Whether you are a seasoned expert or new to the hobby, mountain biking is a fun, physically active hobby that has been increasingly growing in popularity in recent years. There is good reason for this—it is a fun and fast-paced activity that you can enjoy with friends and family or other mountain bikers. Mountain bikers can ride in a more calm and leisurely fashion or can make an extreme sport out of it. This is a versatile activity that can be fun for people of different skill levels and age groups.

Many people, especially those who are more serious about their mountain biking, will construct their mountain bikes from different, high-end, performance parts, rather than buying a complete, pre-built bike. There are many reasons to do this, even if you are new to the activity. When you choose the various components of your bike, you can research each part to ensure that you are getting a quality product that will provide you with the comfort or performance you are looking for.

One aspect of mountain bikes that people often don't pay enough attention to is the rims or wheels you choose for your bike. Most people confuse wheels with tires, but wheels are the physical frame the tire is slid around. It might not seem like something you should need to pay much attention to, but the type of wheel you choose will actually make a huge impact on the performance and comfort of the ride of your bike.

What follows is a brief rundown of something you will need to consider when choosing the best mountain biking wheels for you, followed by short reviews of three different high-quality wheel and rim options.

Things to Consider When Choosing Mountain Bike Wheels

Firstly, you will want to determine what size mountain bike wheels you will want. When it comes to bike wheels, size really matters and will make a huge difference in how the bike rides, as well as how it performs.

For mountain bikes, there are three basic wheel sizes: 26”, 27.5”, and 29”. We recommend 26” wheels as this seems to be the best blend of stability and performance when it comes to sizes. You will want to check to make sure what size wheel your bike is compatible with, but many standard mountain bike frames are designed for 26” wheels.

You will also want to consider the width of the wheels. While it might seem like this is just an aesthetic preference, it also does affect performance. For reasons of both style and performance, the recent trend with wheels is to have a wider rim. In the past, the standard width was 19 mm, now it ranges from 21 to even over 30 mm.

As you increase the width of the rim, you increase the footprint size and air volume of the tire. This leads to enhanced stability, as well as better traction. The downside is that tires with wider rim widths tend to weigh more, which can negatively affect speed.

The weight of the rim is another factor that you will want to take into consideration. If you are doing a lot of uphill riding, you may prefer a lighter, more agile wheel. Lightweight wheels make it easier to climb steep inclines and can also add to improved handling as well. Many people report that lighter, thinner wheels also lead to improved braking ability.

Of course, the durability and cost of the wheels is also an important factor. It helps to choose wheels and rims that are well reviewed as durable and sturdy. It can also be helpful to set a budget in advance so as to help narrow down and eliminate options that you will need to research.

WheelMaster 16” Steel Bicycle Wheel

WheelMaster is a trusted and reputable maker of a variety of different kinds of bike wheels, from those designed for road bikes to those that are made for performance mountain biking. Their steel bolt on 26” wheel is an excellent choice and is a good blend of quality and affordability, available for less than $40 a wheel.

The wheel is made of high-grade steel with a black finish and features spokes made from 14 g chrome. The hub is 5/16 axle and is a bolt-on style.

Vuelta XRP Pro 26” Mountain Bike Wheel Set

Vuelta is a high-end, popular maker of a wide range of top-of-the-line mountain bike equipment and related accessories. Their XRP Pro 26” wheel set is an excellent value at less than $150 for a pair of super high-quality mountain bike wheels and rims.

The wheels are boxed alloy with pinned alloy wheels and also feature bladed aero spokes. The wheels also feature a super smooth sealed cartridge bearing hub and the wheels work incredibly well with both disc or rim brakes and come with a limited warranty from the manufacturer.

Sta-Tru Black Shimano Deore M590 8-9-10 Speed Cassette 26” Wheel

Sta-Tru is another trusted maker of a range of different bike wheels, including their Shimano Deore 26” wheels. These are high-end performance wheels that are available for less than $100 a wheel.

The wheels are perfect for expert riders and feature durable STW DW double wall 32h rims, as well as a Cassette 8-9-10 loose bearing hub. The wheel also has UCP spokes and features a bolt-on axle for easy installation.

Whether you choose one of the high-quality wheels and rims we briefly review here or use this as a starting point, it is important that you choose a high-quality, sturdy, and durable wheel that fits your bike and will provide a safe, stable, and comfortable ride. For this reason, we recommend 26” wheels for most mountain bikes as this is a good blend of performance and stability. You can easily find high-performance wheels from a wide range of different manufacturers, some of which are especially suited to certain types of terrain or activities to perfectly meet your individual needs.

