• Higher weight (typically 1600-1900g per wheelset)
• Less aerodynamic
• Lower stiffness at same weight
• Less prestige factor

Typical Applications:

Training bikes, everyday bikes, cyclocross, poor weather conditions, limited budget

Carbon Rims

Advantages:

• Significantly lighter (typically 1200-1600g per wheelset)
• Excellent aerodynamics possible
• Very high stiffness at low weight
• Optimizable rim profiles

Disadvantages:

• Significantly higher price (from around 1000 euros upwards)
• With rim brakes: Problematic braking performance, especially in wet conditions
• More sensitive to impacts
• Repair more difficult or impossible

Typical Applications:

Racing, time trials, demanding races, dry conditions, disc brakes

Rim Depth and Aerodynamics

The profile depth of the rim has a huge impact on aerodynamic properties and thus speed.

Shallow Rims (20-30mm)

Properties:

• Low weight
• Minimal wind sensitivity
• Very good acceleration
• Ideal for mountainous terrain

Optimal for: Climbers, mountain races, varied terrain, windier conditions

Mid-Depth Rims (35-50mm)

Properties:

• Good compromise aerodynamics/weight
• Moderate wind sensitivity
• Versatile application
• All-round performance

Optimal for: All-rounders, Gran Fondos, typical road races, training with racing ambitions

Deep Section Rims (50-80mm)

Properties:

• Maximum aerodynamics
• Higher weight
• Significant wind sensitivity
• Excellent at constant speed

Optimal for: Time trials, triathlon, flat courses, track racing

Disc Wheels

Properties:

• Maximum aerodynamics on rear wheel
• Only allowed on rear wheel (UCI regulations)
• Extremely wind sensitive
• Very specific application

Optimal for: Track racing, time trials under ideal conditions, indoor velodrome

Spoke Systems

The spokes are crucial for power transfer and stability of the wheel.

Traditional Spokes

Round Steel Wire Spokes:

• Classic construction with 32-36 spokes
• Very robust and reliable
• Easy to repair and retension
• Higher weight
• Less aerodynamic

Optimal for: Touring, everyday bikes, maximum durability

Modern Spoke Systems

Aero Spokes (flat cross-section):

• 20-24 spokes typical
• Aerodynamically optimized cross-section
• Lower weight
• Higher stiffness
• More demanding repair

Bladed Spokes:

• Flat, blade-like cross-section
• Minimal air resistance
• High stiffness at low weight
• Require special nipples

Straight-Pull Spokes:

• Straight spokes without bend at hub flange
• Reduced breakage risk
• Higher stiffness
• Require special hubs

Hubs and Bearings

The hub is the mechanical core of the wheel and significantly influences efficiency and durability.

Bearing Systems

Cone Bearings:

• Traditional construction with loose balls
• Serviceable and adjustable
• Cheaper
• Regular maintenance required
• Very long-lasting with good care

Cartridge Bearings:

• Sealed, encapsulated ball bearings
• Low maintenance
• Easy replacement
• Higher precision
• Modern standard solution

Ceramic Bearings:

• Ceramic balls instead of steel
• Lower friction
• Longer lifespan
• Significantly higher price
• Marginal performance advantage

Freehub Systems

The freehub on the rear wheel allows rolling without pedaling and influences the drive.

Pawl Freehub:

• Classic system with pawls and sprocket
• Robust, proven technology
• Typically 24-36 engagement points
• Characteristic click sound
• Simple maintenance

Ratchet Freehub:

• Two interlocking toothed discs
• Very high engagement points possible (up to 54)
• More direct power transfer
• Very reliable
• Example: DT Swiss Ratchet System

Engagement Points:

The number of engagement points determines how far you need to pedal back until the drive engages. More engagement points mean more direct response, which is especially important when climbing and accelerating.

Weight vs. Stability

One of the biggest challenges in wheelset design is the compromise between weight and stability.

