Hooked bicycle rims have a flared edge that helps hold clincher style bike tires firmly in place. Clinchers, or wire-bead tires, feature a steel bead that runs along the edge of the rubber tire. Hooked rims and wire-bead tires serve as a popular alternative to racing-style tubular tires, and offer a number of advantages for casual cyclists.
Features
Manufacturers produce hooked rims from a variety of materials, including steel and aluminum. Steel hooked rims are generally found on cheaper bikes, while high-quality bicycles often include lightweight aluminum or alloy wheels. The flared edges of these rims forms a ridge, which makes it easy for cyclists to install or replace a tire. The U-shaped outer edges of a clincher tires fits around this ridge, with the air-filled tube concealed between these two components. As the user inflates the tire, air pressure within the clincher increases, forcing the wire bead to grab the hooked edges of the rim. This forms a tight bond that holds the tire in place.
Advantages
Hooked rims and clincher tires are much more affordable than tubular tires and rims, according to Sheldon Brown's Cycling Site. They also offer a great deal more mileage and are simple to repair. Tubular tires, on the other hand, are nearly impossible to repair, and a flat tire generally requires replacement rather than repair. Hooked rims eliminate the need for cyclists to carry a spare tire, and allow them to simply fix a flat and continue riding.
Disadvantages
One of the primary disadvantages to hooked rims is the extra weight they add to the bike. This can slow the rider down, especially over long distances. The added weight of a hooked rim can be particularly problematic in racing events, which is why many elite riders prefer lightweight tubular tires instead. Hooked rims add even more weight due to the metal bead needed to hold the tire in place around the rim.
The hooked rim on these tires may also contribute to a higher chance of flat tires. These flats occur when the flanges pinch the rubber tires, leading to punctures. Tubular rims pose no risk of pinch flats, making them more durable for basic riding.
Considerations
While clinchers and hooked rims are by far the most common type of bike wheel, some riders may prefer tubular style rims and tires instead. Tubulars, also known as sew-up tires, feature an inner tube that's sewn into the rubber tire casing. The rim is not flanged like a hooked rim, and the tire does not contain a metal bead. Instead, riders use glue to fasten the tire to the rim, eliminating the need for flanges. This lightweight design is popular with racing cyclists and triathletes.
References
- Ultra Cycling: From the Field--Wheels
- "Effective Cycling"; John Forester; 1993
- Bicycle Tires and Tubes: Tires and Tubes
- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Bike Maintenance and Repair"; Terry Meany; 2001
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