Bicycle wheels consist of air-filled rubber tires and metal rims. The rims support the tire as you ride and help to maintain the tire's circular shape. Different types of rims are designed to fit only specific types of tires, so it's critical to choose your rims based on the tires you plan to you. In most applications, rims and tires are not interchangeable with those of a different style or design.
Westwood Rims
The Westwood rim is an older wheel design that may still be found on the classic roadster or utility bike. According to Harris Cyclery, Westwood rims feature rounded sides that can't be used with many modern braking systems. Instead, this style of rim requires a rod brake, which runs along the inner diameter of the rim rather than the sides. On a Westwood rim, the spokes are set into a ridge or series of ridges along the rim's diameter. This prevents the brakes from hitting the spokes or nipples, and helps to minimize the risk of damage to the spokes.
Clincher Rims
Clincher bike wheels feature a nylon or metal bead that runs around the inside diameter of the tire. This bead gives the tire its shape, and also makes it easier to install or remove the tire from the rim. Clincher rims have grooves or ridges along the sides so that these beads can be snapped into place by hand. The grooves hold the tire in place, and special tire changing tools are needed to snap the bead out of the groove and remove the tire. According to the Tufo Tire Co., wheels with clincher rims are the most widely used among recreational riders. These rims allow riders to repair the bike on the road and use it immediately after the tire is reinstalled. Because they are heavier than some other rim styles, they also increase rolling resistance, so clincher rims are not popular with competitive racers.
Tubular Rims
Tubular tires consist of a rubber tire and inner tube that are sewn together to form a single unit. They do not use a bead and are attached to the rim with special adhesive for a secure connection. These rims feature a smooth surface for maximum adhesion, and do not have the grooves or ridges found on a clincher rim. They are lightweight and offer little rolling resistance according to the Tufo Tire Co., making them the most popular rim design for competitive cyclists. If the tire is punctured, it can be ridden flat during an emergency and the rider is less likely to lose control than with a clincher-style rim and tire. Unfortunately, this type of wheel is difficult to repair, as it can be tricky to remove the tire from the rim. Some cyclists simply replace the entire rim and tire rather than struggling with tough adhesives, though this is a fairly expensive method of flat repair.
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