What are bicycle spokes? 3 uses of bicycle spokes

Bicycles are a very familiar and extremely popular means of transport for Vietnamese people. However, not everyone who rides a bicycle for a long time knows the spokes of a bicycle and how it works. If so, let’s find out together with Tnhelearning.edu.vn!

What are bicycle spokes?

Bicycle spokes are an integral part of a bicycle with a long rod that connects the wheel hub and the bicycle rim to help the wheel spin.

Spokes are fixed by screws to fix the shape and increase the bearing capacity of the wheel. Normally, each bicycle wheel needs 36 spokes to help the wheel spin smoothly and keep balance when moving.

Spokes are the main part of the bike that helps the bike work according to the principle

Structure and mechanism of action of spokes

Structure

Bicycle spokes are a metal rod usually made from stainless steel or high carbon steel that is interlocked from the wheel hub to the wheel rim and fixed with screws at the rim.

The more spokes, the stronger the wheel ring, but if there are fewer spokes, the wheel will be lighter to help the car move more smoothly. Therefore, you need to consider the needs of your bike to choose a wheel with the right number of spokes.

Spokes are tried to intertwine from the wheel hub to the wheel rim

Working principle

When there is force of the foot on the pedal, the spokes help transmit the torque of the torsion force from the wheel shaft to the wheel rim to help the car move.

Spokes combined with screws fixed at the rim help the wheel rotate correctly, protecting the wheel shape from being distorted for a safe movement.

The structure and working mechanism of spokes are extremely simple

Uses of bicycle spokes

Anti-distortion of rims

When the screws that fix the spokes are tight enough, the spokes will have the right amount of tension. In addition, the regular distribution of the number of spokes helps the wheel work in the right direction, without distortion of the rim when operating even under heavy loads.

If the spokes are loose or placed in the wrong position, it will lead to uneven rotation of the wheel, causing rim distortion.

The torque transmitted from the wheel axle is the traction force transmitted through the spokes and through the other spokes to prevent the wheel from deforming.

Spokes have an extremely important use in preventing wheel distortion

Transfer the load from the wheel hub to the wheel rim

For the bicycle to move, the most important thing is the operation of the wheel, the spokes are also considered the main part of the wheel to help transmit the force.

When there is an impact force, the spokes help to transmit the torque of the torsion force from the wheel hub to the wheel rim, helping the vehicle to move stably, in the right direction and safely.

The spokes are the intermediate part that helps the bike move

Helps move smoothly

The spokes are usually made of high carbon steel or stainless steel , which is strong but lighter than other materials such as iron. Besides, spokes are designed with the optimal size and shape to reduce wheel weight, making the movement lighter.

Having spokes helps the bike operate according to its principle, easier to move and does not need to spend too much effort to apply force.

Spokes help 26 inch MTB Giant ATX 660 (2022) mountain bike move safely and gently

Classification of popular bicycle spokes lines

Spokes straight

Straight spokes do not have a bend at the end of the spokes like traditional spokes, usually with a width of 2mm , equal to the whole.

These spokes are designed very simply and the price is also very soft compared to other types. They are used for weight saving wheels for easy movement and maneuvering of the vehicle.

Straight spokes are simply designed to save weight for the wheel

Single-blade spokes

Single-blade spokes are spokes designed to be slightly thicker at the part closest to the center. It is also known as the neck of the wheel to help reduce the weight of the wheel but still retain its rigidity and firmness.

Single-blade spokes help increase rigidity when mounting the wheel to the brake disc

Double nose wings

Double nose wings help save weight and reduce stiffness when riding. It makes cycling easier and smoother thanks to the thin, light wheels in the middle (e.g. from 2mm to 1.8mm and back to 2mm).

Double nose blades are usually more expensive than other spokes

Aviation boreholes

The flat sections are designed to reduce wind resistance for the bike during travel. Therefore, it is often used widely in the manufacture of modern bicycles, especially racing and mountain bikes.

Flat design of spokes called aviation drills

Straight knobs

Straight knobs are an idea to save weight and eliminate sharp turns, minimizing weaknesses in the car to improve efficiency when moving.

The basic design of the spokes of the straight knobs

The above article has provided some information about bicycle spokes. Hope it helps you to have more good knowledge about bicycles!