Light Wheelsets (under 1400g)

Advantages:

• Better acceleration
• Easier climbing
• More agile handling
• Reduced rotating mass

Disadvantages:

• Often less stable
• More susceptible to lateral impacts
• Limited load capacity
• Higher price
• Regular recentering may be necessary

Optimal for: Light riders, mountain races, competition

Robust Wheelsets (over 1700g)

Advantages:

• Very stable and durable
• High load capacity
• Insensitive to impacts
• Rarely needs maintenance

Disadvantages:

• Higher weight
• Slower when accelerating
• Less agile

Optimal for: Heavy riders, training, poor roads, long-term durability

• Rider weight under 75kg → Lightweight construction makes sense
• Rider weight over 85kg → Choose robust wheels
• Mainly training → Durability more important than weight
• Competition-focused → Prioritize weight
• Poor road conditions → Stability over weight
• Budget available → High-end light and stable combinable

Tire System: Clincher vs. Tubeless vs. Tubular

The type of tire mounting significantly influences handling, puncture resistance, and maintenance.

Clincher (Wire Bead Tires)

How It Works:

Classic system with separate tube in tire, tire held to rim by wire bead.

Advantages:

• Easy mounting and repair
• Cheap tires and tubes
• Large selection available
• Puncture repair on the road no problem

Disadvantages:

• Higher weight
• Higher rolling resistance
• Risk of pinch flats
• "Snake Bite" punctures possible

Tubeless

How It Works:

Tire seals directly on special rim, sealant automatically closes small holes.

Advantages:

• Significantly lower rolling resistance
• Puncture resistance through sealant
• No pinch flats
• Lower air pressure possible → more comfort
• Slightly lighter than clincher

Disadvantages:

• More complicated mounting
• Higher initial costs
• Sealant must be renewed regularly
• Repair on the road more difficult

Tubular Tires

How It Works:

Tire and tube are one unit, glued to special rim.

Advantages:

• Lowest weight
• Best ride feel
• Very low rolling resistance
• Traditional in professional cycling

Disadvantages:

• Very expensive
• Laborious mounting (gluing)
• Puncture repair hardly possible
• Tire usually unusable after puncture
• Requires practice and experience

Brake Systems: Rim Brake vs. Disc Brake

The type of brake has a massive impact on wheel construction and application possibilities.

Rim Brake Wheels

Properties:

• Lighter (approx. 200-300g less)
• More aerodynamically efficient
• Easier wheel change
• Cheaper
• With carbon: Heat problems on long descents
• Braking performance weather-dependent

Modern Significance:

Increasingly being replaced by disc brakes, still used by professionals in time trials.

Disc Brake Wheels

Properties:

• Consistent braking performance in all weather
• No wear on rim sidewall
• Higher weight due to hubs and mounts
• More maintenance (brake pads, discs)
• More complex wheel change
• Enables wider tires

Modern Significance:

Current standard, UCI allowed since 2018 in professional cycling, clear trend toward disc brake.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Wheelset

The selection of the optimal wheelset depends on many factors.

Budget Categories

Entry Level (300-600 euros):

• Aluminum rims
• Standard hubs
• 20-28 spokes
• Weight approx. 1700-1900g
• Solid everyday quality

Mid-Range (600-1200 euros):

• Aluminum or carbon mix
• Higher quality hubs
• 20-24 spokes
• Weight approx. 1500-1700g
• Good balance of all properties

High-End (1200-2500 euros):

• Full carbon
• Premium hubs
• 16-24 spokes
• Weight approx. 1300-1500g
• Racing performance

Top Professional (from 2500 euros):

• Lightest carbon
• Exotic materials
• Maximally optimized aerodynamics
• Weight under 1400g
• Borderline durability for maximum performance

Decision Criteria

By Application:

1. Training & Everyday: Robust aluminum wheels, 1700g+, clincher, moderate budget
2. Gran Fondo: Mid-depth carbon rims (40-50mm), tubeless, good compromise
3. Mountain Racing: Light shallow rims, carbon, under 1400g
4. Time Trial: Deep section rims (60mm+) or disc rear, maximum aerodynamics
5. Cyclocross: Robust aluminum, tubeless, puncture-resistant

By Rider Weight:

• Under 70kg: Light wheels easily possible
• 70-85kg: Standard wheels, pay attention to quality
• Over 85kg: Choose robust wheels, more spokes, stable construction

By Course Profile:

• Flat: Aerodynamics more important than weight → Deep section rims
• Mountainous: Weight more important than aerodynamics → Shallow rims, light
• Mixed: Mid-depth rims (40-50mm), balanced

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance extends lifespan and maintains wheel performance.

