Cycles across the world follow some standardisation which does not give answers to all problems one might face. Bicycle Wheels pose the biggest challenge where multiple brands and multiple types of cycles are available creating confusion in a beginners mind. The question which crops up is ‘are bicycle wheels interchangeable’?
Interchangeability of wheels can be in the same bike from front to back and back to front or from one cycle model to another. Bicycles are designed for different purpose, weight, terrain, activity, sports and hence the wheels interchangeability cannot be assumed. Wheel diameter, width of rim and tyre determine interchangeability.
What is interchangeability of bicycle wheels?
Same Bicycle. When I started cycling, I saw that each cycle that passed had different wheels. Could these be interchanged? ‘Bicycle Wheel’ include hub, spokes, rim, tube and tyre. The wheels are held in place on an axle locked by nuts. In most cases the front and rear wheels of a bicycle are interchangeable. The internal diameter within hub ranges from 13mm to 25mm. The different diameter presents different choices for the bike. The frame is designed in a way that the width of front fork and the rear fork, within which the wheel axle slides remains same. This permits interchangeability after the cassette is removed and re-fixed on the other wheel. Each model has its wheels accurately designed for a particular frame
Different Model Bicycles. I was cycling in UK when I saw very different bikes. Their wheels looked similar despite different models. I found there was slight standardisation but far from desired level. I realised that there was no standardisation in cycling industry for general interchangeability. Very few parts have ISO standards. Hence, it is fair to assume that the wheels will not be interchangeable. The diameter, tyre width and the frame housing for wheels requires to be matched accurately.
When should bicycle rims be changed?
Brake Wear
The constant braking wears the rim surface. Some rims have a small groove on the surface where brake shoe contacts the rim. The wear gradually wears of the rim and the groove disappears. It is time to change the rim.
Rim Wear
Rim wear takes place when the rim, under constant pressure of riders weight changes its shape. The spokes take the maximum pressure and soon the nipples break. The small disfigurement due to the riders weight cannot be seen by naked eye. Similarly when the bicycle moves sideways as when cycling upslope, the rim is subjected to additional weight causing metal fatigue.
Spoke Wear
Spokes wear off due to constant use and start snapping.Soon as it happens, it is time to inspect complete wheel to decide if only the spokes or the rim needs to be changed.
Bearing Wear
The hub housing that holds bearings wears off due to constant usage or lack of lubrication. The wear loosens the bearings and is a definite cause for accidents or disfigurement of wheels.
Upgrade.
Superior wheels increase speed and lower the fatigue while cycling. The wheels can be changed any time you feel like upgrading the bicycle.
Is interchangeability of bicycle wheels a simple ‘fitting’ issue?
Wheels
Interchangeability is not a simple ‘fitting’ issue where the front wheel is removed and fitted in the rear and vice versa. In most bicycles the rims are of different sizes, where sizes are same, the thickness and number of spokes differ. The rear wheel is designed to take much heavier load.
Hub
The hub is designed differently and has different internal diameter from the front wheel. The holes on the flanges for spokes are different too. The fork width varies for front and rear and each cycle needs to be closely inspected before opening up.
I had unsuccessfully tried to change the wheels by assuming that it was just the fitting issue. The cassette attached to the rear wheel needs to be considered too. The lock nuts on both sides are at a certain distance for the rear and front wheel.
How are bicycle wheel rims classified?
Clincher Rims.
‘Clinch’ for a bicycle wheel is a dual function of tyre and rim. The tyre has steel rib wire running along both edges, which, when mounted on rim adheres to the inside of rim. When inflated the rib wire tightly fits on the inside of rim thus anchoring the tyre firmly. This type of rim has tube abd tyre separate.
Tubular Rims
Tubular rims are made for tubular tyres which has a tyre thick tube enclosed in a tyre. This is mounted on a special rim and is glued to the rim by glue or two sided tape. Removing and mounting the tubular tyre is long and laborious process. This wheel is lighter and safer.
Tubeless Rims
These are specially made for tubeless tyres. The rim is smooth to seat the tyre smoothly and does not have holes for spokes in the rim bed. Any rim can be made for tubeless tyre and requires special tape to cover the spoke heads that do not give a smooth surface for tyre base.
What are names of parts of a bicycle wheel?
Hub
Hub is the centre and has a hollow core for axle to pass. It has raised flanges on both sides with holes for the spokes.
Spokes
Spokes join hub to the rim. These provide strength and maintain shape of rim. Cycles have different number of spokes but 28, 30 and 32 spokes are standard followed by most manufacturers.
Rim
Rim is the metallic and shaped round strip that maintains the circular shape and houses tyres. Different type of rims are covered above.
Are front and rear wheels of a same model of bicycle interchangeable?
Front and rear wheels have different designs and are not interchangeable. The rear wheel is designed to take on more weight. The hub width as well as the frame housing fork are of different widths. Each frame is designed for a particular wheel size and design. Number of spokes at times are different and it is a good idea to count before removing the wheel.
What is standard diameter of bicycle wheel?
Most bicycles use 622mm diameter rims where as some smaller bicycles use 571 mm diameter rims.