A complete guide to carbon road bikes

Carbon fiber wheels are the dream component of the typical cyclist due to their numerous advantages. It would help if you had great wheelsets to enjoy a smooth ride and exceptional performance whether you ride recreationally or competitively. Furthermore, carbon fiber is the most popular and best sorted material in the bicycle industry. It can be used in various other components of a bicycle.

However, when it comes to quality bicycle wheels, your choice is between a carbon road bike and an alloy wheel. Both can excel, but carbon wheels are superior to them. That doesn't mean alloy wheels are useless; they may also be suitable for other purposes.

However, this guide is about carbon wheels and is intended to inform readers about what carbon wheels are and provide them with in-depth knowledge to help them make their decision. This article is the best guide to show you how to choose carbon wheels! You will know everything about carbon wheels.

What are carbon road bikes?

Carbon road bikes are bicycle wheels composed of carbon fiber and consist of a carbon rim, spokes, hubs and quick releases. Carbon racing bikes are the most popular component for racing drivers today. We cannot ignore them. If we understand carbon road bikes better, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to buy a carbon road bike.

As all racers know, there are many options for road bike wheels. Just looking through all of these options can be very confusing, and when you add a bit of marketing to the mix, things get even worse.

That’s why we put together the balance bike buying guide. Once we break down the terminology, it will be easier for you to decide and purchase the wheels that suit you best.

You don't need to come here if you are a professional cyclist. You've probably already passed this phase of knowing. You might do well to share them with amateur cyclists. The wheels are undoubtedly one of the most important components of a bicycle. Once you get a good frame, you should make sure that the part that comes into contact with the ground is of the best quality and complements the other parts. Carbon road bike wheels are the standard for quality bicycle wheels.

Should you buy carbon wheels?

Carbon road bike wheels will outperform any other wheel you use. As a long-time rider, I know how much bicycle components can affect a bike's performance. Two bike parts at the same price can differ significantly in performance. Carbon road bikes are the components you want on your bike. I list the features that make carbon road bikes better and why you should choose them:

Weight : Carbon wheels offer the lightest weight for bicycles, although newer technologies are trying to make aluminum wheels lighter. Carbon fiber is the lightest material used in the manufacture of bicycle components and serves the purpose of helping the bicycle maintain a constant speed.

Aerodynamics : This is one of the most important points to consider when cycling. Carbon wheels are particularly aerodynamic because they reduce air resistance and drag pressure. They ensure you reach higher speeds with less effort, regardless of the terrain you ride on.

Shock Absorption : For a smooth and comfortable ride, shock absorption is a very important factor, which is why you should choose carbon wheels. The shock absorption properties of a bicycle ensure that the rider does not feel the impact when landing from a low height, on uneven terrain, etc. Carbon fiber is the perfect material to absorb the impact of cycling.

Other features include efficiency, versatility and design. Carbon road bike wheels generally offer the best features you can expect from bicycle wheels, and there is little substitute for them.

Carbon fiber wheels are trendy

Carbon road bikes are widely used by professional road cyclists. Amateur racers, competitive cyclists and regular cyclists are upgrading as they learn more about bike components and weigh their options. Aluminum rims have no footing in the pros, and they haven't won a race yet, unless it's a traditional aluminum rim race.

However, everyone uses carbon road bikes, and their widespread dominance over other options can be attributed to the growing preference in the bike industry and the availability of more affordable options. Many riders choose carbon road bikes because the weight and stiffness improve the bike's handling and acceleration. Additionally, carbon is versatile, allowing wheels to be constructed in high-tech aerodynamic shapes that give riders an advantage in certain races.

It's hard to see anything other than a carbon road bike in racing, which means it's the first choice for professional racers. And this decision also influences many other riders who need better wheels.

How do I choose the right wheels？

You should know this information before you buy the wheels:

Part 1 - How do you drive?

Part 2 - The anatomy of carbon wheels

Part 3 - Wheel braking systems

Part 4 - Rim shapes

Part 5 - Tire Types

Part 6 - What do you use bicycle wheels for?

Part 7 - How to choose carbon wheels well?

Part 8 – What is the reasonable price for carbon wheels?

How do you drive?

Before reading this article, you should first ask yourself a few questions. Understanding how you ride will help you find the best carbon wheelsets. Remember that there is no right or wrong answer to these questions.

Are you driving somewhere hilly/mountainous?

Is it windy where you live?

How would you describe your driving behavior?

Do you plan to race and if so, what type of racing?