OK, so you’ve bought the mountain bike or road bike, but it doesn’t come with fenders and mud would spray up from the tires all over you. Not to worry, there are plenty available on the market to buy that won’t set you back a fortune. There are many reasons as to why a cyclist may want to consider attaching fenders—or mudguards as they are known in the UK—to their road bike. But the main one is protection. Fenders, especially the rear fender, protect the brakes, as well as you and your clothes from getting splashed with water or mud as you ride through puddles or wet roads. They also protect the bike from dangerous elements such as debris, dirt, or sand that could cause significant damage over time.

Choosing the right fender for you

Like with most products these days, there are different variations of the road bike fender. So, now that you’ve made the decision to buy some, you just need to work out what type you need. The two main types of fender are:​

Other considerations

Before you make your road bike fender purchase you may also want to keep in mind:​

To give you a head start in your fender shopping expedition, below are a few of the most popular road bicycle fenders available currently:

1. Planet Bike Clip-Ons bike fenders

Price range: Mid

As far as clip-on bike fenders go, these are pretty good all around. They’re made of a weather resistant polycarbonate material that is hard-wearing and will last for years. You can clip them on and off with ease and they’ll fit on almost any bike. They’re very effective at keeping mud at bay and will make a great accessory to any bike.

Weight: 243 grams

Verdict: I love the sleek black look and the fact that they feel really sturdy too. However, you may need to use zip ties to keep them in place as they don’t feel mega secure when going over bumps.

Overall rating: 8/10

2. VeloChampion Rear Guard – Folding Road or MTB

Price range: Low

For a slightly more secure fitted bike fender you want to consider this model as a permanent fixture to your cycle. It’s simple yet effective design is flat at first then transforms into a curved mud guard once placed into your saddle’s rails. No tools or brackets are needed to fit this road bike bender either.

Weight: 20 grams

Verdict: These are extremely lightweight and you hardly even notice they’re there. They look good and provide adequate protection against the rain and mud. My only gripe is that they are a little on the flimsy side.

Overall rating: 9/10

3. SKS Raceblade Pro Bicycle Fender Set

Price range: High

If you’ve got a few dollars to spare then check these road bike fenders out. Made with a quick-release fitting system, these fenders provide great protection in even the worst of weather conditions. After some slight adjusting they can be removed and replaced in under 30 seconds and are fully disc brake compatible. They also have a paintwork protection film applied to keep them looking their best for longer.

Weight: 355 grams

Verdict: I love how solid these fenders feel and the ease at with which they can be put on. Definitely worth the extra money.

Overall rating: 10/10

4. Planet Bike 7058 Cascadia Fender Set Road

Price range: High

Another of the higher end models, these Planet Bike road bike fenders are very well built and, at 130 mm long, they provide more coverage than most standard models. Their all-weather-resistant coating means they can withstand even the harshest of weather conditions ensuring they remain looking their best for a long time.

Weight: 37 grams

Verdict: These fenders are very well made and will look great on any bike. They are a little awkward to fit, but once you have them on they do a great job at keeping you dry.

Overall rating: 9/10

5. BlueSunshine Adjustable Road Mountain Bike Fender Set

Price range: Low

If you want to add a splash of color to your bike, then look no further than these road bike fenders. Lightweight, easy to assemble, and available in a range of colors, these fenders will keep you looking fresh in the worst of weather. Made of high-quality synthetic fiber plastic, these fenders were built to last. They’re extremely stylish and will fit almost any road bike out there.

Weight: 203 grams

Verdict: They’re funky, they’re a great price, and they work well. And, considering they’re of the budget range, the quality isn’t too bad either. For the money you’re paying, what more could you ask for?

Overall rating: 10/10​

Cycling is a sport that many people enjoy. It’s also a great way for people of any age to stay in shape. Whether you’re just starting out in the world of racing or you’re a seasoned professional, choosing the right race bike for you is a serious matter. But what is it that makes a good road race bike?

You have had an entry-level road bike for a few years and you are looking for an upgrade. There are a few things to look out for when shopping for your next road race bike. First, and most importantly, because your new set of wheels is going to be used in such a high-paced environment, you want to ensure that the frame is made of high-quality materials and built to last. Typical materials used in road race bikes include aluminum, steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. Titanium frames will generally be the most expensive followed by full carbon fiber ones. This is down to the extra cost of the materials and the additional work that has to go into fabricating the frame.

