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Chinese Carbon Wheel Buying Guide

by nicole hu 07 May 2020 1 comment

Hello, this is ICAN. We are a Chinese bicycle manufacturer. Here, we will be talking about "Chinese carbon wheels."

As you may have noticed, many products from world-famous bicycle manufacturers are made in China. This speaks to the high level of bicycle manufacturing technology in China. However, there was also a time when unbranded and counterfeit bikes were rampant. We, as manufacturers, are still struggling with these negative perceptions.

There's only one best way for us to move forward: to create better products and earn your recognition. And that era has already arrived. The reason we've boldly titled this "Chinese carbon wheels" is to proudly highlight the quality of Chinese-made products. We hope you'll stay with us until the end.

What are Chinese Carbon Wheels?

Chinese carbon wheels refer to wheel brands from Chinese manufacturers that are made in China. In recent years, their capabilities have been increasingly recognized, and above all, their overwhelming cost-performance has gained strong support.

Types of Chinese Carbon Wheels

① Chinese Carbon Wheels: Clincher

Despite the rise of disc brakes, rim brakes, with their perfected design, will likely never disappear. Chinese wheels have also reached a mature stage in this area, so you can choose them with confidence. And user-friendly clincher type wheels continue to be highly popular.

② Chinese Carbon Wheels: Tubeless

Tubeless tires have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their comfortable ride and puncture resistance. Many Chinese wheels now offer compatibility with both clincher and tubeless tires, so it's a good idea to choose such wheels and experience tubeless tires for yourself.

③ Chinese Carbon Wheels: Disc Brake

 

Chinese carbon wheels

 

With Shimano's mid-range 105 and Tiagra components now offering hydraulic disc brake versions, it's safe to say that the era of serious disc brakes has arrived. It's even said that if you're torn between rim brakes and disc brakes, you should choose disc. The differences from rim brake wheels are quite significant, extending to the rim structure, spoke pattern, and even spoke count. To handle powerful braking forces, they are generally built more sturdily, which inevitably leads to some weight increase. However, Chinese wheels are gradually gaining market share in this category as well.

④ Mini Velo Chinese Carbon Wheels

Chinese carbon wheels

 Mini velos are very useful as everyday transport for people who ride road bikes or MTBs. Above all, they are easy to maneuver, and some models are quite sporty. There's also demand for competition bikes like BMX. That said, there are not many types of wheels available for mini velos, so the existence of compatible Chinese carbon wheels is reassuring.

⑤ Chinese G3 Carbon Wheels

G3 originally refers to a spoke lacing pattern devised by Italian company C. It's an attempt to create a spoke pattern with minimal air resistance and weight, and is particularly suited for high-stiffness aero wheels. Chinese carbon wheels also offer products with the G3 lacing.

⑥ MTB (Mountain Bike) Chinese Carbon Wheels

Chinese carbon wheels

Of course, sturdy Chinese carbon wheels for MTBs are also available. Tubeless tire compatible versions, which are puncture-resistant, are the mainstream.

Durability and Rigidity of Chinese Carbon Wheels

 ① Durability

The best indicator for judging durability is the warranty period. Products lacking confidence cannot offer a warranty. The warranty period is usually 1 to 2 years, but if a product comes with a 2-year warranty, you can be sure that considerable attention has been paid to its durability and reliability. Other indicators include word-of-mouth and product reviews, but please note that these are not 100% reliable.

② Rigidity

You can assume that the rigidity required for normal use is sufficiently ensured. Also, rigidity can vary depending on the spoke lacing pattern. For entry-level models, it's better to choose wheels with a solid spoke lacing (as described later), rather than solely focusing on lightness, to achieve better results.

How to Choose Chinese Carbon Wheels

 For carbon discs, matching them with the frame is crucial. If the manufacturer also produces frames, you can rest assured that this aspect has been fully considered. Naturally, a longer warranty inspires more confidence. When choosing, pay attention to the following points:

① Lightweight

It is said that a 500g difference in frame weight has twice the effect as a 500g difference in wheel weight. Furthermore, the lightness of the rotating mass is so sensitive that you can immediately feel a 20g reduction in rim weight. Of course, excessive weight reduction can lead to a decrease in rigidity. In particular, attention should be paid to the spoke lacing pattern. Wheel weight reduction should be considered in conjunction with tires/tubes. Replacing the standard set with lighter tires/tubes is the easiest and most effective way to reduce weight. 

② Proven Accuracy

Checking the rotation status in videos is a good way to confirm accuracy. There are various videos available, including those produced by manufacturers.

 

③ Maintained Rigidity

Chinese manufacturers also pay attention to rigidity. This should be considered in conjunction with the spoke lacing pattern discussed earlier.

 

The biggest selling point of Chinese parts, their high cost-performance, will certainly catch your eye. Currently, they have reached a considerable level in terms of quality, accuracy, rigidity, durability, and reliability. Especially if you're looking to upgrade your beloved bike in the entry-level category, this might be the optimal choice for you. Chinese manufacturers offering good products also don't neglect customer service. If you have any questions about wheels, we strongly recommend contacting us.

 

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1 comment

14 Jul 2021 米田徹

こんばんわ
トラック競技用のリム高さの高いホイールを探しています。
できればクリンチャーがいいです。
例えば2020 50mmをNovatecのトラックHubで組んでもらうことはできますか?

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