Bicycle wheel: types and choices

Summer is the time of year when many people ride bicycles. Although this is not as expensive a vehicle as a car, you also need to follow it. It is necessary to lubricate the mechanisms and have a complete set so that the ride is safe. Today we will focus on bicycle handlebars.

The main purpose of the steering wheel is direction adjustment while riding. With this part, you can maintain balance and have a fulcrum. Without a steering wheel, you cannot ride a bicycle comfortably. Also on it you can place hand brakes, signaling equipment, lights, grips and much more. In addition to direct meaning, this element of the bicycle is also trying to make beautiful.

Now we will analyze all the main types of handlebars, including for high-speed bicycles.

This device is intended for rough terrain. The direct position of the structure allows the steering wheel to be very durable and not have weak points. Previously, such parts were not made of special materials, since the already simple structure provided suitable strength. Now you can find mountain rudders made of carbon, alloys of metals or titanium.

It is very important for a cyclist to feel comfortable, but because of this steering wheel shape, the hands begin to quickly get tired, so The mountain type of bicycle wheel is used only for fast races and small tracks.. Also, a too primitive device of such a detail does not allow the cyclist to change the position of his hands and back, which may cause their numbness. It is worth mentioning that there is a direct V-shaped steering wheel with additional support. It is best suited for extreme driving.

One of the most common part options. Lifting veloruli were made for past bicycles and have already become classics. This type of device is a bent pipe from itself, so that there is enough room for flu. Some motorists themselves make such rudders from several pipes, thereby increasing their strength.

The main advantage of these rudders is that their height can be easily adjusted and have a smooth posture during the trip. Basically, the price of these parts is low, so they are found on the simplest bikes, which are designed only to calmly ride around the city.

Standard road racing wheel. Outwardly, it has an even base and special curved handles from below that look like lamb horns. The special structure of this part allows the rider to take sports posture (when the back is horizontal), with which you can fully use the leg muscles, overcome wind resistance and gain high speed.

Instead of flu, on such rudders they make a winding so that there is a good grip. Some cyclists set aerodynamic steering wheel in the center, on which you can put your elbows so that they do not get tired much.

Also has the name "drop". The structure is as follows: after the base, where the handles are located, there is a curved pipe. It forms a semicircle that is parallel to the bicycle frame. A feature of this steering wheel is that you can hold it from several sides. Either for the base, or for the lower pipe with handles. This variety allows you to change the grip for the wrists so that they are not numb. The pipe of this part is smaller than the mountain type, therefore you cannot use them on the same bike.

It may be called a “marching” steering wheel. Its design is somewhat similar to a “ram” steering wheel, since the handles are bent in different shapes, but are reduced to the main frame. If the bike wheels for road racing are made in order to be able to gain high speed, then This device is designed for long-distance riding.. A large number of handles and places for grip allows your hands to relax, which is very important for a long ride. For greater convenience, you can expand the pipe in the extension and change the position of your body. You can also use a sporty or simple ride.

It differs in that it has a very small size and is located at the level of the saddle. This is done so that the cyclist can have an almost vertical posture. It is used for the tricks the BMX bike is famous for.

The type of steering wheel that is most suitable for compact bikes. The basis of the design is a telescopic extension, with which you can lower the bike wheel. You can also fold the handles so that they do not interfere on the sides.

This look looks like a butterfly, but its handles are not brought to the end of the support frame. Such handlebars are often found on modern cheap bikes. The small price is due to the fact that there are not as many places for capture as the "butterfly", but the functionality does not suffer from this. The lack of sharp and uncomfortable angles creates several grip points to rest your hands and ride long distances along the highway.

To choose a part by size, you need to consider the type of bike, the type of handlebar and the width of your grip. Do not forget about the compactness of transport. If you buy a very wide steering wheel, then it can interfere when moving on a bicycle and hurt the nearest items. The wide size of the part will allow you to better control the direction of movement and ensure proper breathing, because your hands will be spread wide, which will facilitate the access of oxygen to the lungs.

If you use flu, then you will still need to consider the length of the palms. If the shoulder width is 50-55 cm and the length of the palms is about 10 cm, then get a steering wheel with a size of about 72-75 cm in width. If the bike is designed for small city routes, then a high handlebar is best suited, which will allow you to keep a comfortable posture.

Materials of manufacture

• Steel - The simplest and cheapest of materials. He is one of the very first metals from which bicycle wheels were made. Steel allows you to dampen tremors, so if your bike has a rigid frame, and every jump literally hits the steering wheel, then the steel part is well suited.

• Aluminum - lightweight and non-corrosive. It is also inexpensive, but keep in mind that the aluminum steering wheel can serve much less than steel, because it is more fragile and in a few years you will have to change it.

• Titanium - universal metal, which has all the advantages of aluminum and steel options. Very strong, stainless, durable and perfectly dampens vibration. Of the minuses - only the price, but if you want to have a steering wheel that will serve you for a long time and not let you down on the road, then the titanium analog is a great option.

• Carbon - One of the most advanced materials for bicycle components. The carbon steering wheel is lightweight, rust resistant and very well absorbed. There are only 2 minuses: the ability to scratch and easy breakage.

There are many accessories, and all of them can make steering more comfortable. The main additional element is flu. From themselves they represent overlays on handles which improve coupling. They can also be moisture-absorbing, so there will be no chance that wet hands can slip.

Usually, cheap flu makes neoprene. They are easy to use, provide good grip and are in a large assortment. Neoprene linings can be easily torn, so do not rely on their strength.

Another accessory can be called "horns." Some types of rudders already contain this element and do not need them, but if you install them on a simpler steering wheel, you will be in a big plus. This will increase the number of capture points and make your ride more comfortable. Instead of flu, you can use the usual winding of electrical tape or other materials. This option is in any case safer than a conventional steering wheel without everything.

To choose a good bike wheel, you must decide how you will use the bike. For a high-speed type of arrivals, a tourist steering wheel or the “ram” option is more suitable. Cross country is best used mountainous. If you prefer urban routes, then the elevated type of the usual structure is quite suitable for you. It is specially created for a walking view of races. For a simple layman another is not necessary, because no additional loads on the steering wheel will go.

On how to choose a steering wheel for a bicycle, see the next video.