Aluminum is the next best quality material as is light and relatively cheap. However, it’s not usually strong enough on its own and for that reason is usually mixed with another metal to form a more solid frame. Steel is also good to use as is durable but inexpensive. The problem is that it can easily rust if not protected properly and that extra layer of protection is what tends to push the prices up. While bearing that in mind, you also want to find a frame that’s relatively lightweight as less weight means more speed. Finding the right balance between durability and weight is essential for anyone serious about cycling.

Disc brakes are a relatively new feature that are being seen more and more today on high-end race bikes. This style of brake works differently to traditional brakes in the way in which they're applied. As the name suggests, disc brakes work similar to those of a car and transfer braking duties to a separate hub mounted rotor. They’re much more powerful than traditional style brakes, meaning they’ll stop easily without too much force. So, if you can afford a model with disc brakes it will save you the effort in the long run.

​Now that you know what makes a good road race bike, here’s a closer look at the top 5 that are available on the market at the moment:

1. Cyrusher XC760 Races Road Bike

Price range: Mid

This road race bike will have you racing to your heart’s content in no time at all. Its lightweight aluminum frame and steel fork give the bike great durability while the Shimano shifters and derailleurs make sure you get a smooth and even ride. This Cyrusher road race bike also comes equipped with a strong disc brake system and high double aluminum alloy rims to help keep you safe while out on the streets. It comes 90% pre-assembled and you get to choose from either a blue or a black model.

Number of Speeds: 14

Verdict: This road race bike is relatively easy to put together, comes fitted with powerful disc brakes, and it seems pretty durable so far. The shifters feel a little clunky but, other than that, it’s a smooth ride all-around.

Overall rating: 9/10

2. Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike

Price range: High

If you’re looking for a more professional level road race bike, this may be the model for you. Made using a high-quality aluminum frame and SST Steel Fork, this bike is durable and long-lasting. The premium compact handlebars give you a lot of power in a small package while the Tektro Lyra disc brakes give you increased stopping power. It has 28-inch rims to enable you tackle any terrain and is suitable for riders of all capabilities.

Number of speeds: 24

Verdict: This bike is great on so many levels. It offers a smooth gear change, it’s lightweight, and the disc brakes are really responsive. If you have the extra cash, it’s well worth investing in this model.

Overall rating: 10/10

3. Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21-Speed Shimano

Price range: Low

Classed more as entry level bike, this Vilano road bike is great for anyone who’s just starting out in the world of cycling. It’s got everything you need from a good all-around road race bike and comes in a choice of four great colors. There’s a lightweight aluminum frame for easy maneuverability, and Shimano components for quality, including A050 handlebar-mounted shifters for an easier ride. The brakes are alloy caliper brakes.

Number of speeds: 21

Verdict: This is a fantastic bike for beginners. It offers a smooth ride for a great price. The only issue I have with the bike is it’s not the easiest to assemble. However, once you get over that, it’s smooth cycling from there.

Overall rating: 9/10

4. Giordano Libero 1.6 Men’s Road Bike

Price range: High

A fantastic looking model, this road race bike will have you racing at speeds you never imagined. Everything about this bike is lightweight. Weighing in at just 26/29 pounds in total (depending on the size you choose), the Libero road race bike has a lightweight aluminum frame, quick-release alloy wheels, and a compact crank to keep the weight down to a minimum. It’s also fitted with Shimano shifters and derailleurs to ensure you have a smooth journey.The brakes on this road race bike are alloy side pull.

Number of speeds: 16

Verdict: Overall, it’s not too bad for a mid-range model. It’s sleek, very lightweight, and easy to assemble. But I do feel for the money you’re paying the quality of the tires could be a little better.

Overall rating: 8/10

5. Vilano Shadow 2.0 Road Bike

Price range: Mid

Kitted out with Shimano STI integrated brake levers and shifters, this road race bike is a force to be reckoned with. These two components offer more controlled caliper braking and more convenient shifting giving you a much smoother, more enjoyable ride. It’s also got high-quality Shimano front and rear derailleurs fitted. Add all of this to its lightweight aluminum aero frame and you have one lean mean cycling machine.