Regular Checks

Weekly (with intensive use):

• Check spoke tension (pluck spoke, should ring)
• Visual inspection for damage
• Check brake surface for contamination
• Check air pressure

Monthly:

• Check roundness and lateral runout
• Check hub bearings for play
• Check brake pads (with disc brake)
• Cleaning of rim/brake disc

Annually:

• Professional recentering
• Service/grease hub bearings
• Tighten spoke nipples
• Clean and oil freehub

Common Problems

Lateral Runout:

• Cause: Impact against curb, pothole
• Solution: Recenter at specialist
• With carbon: Have professionally checked (cracks!)

Hop:

• Cause: Similar to lateral runout
• Solution: Truing stand and spoke wrench
• Beginners: Better professional workshop

Cracking Sounds:

• Cause: Spoke nipples settling
• Solution: Tighten spokes, possibly oil on nipples

Rough Running of Hub:

• Cause: Contamination or worn bearings
• Solution: Open hub, clean, check/replace bearings

• Check spoke tension regularly
• Check roundness and lateral runout
• Test hub bearings for play
• Keep brake surfaces clean
• Check air pressure before every ride
• Have professionally checked after crashes/impacts
• With carbon: Don't use aggressive chemicals
• Tubeless: Renew sealant every 3-6 months
• Perform complete maintenance annually

Technology Trends 2025

Wheel technology is continuously evolving.

Current Developments

Wider Rims:

Modern wheels now have 19-25mm internal width (formerly 13-17mm). This enables wider tires (28-32mm) with better comfort and sometimes even lower rolling resistance.

Hookless Rims:

Rims without hook edge for tubeless tires. Lighter, simpler production, but limited to maximum air pressure (typically 5 bar).

Optimized Spoke Patterns:

Computer-optimized spoke arrangements for ideal balance of aerodynamics, stiffness, and weight.

Ceramic Brake Surfaces:

On aluminum rims: Ceramic coating for significantly better braking performance and longer durability.

Integrated Tubeless Systems:

Factory tubeless-ready with optimized rim beds, simplified mounting.

Future Outlook

• Further weight reduction with constant stability through new materials
• Even more aerodynamic profiles through CFD optimization
• Smart wheels with sensors for pressure, temperature, wear
• More sustainable production with recycled materials
• Further spread of disc brakes also in high-performance sector

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should wheels be trued?

With high-quality wheels under normal conditions, once a year is sufficient. After crashes or with lateral runout, have checked immediately.

Is upgrading to carbon wheels worth it?

For ambitious riders definitely. The speed advantage is measurable, especially at higher average speeds (over 30 km/h). For recreational riders often not justified.

How many watts does an aero wheelset save?

At 40 km/h, high-quality aero wheels (60mm) can save about 15-30 watts compared to standard shallow rims. The effect increases with rising speed.

Are expensive hubs worth their money?

High-quality hubs with precise bearings and many engagement points run significantly smoother and more directly. The difference is noticeable, but not as dramatic as with the rim.

Tubeless or Clincher for beginners?

Clincher is more beginner-friendly. But those who ride regularly and have some technical affinity should go directly for tubeless - the advantages outweigh.

Can any wheelset be converted to tubeless?

No, only "Tubeless Ready" wheels are designed for this. With other rims, sealing is problematic and unsafe.

How important is wheel weight really?

More important than often thought, especially when accelerating and climbing. 100g on the wheel feels like 300g on the frame. However, stability should not be sacrificed for extreme lightweight construction.

Related Topics

• Frame and Geometry
• Groupsets
• Brake Systems
• Time Trial
• Track Cycling