Once you’ve got the best road bike, wheels are arguably the best thing that can transform your riding experience. The best road bike alloy wheels will keep you rolling and guarantee smooth and dependable hubs for the drive. High-quality road bike alloy wheels focus mainly on aerodynamics, but advancements in technology means they are becoming lighter than ever.
However, choosing the best road bike wheel brands can be a daunting task, with hundreds of road bike wheel brands offering tons of options. Whether you’re preparing for a race or looking for a pair of wheels for fast commuting, here is a list of the five best road bike allow wheels and a handy guide to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Types of Road Bike Wheels
Climbing Wheels
Weight is usually felt when ascending; therefore, a wheel designed for climbing is designed with low weight in mind. These wheels come with a low spoke count and a shallow-profile rim. You will realize the benefit in its ride quality. The more a rim gets in its shape, the tougher the ride- therefore, climbing wheels are usually compliant.
If a wheelset is below 1500g and doesn’t state to be aerodynamic, it can be categorized in the climbing category. If you’re not operating on a budget, you should look for a lightweight climbing set weighing between 900g and 1,300g.
Training/Winter Wheels
Although low friction, speed, and low weight are a priority for racing wheels, training wheels should be durable and able to take a beating. Since rim on rim brake bikes wears out while braking, especially when cycling through winter, choosing a cheaper wheelset for training will prolong the life of your race wheels.
Shallow Section Wheels
Shallow section wheels are the most common entry-level wheels because they are well priced and come with a health strength to weight ratio, giving you a comfortable riding experience. These wheels are all-round wheels and suitable for all types of riding.
There are several different types and models, ranging from entry-level to top-of-the-range, carbon fiber climbing and lightweight models.
Mid-Section Wheels
The mid-section wheels aren’t easily noticeable or popular as the deep section alternative. This is because of a common misconception that deeper wheels are better and faster. This is not always the case. Your characteristics and riding style may favor one wheel type more than the other.
Mid-section wheels mean you can enjoy the benefits of lightweight rims coupled with the aerodynamic perks of a deeper section. Most riders love them because of their all-round use since they’re fast enough for flat roads and light enough for climbing.
Deep Section Wheels
Deep section wheels are well-known for their road riding speed. The best thing about these wheels is that they cut through the wind with ease and make out-of-the-saddle sprinting an exhilarating experience. They are ideal for flat terrain and light enough for riding in mountains.
The Anatomy of Road Bike Wheels
Here are some crucial components of a road bike wheel:
- Hubs: These are the central components of the road bike wheel structure. Simply put, wheels rotate on hubs. The wheel’s bearing and axle are the mechanisms behind this. It also allows you to mount a rotor if designed for disc brakes.
- Spokes: Spokes are designed to support the rim and distribute pressure in the bike wheel structure. They are available in round or flat/aero/bladed. The material choice and the number of spokes per wheel are very crucial. Spokes are always under pressure, which gives the bike wheel its structure.
- Bearings: Wheel bearings are designed to enable the hub to rotate on the wheel axle. Hubs come with either cup and bone bearings or cartridge bearings. Cartridge bearings are more popular because they need no maintenance and are simple to install. Cup and bone bearings are easy to service, but you need to be very careful when adjusting for sufficient friction.
- Nipples: Nipples are designed to add tension to the spokes and are usually made from brass for strength. Most bike wheels can be trued (straightened) by adjusting the spoke tension through the nipple.
Best Road Bike Alloy Wheels: Buying Guide
When looking for the best road bike alloy wheels, there are some factors you need to keep in mind before making the final decision. Although you can spend a fortune on high-end road bike alloy wheels, you can get quality road bike wheels to take your ride experience to the next level.
Rim Material
There are two materials used to make rims: carbon fiber and aluminum. Carbon fiber is lighter, more expensive, and guarantees a stiffer ride. Aluminum is a good shock absorber, but it wears out quickly. If you’re cycling gravel or rough roads, aluminum is a good bet.
Brakes
The choice of brakes for your road bike has a great impact on your wheel and rim choice. Most high-end bikes come with disc brakes, but if your road bike has rim brakes, look for a rim that can handle the pressure of being squeezed.
