Bicycle Wheel Buying Guide

Replacement Wheels: A Customer's Guide

Got a buckled wheel from a pothole mishap, or perhaps you've worn through the braking surface after thousands of miles? We've got you covered! At our Sligo bike shop, we keep a good stock of replacement wheels (front, rear, or sets) to get you back rolling quickly—whether it's a simple fix for your commuter or an upgrade for your road/gravel/MTB setup.

Choosing the right wheel can be tricky, but focus on these four key specs: Wheel Size, Axle Type, Gear Type (Cassette/Freewheel), and Brake Type. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide to help you identify what your bike needs.

  1. Wheel Size Check the sidewall of your tyre for markings like "700 x 28c", "29 x 2.25", or "26 x 1.95". The first number (or "700c") is the wheel diameter.
    • Adult road/gravel/hybrid bikes: Usually 700c (also marked as 28").
    • MTB: 27.5" or 29".
    • Kids/older bikes: 26", 24", 20", down to 12". This must match exactly for proper fit and tyre compatibility.

 

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  1. Axle Type Look at how the wheel attaches to your frame/fork:
    • Quick Release (QR): A lever (skewer) flips open/closed for easy removal. Common on older road, hybrid, and some MTB bikes.
    • Solid Axle (Bolt-On): External nuts on both sides tighten with a wrench. Often seen on older bikes, kids' bikes, or some budget models.

 

Amazon.com : AiTuiTui 1 Pair MTB Quick Release Skewers Bike QR, 145/180 mm Road Mountain Bicycle Wheel Hub Front and Rear Clip Bolt Lever Axle Set : Sports & Outdoors
Amazon.com : VIARON MTB Quick Release Axle Front and Rear Mountain Bike Skewer Set Aluminum Alloy Bicycle Wheel Skewers Hub QR Lever (Black) : Sports & Outdoors

conversion - Convert front wheel back to fixed nut - Bicycles Stack Exchange

  1. Gear Type (Rear Wheel Only) Examine the rear hub:
    • Screw-On / Thread-On Freewheel: The cogs are one solid unit that screws directly onto threaded hub threads. Typically found on older bikes with 5–7 speeds.
    • Freehub / Cassette: Modern standard (8+ speeds). Individual cogs (cassette) slide onto a splined freehub body.

 

Traditional Thread-on Freewheels

Freehub Service | Park Tool

Freehubs explained: standards, compatibility and how a freehub works | BikeRadar
  1. Brake Type Identify how your bike stops:
    • Rim Brakes: Pads clamp directly on the wheel rim's braking surface (sidewall). Common on older road/hybrid bikes.
    • Disc Brakes: A separate rotor (disc) mounted to the hub is squeezed by calipers. Modern standard on most new bikes.
      • Six Bolt: Rotor attaches with 6 bolts.
      • Centre Lock: Rotor slides onto a splined hub and is secured with a lockring tool.

 

Best rim brake pads for road bikes 2025: better braking performance no matter the weather for carbon and alloy rims | Cycling WeeklyBike rim brakes: definition, pros & cons, types, how to choose and adjust
6 Bolt Disc Rotors vs. Centerlock Disc Brake Rotors – ICAN CyclingDisc Brake Rotor Removal & Installation | Park Tool
Wolf Tooth Centerlock Rotor Lockring Gold
CENTER LOCK | SHIMANO BIKE COMPONENT

 

Quick Tips Before You Buy

  • Take a photo of your current wheel (side profile, hub close-up, tyre sidewall) and bring it in—we can match it quickly.
  • Note your bike's brand/model/year if possible.
  • Tubeless-ready? We stock modern options and can help set them up.
  • Not sure? Pop into the shop—we'll inspect your bike and recommend the best replacement from our stock (including premium brands like Campagnolo, Zipp, Mavic, Shimano, LUAS carbon, or budget generics).

We're here to get you back on the road/trail fast and safe—drop by or message us with details!