Where to get bicycle wheels and tires
## Where to Find Bicycle Wheels and Tires
### Local Bike Shops
Local bike shops are a great place to start your search for bicycle wheels and tires. They will have a wide selection of wheels and tires to choose from, and they can help you find the right ones for your bike and riding style. They can also install the wheels and tires for you, which is a good idea if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
### Online Retailers
There are many online retailers that sell bicycle wheels and tires. This can be a good option if you’re looking for a specific type of wheel or tire that you can’t find at your local bike shop. However, it’s important to do your research before buying online, as there are some retailers that sell low-quality products.
### Classified Ads
You can also find bicycle wheels and tires for sale in classified ads. This can be a good way to find used wheels and tires at a discounted price. However, it’s important to inspect the wheels and tires carefully before you buy them, as there’s no guarantee that they’re in good condition.
## Types of Bicycle Wheels
There are two main types of bicycle wheels: clincher wheels and tubeless wheels.
### Clincher Wheels
Clincher wheels are the most common type of bicycle wheel. They have a metal rim with a hooked edge, which holds the tire in place. Clincher tires are also the most common type of bicycle tire, and they’re available in a wide variety of sizes and widths.
### Tubeless Wheels
Tubeless wheels are becoming increasingly popular, especially for mountain bikes and road bikes. They have a rim that’s sealed to the tire, which eliminates the need for an inner tube. Tubeless tires offer several advantages over clincher tires, including reduced rolling resistance, improved puncture resistance, and a more comfortable ride.
## Types of Bicycle Tires
There are many different types of bicycle tires available, each designed for a specific type of riding. Here are some of the most common types of bicycle tires:
### Road Tires
Road tires are designed for use on paved roads. They’re typically narrow and have a smooth tread pattern, which reduces rolling resistance.
### Mountain Bike Tires
Mountain bike tires are designed for use on rough terrain. They’re typically wider and have a more aggressive tread pattern, which provides better traction.
### Hybrid Tires
Hybrid tires are a good choice for riders who want a tire that’s suitable for both on- and off-road riding. They’re typically wider than road tires but narrower than mountain bike tires, and they have a tread pattern that’s designed to provide good traction on both paved and unpaved surfaces.
### Cyclocross Tires
Cyclocross tires are designed for use in cyclocross racing, which is a type of bike race that takes place on a variety of surfaces, including grass, mud, and sand. Cyclocross tires are typically wider than road tires and have a more aggressive tread pattern, which provides better traction on loose surfaces.
## How to Choose the Right Bicycle Wheels and Tires
When choosing bicycle wheels and tires, there are a few things you need to consider:
### The type of riding you’ll be doing
The type of riding you’ll be doing will determine the type of wheels and tires you need. If you’re planning on doing mostly on-road riding, then you’ll want to choose road wheels and tires. If you’re planning on doing mostly off-road riding, then you’ll want to choose mountain bike wheels and tires. If you’re planning on doing a mix of on- and off-road riding, then you’ll want to choose hybrid wheels and tires.
### The size of your bike
The size of your bike will determine the size of wheels and tires you need. Most bikes have 700c wheels, but some bikes, such as mountain bikes, have 26-inch or 29-inch wheels.
### Your weight
Your weight will also affect the type of wheels and tires you need. If you’re a heavier rider, then you’ll need wheels and tires that are strong enough to support your weight.
### Your budget
The price of bicycle wheels and tires can vary depending on the type of wheels and tires you choose. If you’re on a budget, then you can find good quality wheels and tires for a reasonable price. However, if you’re looking for the highest quality wheels and tires, then you can expect to pay more.
## How to Install Bicycle Wheels and Tires
If you’re not comfortable installing bicycle wheels and tires yourself, then you can take your bike to a local bike shop and have them do it for you. However, if you’re a DIYer, then you can install wheels and tires yourself with the right tools and a little bit of know-how.
### Tools you’ll need
Tire levers
A spoke wrench
A cassette tool (if you have a cassette-style rear wheel)
A chain whip (if you have a cassette-style rear wheel)
A truing stand (optional)
### Instructions
1. Remove the old wheels and tires. To remove the front wheel, simply loosen the quick-release skewer or nuts on the axle and pull the wheel off. To remove the rear wheel, you’ll need to remove the cassette or freewheel from the hub. Once the cassette or freewheel is removed, you can loosen the quick-release skewer or nuts on the axle and pull the wheel off.
2. Install the new wheels. To install the front wheel, simply insert the axle into the dropouts and tighten the quick-release skewer or nuts. To install the rear wheel, you’ll need to install the cassette or freewheel on the hub first. Once the cassette or freewheel is installed, you can insert the axle into the dropouts and tighten the quick-release skewer or nuts.
3. Install the new tires. To install the new tires, first inflate them to the recommended pressure. Then, insert the tire into the rim and use your tire levers to pry the tire bead over the rim. Once the tire is on, inflate it to the recommended pressure and check for any leaks.
4. True the wheels. If you have a truing stand, you can use it to true the wheels. This will ensure that the wheels are straight and round, which will improve their performance.
5. Enjoy your new wheels and tires! Once you’ve installed your new wheels and tires, you’re ready to hit the road or trail. Enjoy your ride!
## Troubleshooting
### My tires keep going flat.
There are a few possible reasons why your tires keep going flat. One possibility is that the tires are not properly inflated. Make sure to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. Another possibility is that the tires have a puncture. Inspect your tires for any punctures or tears. If you find a puncture, you can patch it with a tire patch kit.
### My wheels are wobbly.
If your wheels are wobbly, it’s possible that the wheels are not properly trued. You can use a truing stand to true the wheels. This will ensure that the wheels are straight and round, which will improve their performance.
### My wheels make a noise when I ride.
There are a few possible reasons why your wheels make a noise when you ride. One possibility is that the bearings in the hubs need to be lubricated. Another possibility is that the spokes are loose. Inspect the spokes and tighten any that are loose.