Component Compatibility
Ensure that your wheel is compatible with your component group, whether it’s Campagnolo, Shimano, or SRAM. Although most of them are compatible with each other, choosing the right road bike alloy wheel with the right gears, freehub, and disc rotor at the onset is crucial.
Rim Width and Depth
If you like riding on rough surfaces, go for a wider rim. If you prefer more aero advantages, look for a deeper rim. A deeper V-shaped rim is more prone to being buffered by cross-winds. Fortunately, some companies have U-shaped aero-rims that minimize the impacts of cross-winds on your cycling.
Wheel Size
Most road bikes use 700c tires and rims. However, some gravel bikes use 7.5-inch tires and rims. Therefore, ensure you choose the right wheel size for your road bike for superior comfort and a smooth-riding experience.
Best Road Bike Alloy Wheels Reviews
TBVECHI 700c 3-Spoke Single Speed Fixie Bicycle Wheel
This is a good bet if you’re looking for a road bike alloy wheel that won’t weigh you or your bike down. The TBVECHI 700c 3-Spoke Single Speed Fixie Bicycle Wheel is designed for those who want to achieve great maneuverability and high speeds. You will get two fixie wheels for a reasonable price- one rear and one front- each designed to function with clincher tires.
These wheels are made from a magnesium-titanium alloy, making them super lightweight. These road bike alloy wheels will barely add any weight and will remain light on the road. These wheels are compatible with both freewheel and fixed gear riding, giving you the versatility you need on the road.
Features
- Linear pull brake style
- 700c wheel size
- 3-spoke design
- Clincher tire type
Pros
- Reliable and durable design
- Adds retro style
- Works with fixie and freewheel riding
Cons
- Prone to scratching and chipping
ZUKKA Bike Alloy Wheelset
The ZUKKA Bike Alloy Wheelset gives incredible value for money when you consider what you get in the box. At this price point, there’s nothing that matches their quality. This alloy wheelset is suitable for9-inch tires with a 1.75 to 2.125 inches width. It is made of magnesium alloy that uses front and rear 10 H stainless steel spokes and an aluminum double disc brake ring, which can hold up to 350 kg. With this road bike, you will enjoy excellent workmanship and fashionable colors that make the bike more energetic when cycling.
Features
- Original quick release
- American valve nozzle
- Magnesium-titanium alloy
Pros
- Easy to install
- High-quality construction
- Excellent workmanship
- Lightweight
BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset
The BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheelset will bring your road bike to a whole new height of speed and style. It comes with an attractive design and makes an excellent addition to your road bike if you want to improve your performance. Adding these road bike alloy wheels to your ride can help you in speed riding and long-distance riding. With this wheelset, you can ride on tackle cracks, smooth sidewalks, and even survive tough challenges like gravel.
Features
- Two quick-release axles
- Rim strip
- Disc brake type
- American valve nozzle
Pros
- Easy to install
- Durable construction
- Wide frame
Cons
- A bit heavy
Wheel Master 700C/29 Alloy Hybrid/Comfort Double Wall
If you want to add an alloy wheel to your favorite road bike without blowing your entire budget or bike’s height, this is a good bet. The Wheel Master 700C/29 Alloy Hybrid/Comfort Double Wall is affordable but doesn’t compromise on quality. These alloy wheels can hold up against wear and tear, whether you have long-distance rides, hitting potholes, or riding in urban environments.
Features
- 700c wheel size
- 36H spoke count
Pros
- Durable design
- Perfect for long-distance rides
- Nice and robust wheels
BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheel 700c, Aluminum Alloy QR Wheels
The BUCKLOS Road Bike Wheel 700c, Aluminum Alloy QR Wheels are a great option if you want to up the way you ride your road bike. These tough, durable alloy wheels are built to keep you rolling and riding smoothly for a long time. This wheelset uses V brakes, and each wheel comes with a quick-release lever that enables you to disassemble it in seconds.
Features
- 700c wheel size
- V brake type
- Aluminum alloy
Pros
- Smooth and comfortable riding experience
- Versatile compatibility
- Sleek and stylish
Conclusion
Ultimately, there are several reasons why investing in the best road bike alloy wheels is a great idea. For riders who need a comfortable riding experience, this is a no-brainer decision. The road bike ally wheels we’ve mentioned above are the best bet and will provide you outstanding riding experience.