One thing separates you from the road; your wheels. For this reason, BikeChain only stocks the best road bike wheels in Australia from brands like Campagnolo, Reynolds Cycling and Hope. We hope the following information is useful if you’re looking for a road bike wheelset.
Are all road bike wheels the same size?
The most common road bike wheel size for use on sealed surfaces is 700cc, which has a diameter of 622mm. If you’re asking yourself where the logic is, you’re probably not alone! There is a good reason, but we will not delve into that level of detail here. By way of interest, 700cc road cycling wheels translate to 29er mountain bike wheels.
Kids road bicycle wheel sizes
Unlike adults, kids’ bike wheels come in various sizes. As a general rule of thumb:
- 12-inch - for 2+ year olds
- 14-16-inch - for 3+ year olds
- 20-inch - for 6+ year olds
- 24-inch - for 8+ year olds
- 26-inch - for 10+ year olds
Can you put gravel wheels on a road bike?
Yes, you can. If you’re considering gravel wheels for your road bike, you have an additional option - the 650b (which equates to 27.5” mountain bike wheels). This smaller size wheel is typically accompanied by larger-volume and width tyres. Why? Because some riders prefer a lower-pressure tyre that delivers more grip on a bumpy surface and improved comfort. Moreover, less pressure can reduce the chances of puncturing, which is a big plus for most! The downfall? They obviously won’t move as fast as the 700cc.
Are carbon road bike wheels worth it?
The two most common metals used for good road bike wheels are carbon and aluminium.
Carbon road cycling wheels
- Great aerodynamics and stiffness
- Low weight
- Higher cost
- Damage will typically result in a complete replacement
Aluminium road bike wheels
- Great comfort
- Typically a good price point
- Usually very durable and resilient
- Not as stiff as carbon
- Heavier than carbon
Ultimately, the choice you make comes down to factors such as your budget, how frequently and seriously you ride, the terrain you cycle over and your riding goals. However, you will find very good road bike wheels available in either, especially when you shop with BikeChain.
