Wheel System Component study

Rim

The outer metal or carbon hoop of the wheel that the tyre is mounted on.

Wheel rim with a narrow tyre, spokes and the tyre valve

What does the Rim do?

Holds the tyre in shape and gives the wheel its strength. On rim-brake bicycles it is also the braking surface.

How does it work?

The spokes pull the rim evenly towards the hub, keeping it round and true. The tyre bead hooks into the edges of the rim.

Materials & Construction

Materials commonly used to make the Rim.

Aluminium

A light metal alloy and the most common material for frames and parts on entry-level and mid-range bicycles.

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Carbon Fibre

A composite made from layers of carbon fibre sheets bonded with resin. Engineers can arrange the layers to make a part stiff in one direction and more flexible in another.