Do you cover a lot of kilometers?

Where would you like to go with your bike?

These questions and answers will help you decide which type of carbon wheel is right for you.

 

Die Anatomie von Carbon-Laufrädern

Jetzt, wo Sie wissen, wie Sie fahren, ist es an der Zeit, ein Carbon-Laufrad zu wählen, das zu Ihnen passt. Wir haben oft das Gefühl, dass die Wahl eines geeigneten Carbonlaufrads so schwierig ist.

But understanding the anatomy of carbon wheels will help you a lot. We remember it: the best components, the best wheels.

But considering the budget, we usually pay attention to the balance between components.

Once you understand the anatomy of carbon wheels, you will know how to properly choose carbon wheelsets. Use the right accessories and choose the right carbon frame according to your height and you can ride on the road.

What parts does a complete carbon bike consist of? What is the structure? We will describe them one by one.

Carbon road bikes mainly consist of the following components: carbon rims, bicycle hubs, bicycle spokes, braking systems and other components such as freewheel, valve, etc.

The most important components of carbon racing bikes

At this point in the article, it has already been established that carbon wheels are the best for bicycles. However, it is important to understand the components that make carbon wheels top-notch. A typical carbon bike consists of a carbon rim, bicycle spokes, bicycle hubs, braking system, valve, freewheel, etc.

The carbon rim is a tire into which the spokes are inserted. In some cases it houses a tube and is the basic structure of the tire. The spokes go into a deep section in the middle of the rim. This causes the rim to form a U-shape. The rim must be stable so that the pedal stroke can reach it and the road without one side bending.

The hub is the center of every wheel and comes in pairs. It is connected directly to the rim via the spokes and to the bicycle frame via an axle that runs to the middle. The axle goes through some bearings and the freewheel on the rear hub.

The freewheel is responsible for holding the cassette. It depends on many criteria and it is important to know the type of axle of the bike as it determines what to use for the hub. There are various bearings that serve primarily to reduce friction between the hub shell and the axle.

Bicycle spokes are slim pieces of metal that run from the hubs to the rims. They have three main purposes; if they don't do any of these well, you have a bad wheelset.

• They reinforce the rim
• They transfer the power from the hub to the tire
• And they support the weight of the driver

Braking systems have already been talked about enough in this article, and they significantly reduce speed.

Carbon rim

Rims are tires that your spokes go into and hold your tire and in some cases a tube. Your rim has a deep section in the middle where the spokes go in and is flat on the edges so the rim has a U shape. Your rim needs to be stiff so that the force of your pedal stroke reaches the tire and the road and isn't deflected to the side. It's not easy to make a carbon rim.

How to make a carbon rim

Turnstiles

The heart of every wheelset is a pair of hubs. The hub is connected to the rim by spokes and to the frame or fork of the bicycle by an axle that runs through its center. On its way through the hub, the axle passes through a number of bearings and, in the case of the rear wheel hub, also a freewheel hub.

Free hub
A free hub is where your cassette sits. You need to know whether your cassette requires a standard Shimano freehub, a SRAM XDR freehub or a Campagnolo Ultra Drive. You also need to know what type of axle is suitable for your hub.

Hub bearing
The bearings in your wheels and freehub help reduce friction between the hub shell and the axle. There are 2 main types of bearings found in your hubs.

1. Sealed bearings, sometimes called cartridge bearings.
2. unsealed, sometimes referred to as "cup and cone" or loose.

You can usually find unsealed bearings in cheaper hubs and sealed bearings in mid- and high-end hubs. For our cost-effective and affordable hubs, we look for and use sealed bearings. We want you to be able to benefit from the benefits of sealed hubs, regardless of your budget.

Hub offers
We offer some of the most advanced hubs available on the market. Many high-end wheels, especially DT Hub Disc Wheels, are equipped with DT Swiss hubs. DT Swiss hubs are easy to maintain and offer almost instant connection when you pedal thanks to their Star Ratchet System.

Ceramic bearings
The standard bearings are made of steel. Now there are also ceramic bearings made of ceramic silicon nitride (Si2N4). The main advantage of ceramic bearings is that they have lower rolling resistance. The less friction you have in your hubs, the faster you go.

Bicycle spokes

Spokes, or to give them their full name, tension spokes, are the thin pieces of metal wire that connect your hubs to the rims. Spokes have 3 main roles. If they don't do 1 of these well, you have a bad wheelset.