Number of speeds: 14

Verdict: The quality of the frame is good, as is the crank. But the quality starts to slide a little when it comes to both the tires and seat.

Overall rating: 8/10​

There’s nothing worse than being out on the road with the wind in your hair, when suddenly you realize you’ve got a flat tire. What’s worse, is knowing that you’re not prepared in the slightest and instead of an awesome ride ahead, you have a long walk of shame ahead of you because you didn’t bring or don’t own a bicycle pump. Part of being a responsible cyclist means looking after your bike and ensuring you have the right equipment with you at all times while out on it and that includes a bike pump.

Bike pumps come in all kinds of shapes and sizes and the one that’s best for you will depend on several things including your situation, your bike, and you preferences. Before now, you may not have even considered there were different types of bike pumps to sort out a flat tire or to improve the tire pressure so are not sure where to start—it was only the old trusty hand pump that was available. In which case, keep reading for some tips on how to choose your next bike pump and some of the best that are available at the moment.

Types of pump

Like mentioned previously, bike pumps come in a range of shapes and sizes and some will be better than others in certain situations. Here are a few examples of the type of pump you may come across and when it might be best used:​

Now that you know what types of pumps you may come across on your shopping trip, why not take a look at some of our favorite bike pumps available to buy currently:

1. Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit

Price range: Mid

Get double protection with this outstanding kit on offer by Vibreli. Not only do you get a mini, portable bike pump that requires no valve changing at all, you get a glueless puncture repair kit should the worst happen and it’s not just a flat. It comes complete with a mounting bracket to hook straight onto your bike with an added velcro strap that will keep it in place while riding.

Verdict: The pump’s ‘super fit clever valve’ really is a marvel. No longer do you have to mess around with changing valves. With this innovative design it is literally one size fits all (i.e. both Presta and Schrader valves). There are no leaks and you can easily carry it around with you.

Overall verdict: 10/10

2. BoG Products Mini High-Pressure Compact Bicycle Pump

Price range: Low

Another great example of a portable pump, this pump by BoG Products will not disappoint you. It’s lightweight and compact, so is perfect for carrying around. Simply slip it in your saddle bag or attach it to your bike using the plastic mount. There’s a double-ended hose for convenient valve connection and once attached its high-pressure inflation design will have your tire pumped in no time.

Verdict: It’s lightweight, durable, and will get you out of a deflated situation. However, it is quite hard to use and won’t give you an actual pressure reading.

Overall rating: 8/10

3. Vibrelli Performance Bike Floor Pump & Glueless Puncture Repair Kit

Price range: High

This is another fantastic model on offer from Vibrelli but, unlike the mini bike pump, this one’s a stay at home pump. It’s compatible with either Presta or Schrader valves using its special Rapid T-Valve adapter. Built using a strong steel barrel, this floor pump inflates up to 160 PSI, meaning your tires will be ready to go in no time at all. It also comes equipped with an accurate pressure gauge.

Verdict: It’s durable yet light and takes no effort at all to pump up bike tires. On top of that, it's got a working PSI gauge that lets you know where you’re at. The only thing that lets it down slightly is the T-Valve is quite fiddly and may take a while to attach.

Overall rating: 9/10

4. AMIIAM Portable Bike Floor Pump

Price range: Low

Made from aluminum alloy, this portable bike pump is ideal for use on the go. Its durable structure enables you to inflate over 100,000 times and its anti-skid pad means it will remain in place while doing so. This AMIIAM bike pump is lightweight and incredibly easy to use. It’s even got a barometer attached that gives you real time readings for more efficient inflating.

Verdict: There doesn’t appear to be any leakage when pumping and it does the job quickly. However, the nozzle is plastic and may need replacing after a few uses. It’s not too bad for the money you pay, but I have seen better quality models for a similar price.

Overall verdict: 8/10

5. BV Bicycle Ergonomic Bike Floor Pump

Price range: High

Another stay-at-home model, this bike floor pump is a must-have tool for just about anyone that owns a bike. Because it has such a long barrel, pumping takes far less effort than ever before. And, it’s twin-valve design means you can easily switch between valves without the worry about any leakages. There’s also a pressure gauge to give you accurate readings while inflating your tires. Being made of aluminum you can be sure this pump will last too.

Verdict: For a stay-at-home pump, this is one of the best on the market. It’s got a comfortable handle, is easy to use, and feels extremely solid while inflating.

Overall rating: 10/10​