Road Bike Wheels by Material

Carbon and alloy road wheels suit different priorities. Consider the type of riding you do, how much weight and aerodynamics matter to you, and your budget.

Carbon Road Bike Wheels

Carbon allows for lighter builds and deeper rim profiles, making it a popular option for performance road riding. Shallower carbon rims can keep weight down for climbing and varied terrain, while deeper profiles are designed with aerodynamics in mind for faster riding.

Colorado Cyclist carries carbon road wheels from brands including ENVE, Reserve, Zipp and DT Swiss.

Alloy Road Bike Wheels

Alloy road wheels are a practical option for training, high-mileage riding and everyday use. They generally cost less than carbon wheelsets while offering reliable performance and durability.

Alloy road wheel options include brands such as DT Swiss, Fulcrum and Quality Wheels.

Front, Rear or Complete Road Wheelset?

Colorado Cyclist offers road wheels as individual front and rear wheels or complete wheelsets. Choose based on what you need to replace or how much of your current setup you want to change.

• Front Road Wheels: Replace or upgrade the front wheel without changing the rear. Options include both rim and disc brake setups, so match the wheel to your existing axle and brake system.
• Rear Road Wheels: Rear wheels also need to match your cassette. Available freehub options include Shimano HG, SRAM XDR and Campagnolo standards, so check your drivetrain before choosing.
• Road Wheelsets: Complete wheelsets include matching front and rear wheels and are suited to a full upgrade or new build. Compare material, rim design, brake setup and drivetrain compatibility when choosing a set.

What to Check Before Buying Road Wheels

Before choosing a road wheel, compare its specifications with your bike and current setup. Check:

• Wheel size: Most options in this collection are 700c. Confirm the wheel diameter required by your frame and fork.
• Axle and hub spacing: Match the axle type and front or rear hub dimensions. Common modern road setups include 12x100mm front and 12x142mm rear, but other standards are available.
• Brake system: Choose wheels designed for your bike’s rim or disc brakes. For disc setups, also check whether the hub uses Center Lock or 6-bolt rotors.
• Cassette and freehub: For rear wheels, match the cassette body to your drivetrain. Options include Shimano HG, SRAM XDR, Campagnolo and other standards.
• Tire and rim fit: Check that your intended tire width is suitable for the rim and that the tire has enough clearance in your frame and fork.
• Tubeless setup: If you want to run tubeless road tires, choose a tubeless-compatible wheel and check whether tape and valves are included or required separately.

Shop Road Bike Wheels by Brand

Road wheel brands vary in rim design, materials, hub systems and price. You don’t need to use the same wheel brand as your bike, so compare the options based on the features that matter for your riding.

DT Swiss has road options across different materials and setups. ENVE, Reserve and Zipp offer a range of carbon road wheels, while Fulcrum, Campagnolo, Vision and Quality Wheels add further choices across different budgets and applications.

You can also explore the Bike Wheels collection for the full range of road, mountain and gravel wheels.

FAQs

Do deeper rims make a difference for road riding?

Yes. Deeper rims can offer an aerodynamic advantage at higher speeds, while shallower rims are often lighter and can be easier to handle in crosswinds. The right rim depth depends on your terrain, riding speed and priorities.

How often should I replace my road bike wheels?

There is no set replacement schedule. Check for cracks, dents, damaged spokes, hub problems or a wheel that can no longer be properly trued. For rim-brake wheels, also check the brake track for wear.

Can I mix different front and rear road wheels?

Yes. Your front and rear wheels do not need to be the same model. Some setups use different rim depths front and rear, and you can also replace one wheel without replacing the other. Each wheel still needs to be compatible with your bike.

Are road bike wheels compatible with wider road tires?

It depends on the rim and your bike. Check the rim manufacturer’s recommended tire-width range and make sure your frame and fork have enough clearance for the tire you want to use.