1. Reinforce the rim of your wheel.
2. to transfer the force from the hub to the rim and tire.
3. Bearing your weight.

Nipples for spokes

A spoke nipple is used to attach a spoke to your rim. It is a threaded cylinder through which the spoke can be screwed. It can be used to increase or decrease the tension of the spoke.

Braking systems

In qualified racing bikes, the braking systems of the wheels are very important braking safety systems that testify to the quality and production level of the bike.

Road bike wheels are designed to be braked using one of the two main braking systems for road bikes. You will notice that your bike is equipped with either rim brakes or disc brakes. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages. See the difference between rim brake wheels and disc brake wheels.

Rim brakes, as the name might suggest, are brakes that brake through friction on the rim. The advantage of these brakes is that they are very easy to adjust and maintain. They are also lighter than disc brakes. The disadvantages are that they slowly eat through the rim and lose their braking power when wet.

Disc brakes are bolted to the hub and then braked by a caliper that holds them in place. The advantages are that you get high braking performance regardless of the weather and your rim does not wear out. The downsides are that they are heavier than rim brakes and some people are a little intimidated when it comes to the hydraulic version.

This brings us to the fact that disc brakes come in 2 variants. There are mechanical disc brakes and there are hydraulic disc brakes. With mechanical disc brakes the brake caliper is controlled by a cable, with hydraulic disc brakes the brake caliper is controlled by oil pressure.

In addition to the 2 types of disc brakes, there are also 2 ways the rotor can be attached to the hub. They are center lock and 6 bolts. A 6-bolt rotor attaches to your hub with 6 screws. Center-lock rotors are attached to the hub with a splined connection.

Rim profile

Based on the difference of rim profile, carbon road wheels can be divided into shallow section wheels, mid section wheels and deep section wheels.

Aluminum rims typically have a standard box shape, but carbon fiber rims come in many designs and styles. However, they can generally be divided into 3 categories. These are rims with flat, medium and deep cross-sections. These designations describe how big the rim is; they all excel in different areas.

Edge with a flat cross section

Shallow rims are great if you want to climb as they are the lightest model you can get. They look most like a traditional road bike rim. You will find that they provide less of an aero advantage compared to other rim depths. A good carbon fiber rim is much stiffer than an aluminum rim, which should help you save watts when climbing mountains.

Edge of the middle part

Medium depth carbon rims are rims with a depth of 30 mm to 50 mm. These rims are lightweight but provide an aero advantage provided the rim is designed correctly. These rims are suitable for riders who ride everything and want to be fast. They are light enough to climb and fast enough on the flat to keep up with anyone. They are also less susceptible to wind than deep section rims, and the deeper rim makes your wheel stiffer.

Deep cut rim

If the wheels are over 55mm deep they become low profile wheels. At this point the wheels become slightly heavier and much stiffer. It is better to use these wheels on a flatter route, e.g. B. during a test or a time trial. With a deep profile rim you also have the feeling of having a motor on your bike. They cut through the air and make it easier to maintain high speeds. These are not bikes you want to ride on windy days.

Tire types

The type of tire you want to use will determine the type of rim you need. There are 3 types of tires for racing bikes. There are clincher tires, tubeless tires and tubular tires. When deciding on a tire type, you need to make sure you choose the right carbon wheelset.

Clincher tires

Clincher tires are the most common choice for bicycles. Most complete bikes are equipped with this type of tire. Clincher tires are equipped with a bead that hooks onto the hook on the rim. To attach the tire, you need to insert a tube into the tire and fill it with air.

The advantages of clincher tires are that they are easy to obtain and very easy to assemble. They are also cheaper than other types of tires. The biggest disadvantage is that they will be the heaviest form of tire.

Tubeless

Tubeless tires have been around in the mountain bike world for a while and are now taking over the road world. Tubeless tires are similar to clincher tires, but as you may have guessed, they don't need a tube. They create an airtight connection between the rim and tire and therefore require a special rim that is tested to ensure that it is airtight and can withstand the stresses of tubeless tires. Most people also add a little sealant to the tire so that in the event of a puncture it will almost always seal immediately.

The advantages of tubeless tires are that it is harder to get a puncture and therefore you can ride at a lower pressure, increasing comfort on the bike. In addition to comfort, lower pressure also increases grip, and you'll find they feel smoother than clincher tires.

The downside is that they are a little more difficult to adjust. Once you get through the adjustment and the sealant is applied, you will have fewer problems than with other systems.

