No matter what bike you ride, having the best fixie wheels is a necessity. The wheels, after all, are the components of the bike that touch the ground, plus they’re the ones providing support for your body.
Wheels have the same purpose on all bikes but they come in different forms and styles, and ending up with the wrong one can make for unpleasant riding experience. With the right pair of wheels, however, biking will be more pleasurable.
If you’re unsure of what wheels to get, feel free to check out this guide. I have gone over several wheels for fixies and handpicked the best of the bunch. This guide also includes information about bicycle wheels in general so when you read the reviews, you will know what those features are and what they mean. In addition, we’re going to highlight the prominent features of each wheel.
How to Choose the Best Fixie Wheels
There are several features and factors that should be considered before purchasing a pair of wheels. Here are some pointers that you should look into.
Types of Wheels
Bicycles wheels come in three types.
- Shallow Section: these are found on beginner wheels and are among the most affordable. They are durable and the strength to weight ratio is good enough for new riders. It is good choice for new riders who need to gain experience.
- Mid-section: mid-section wheels are not widely used, but some riders enjoy using mid-section wheels because they are light, runs fast on flat surfaces and versatile enough to be used on climbing.
- Deep section: these are the fastest and the only choice for top level road racing. Deep section wheels are utilized on flat surfaces as the aerodynamics helps improve its performance. Improvements in the technology have also led to the deep section wheel being used in mountain riding.
Braking Surfaces
There are two types, carbon braking surface, and aluminum surface braking. Between the two, aluminum is more consistent and smoother, and it is easier to prepare a flat braking surface with aluminum. This does not mean carbon fiber isn’t any good, it is just that aluminum is the one you’re most likely to come across.
Tubeless, Clincher and Tubular Tires
You’re bound to come across these terms when buying a bike, so let’s break them down.
- Clincher wheels: these are the most common and provide optimum convenience. There is a bead on the rim so the tire remains in place, and the inner tube pressure sets the tire bead into place, increasing safety. There is a reason why clincher tires are the most common, and if you are a beginner this is the one you will want to use first.
- Tubular wheel: these are lighter than clincher wheels. It doesn’t have a bead seat, and while some riders prefer this it does take more time to set up, and you have to choose between tubular tape or glue. While there are benefits to using this, the set up maybe a bit too involved for beginners.
- Tubeless wheels: tubeless wheels are gaining popularity, and a lot of manufacturers now offer a tubeless version of their products. They are a bit heavier than clincher but don’t have inner tubes, keeping the rotation mass intact.
Rim Material
Rim materials are either aluminum or carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is the preferred choice for racing due to its stiffness and lightness. Aluminum on the other hand, is preferable when it comes to braking, though carbon fiber is making inroads. What you need to remember is that these metals are not equally made as some are better than others.
There is no standard as far as rim width is concerned, though the 622mm diameter for the seat bead is the industry standard. The trend nowadays is for wider rims because it leads to a stiffer wheel and greater volume for the tire. The end result is you have greater control over your bike and it reduces the risk of flats. The wide rims are also more aerodynamically sound.
Other Considerations
Some manufacturers try to make their products stand out by adding or changing certain features, so check your bike’s setup before buying a replacement wheel. However, if you buy any of the bikes we have reviewed below, there is no need to worry about compatibility as they have standard components.
Recommended Best Fixie Wheels Reviews
The information above should make it easier to understand the different types of wheels and their features such as those in the reviews below.
1.TBVECHI 700c 3 Spoke Fixie Fixed Gear Single Speed Bike Front Rear Mag Wheels Set
Are you looking to buy fixed gear wheels for your bicycle? Let’s take a look at the TBVECHI 700c 3 Spoke Fixie Fixed Gear Single Speed Bike Front Rear Mag Wheels Set. These wheels are made of alloy 7075, and they stand at a height of 30mm. The drilling the wheels stand. They have 3mm alloy bladed spokes. They have a front drilling of 20 and a rear drilling of 28. We think these are a good buy because of their simple but elegant style, as well as the fact that they are durable.
Pros
- They work well for everyday cycling. If your bicycle is your primary mode of transport, these wheels may be a good buy for you
- To avoid potential damage to the frame, the washers are made of brass and have knurled contact faces
- They have a simple design
- They are durable
Cons
- The cog is not included
2.S3X 700c Alex Sub Sturmey Archer 3 Speed Hub Fixed Gear Wheel
Are you looking to buy fixed gear wheels for your bicycle? Let’s take a look at the TBVECHI 700c 3 Spoke Fixie Fixed Gear Single Speed Bike Front Rear Mag Wheels Set. These wheels are made of alloy 7075, and they stand at a height of 30mm. The drilling the wheels stand. They have 3mm alloy bladed spokes. They have a front drilling of 20 and a rear drilling of 28. We think these are a good buy because of their simple but elegant style, as well as the fact that they are durable.
Pros
- They work well for everyday cycling. If your bicycle is your primary mode of transport, these wheels may be a good buy for you
- To avoid potential damage to the frame, the washers are made of brass and have knurled contact faces
- They have a simple design
- They are durable
Cons
- The cog is not included
3. ACS Mag 5-Spoke Rear Wheel
A lot of customers have given the ACS Mag positive reviews for its durability and they are well-deserved. The construction is solid and can take a lot of hits even when used extensively.
The wheel is well-designed, as can be seen from its sealed bearings and the included bolts.
The nuts on the bearings are very tight for safety reasons, but you can remove them with the right approach. The wheels do not have that stiff feel that comes with other similar products and provides enough flexibility for use on road bikes.
Highlighted Features
- 20 inch tire and wheel built to last
- High quality clincher tires
- Uses Standard Schrader valve
- Designed for different types of bikes
4.Firmstrong Beach Cruiser Bicycle Wheelset, Front and Rear
Are you considering buying a new set of wheels for your bicycle? With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in it all. Let’s take a look at a particular wheelset. The Firmstrong Beach Cruiser Bicycle Wheelset, Front, and Rear. It is made of aluminium and is best suited for a 24 inch single-speed Firmstrong urban man and urban Lady beach cruiser bikes.
The rims measure 24inches by 1.75inches and they are made of alloy. You can also get them in 26inches.
Pros
- They come in fun colours so you can choose what you need for your bike, whether you want to match the colours or you want to have some contrast
- You can use the wheels on different beach cruiser bicycles, even if they are of different makes, as long as they are 24inches.
- They are affordable
- They are durable
Cons
- Assembly can be tricky if you are a novice.
Final Verdict on Best Fixie Wheels
If you’re riding a car you don’t take the tires for granted, and the same rule should apply to bikes. No matter how durable the frame is, it’s not going to do much if your wheels aren’t any good, so don’t neglect this part of your bike.
The wheels we reviewed earlier have differences but the things they share in common are efficiency and reliability. All of them actually qualify as among the best fixie wheels for your money as they are versatile enough to be used in different situations. If you’re tired of having to constantly replace your bike’s wheels due to punctures, then give these a try.