Tubular tires

A tubular tire, also called a tubular tire or sewn-on tire, is a one-piece tire. Since the tire is made in one piece, you need a special rim without hooks. The rim then looks like a smooth curve at the top. Then you need to glue or glue your tubular tire onto the rim.

Their big advantage is that a tubular tire and rim are lighter than those used for the other two systems. This makes them feel smoother when accelerating or climbing. Additionally, the 1 tire can be run at lower or higher pressures, so racers like to have the ability to fine-tune the pressure.

The main problem is that they are more difficult to assemble; the glue can smear everywhere. Additionally, the tires are expensive and you usually have to send them in to have them repaired.

What you can use bicycle wheels for

As mentioned in the balance bike section, different balance bikes have different uses. You should choose the balance bikes that are suitable for most of your rides unless you want to splurge. We'll look at the different areas and discuss which wheels are best suited to that area.

Climbing wheels

The most important thing about a climbing wheelset is a lightweight construction. If you drag yourself up a mountain with heavy wheels, you'll find the climb difficult to endure. A nice set of lightweight wheels will help you accelerate quickly out of hairpin turns and have better responsiveness when climbing.

Since you prefer light weight, you should look for wheels with a flat to medium profile. The hillier the terrain, the more likely you should switch to medium-section wheels for an aero advantage. If you plan on climbing for a day, you should look for flat carbon wheels. A good set of medium section carbon wheels will weigh less than box section aluminum wheels.

The Alpha 35 Disc Pro offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and climbing performance. Equipped with a 6-pawl freewheel for reliable engagement and ceramic bearings for improved durability, it offers unbeatable value for money.

Alpha 35 Disc Pro

Alpha 40 Pro (Rim Brake Wheelset) is a wallet-friendly wheel designed for comfort and performance. Its most popular depth makes it the perfect choice for long rides.

AERO 40 Disc is our premium tubeless ready wheelset, ideal for performance-oriented riders. We designed it to combine aerodynamics, stiffness and weight in an affordable package.

AERO 40 is an advanced road bike wheelset with 40mm rim brake wheelset. The lightweight carbon rims offer excellent aerodynamic performance and fast rolling characteristics, making them the perfect choice for high-speed racing. With the AERO 40 wheelset you get the best of both worlds - ultimate aerodynamics and superior braking performance.

AERO 40 

Aerodynamic wheels

If you want to ride as fast as possible or dominate your local Strava sections, you'll need a set of aerodynamic wheels. These wheels are medium to high profile rims. You should look for a duller profile of the rim. The older V-shaped rims are proven not to be as fast as blunt rims. Ideally, the rim is also a little wider so that the air can flow well and directly over the rim.

The Alpha 50 Disc Pro is an affordable road wheel with a 6-pawl freewheel and 72 engagements for lightning-fast response. With an external width of 25mm and an internal width of 18.35mm for superior strength and performance, it is equipped with optional ceramic bearings for a smooth ride.

Alpha 50 Disc Pro

Alpha 50 Pro (Rim Brake Wheelset) is a wallet-friendly wheel designed for comfort and performance. It's made from Toray T700 and T800 carbon fiber, making it incredibly light without compromising on stiffness. It is equipped with a durable Novatec hub that ensures smooth and reliable operation.

The Aero 50 Disc Brake Wheelset is ideal for performance-oriented riders. We designed it to combine aerodynamics, stiffness and weight in an affordable package. The Aero 50 disc brake hub may be one of the best and lightest carbon disc brake wheels on the market today. A 50mm deep wheel to help you cut through the air.

AERO 50 (rim brake wheelset) offers the aerodynamic efficiency for maximum performance. The wide design of the wheelset provides the rider with stability and safety at high speeds.

Support wheels

If you don't want to wear out your good wheels, you'll need a set of training wheels. Training wheels are generally cheaper than your good wheels. They will be bikes that don't mind riding in the worst of winter weather and ideally they will be cheap to maintain.

Alpha 35 Disc Pro offers unbeatable value for money. It's also an unbeatable combination of affordability and climbing performance.

Alpha 40 Pro (Rim Brake Wheelset) is a wallet-friendly wheelset designed for comfort and performance.

Adventure bikes

Adventure bikes will be between a flat section and a medium section. You don't want to go too deep as you never know when you'll have to fight the wind. They need to be sturdier than your standard road bikes; In general, this makes them a little heavier. They should also have a larger internal width so you can fit wider tires. Wider tires provide greater traction and comfort outdoors.

ICAN Gravel Wheels ( G22 Lightest Gravel Wheels, 700C G24 Gravel Wheels , 700C G25 Gravel Wheels ) are designed for any terrain you encounter on your adventures, from smooth gravel roads to rough and rocky trails. They feature a lightweight and durable carbon fiber construction paired with a wider rim profile for improved stability and traction. These wheels offer maximum versatility and performance. Whether you're racing, touring or just exploring the outdoors, TrailBlaze series gravel wheels let you carve your own path with confidence and speed.

Now you understand the anatomy of carbon road bike wheels. So choosing the right carbon road bike wheelsets for you is inconclusive. But one thing is certain: if the components of your bikes all come from a brand manufacturer, they are very large. The quality of carbon road bike wheels probably won't be too bad.

How to choose carbon bicycle wheels correctly?

Perfomance. Carbon wheels are lighter and more technologically advanced than other wheel materials, giving you a performance advantage.

Comfortable. Carbon wheels offer a ride quality you can't get with other materials.

Quality. Carbon fiber manufacturing is constantly evolving, so you can be sure that carbon wheels are always high quality.

Design. Carbon wheels allow engineers to fine-tune their performance and feel. Therefore, designs are constantly evolving to ensure you always get the best performance.

Light. If you want lightweight wheels, we can't design you a lighter wheelset with any other material.

Because we specialize in carbon manufacturing, we can work to make carbon bikes affordable.

The factors to consider when purchasing carbon road wheels

In this article you will find a guide to help you understand carbon road wheels enough to be able to explain them to someone else. However, purchasing is different because you have different options available and you don't know which one to choose. There are different types and designs, so a simple design difference could mean the wheel is best suited for a particular purpose, which may not be what you intended it for.

However, the most important factors to consider before deciding to purchase carbon road bike wheels are:

Intended Use : Carbon wheelsets can have different functions depending on how you want to use them. You can't compare a carbon road bike for competitive racing with one for casual cycling. For different purposes you need different rim profiles, so it's worth thinking about.

Wheel Type : We have tube, clincher and tubeless wheels. They are all best for different specific reasons. Tubular tires are best for racing, clincher wheels can be suitable for all purposes. Tubeless bikes have no tubes and rely on an airtight seal. However, tubeless rims can also accommodate other wheels.

Brand Compatibility : When purchasing wheels for competition purposes, it is important to note that some wheels work best when you purchase the components that go with them. It's rare, but you should also keep in mind that compatibility is important when it comes to carbon road bikes.

Cost : This depends on your budget. The budget must always be taken into account when making any purchase decision. Do you need to save more or don't you need something that is so expensive that you could easily buy it in this case?

How much does it make sense to spend on a carbon road bike wheel?

There are big price differences between the different carbon wheels on the market. Some carbon wheels cost a few thousand dollars, others only a few hundred dollars.

China is currently the largest country in the world producing carbon road bikes. Many well-known brand carbon wheel suppliers find their foundry here. This means you can buy carbon wheels in China to enjoy the high quality of a famous wheel brand.

Generally, $500 to $1000 is reasonable for a pair of carbon wheels. If you have special customization requests, $1,500 to $2,000 will be enough.

The best carbon road bike wheels in 2024 under $500

If you are looking for the best carbon road wheels 2024 under $500, the Alpha Pro series wheels are your best choice.

The Alpha 50 Disc Pro is an affordable road wheel with a 6-pawl freewheel and 72 engagements for lightning-fast response. With an external width of 25mm and an internal width of 18.35mm for superior strength and performance, it is equipped with optional ceramic bearings for a smooth ride. The Alpha 50 Disc Pro is the most complete choice for your cycling needs.

Alpha 50 Disc Pro

Best Carbon Road Bike Wheels 2024 Under $1000

As we all know, the price of carbon road wheels with DTswiss hub in the market will not be less than $1,000, but at ICAN Cycling, you can buy the best wheels with DT Swiss hub for less than $1,000.

DT AERO 40 Disc

We reduced product costs because we didn't invest too much in marketing expenses. You can buy the best carbon road wheels for under $1000.

Diploma

Carbon road wheels are undoubtedly the best for your bike until new technologies introduce another option. They offer everything a driver needs for a smooth and comfortable ride. They have become very popular recently due to the availability of more affordable options than before. If you don't use your bike for racing, look into alternatives like aluminum. But why do that when you can rely on premium options used by professionals?

On ICAN Cycling you can find carbon wheels for sale at great prices and then enjoy a first-class riding experience.