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Debating on Alloy Wheels vs. Spoke Wheels?

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Types of wheels have always made a lot of difference in the ride quality of two-wheelers. Spoke wheels are the age-old, tried and tested wheel design that has been used ever since the evolution of automobiles. Alloy wheels are the newer concept, which has been made available with the enhancements in metallurgy and metal forging. To identify the different types of wheels, just look at them. If the wheel has many thin wires holding it to the hub, it is a spoke wheel. If there are just 4-5 solid bars at connection, it is an alloy wheel.

Making the decision between alloy and spoke wheels is very complicated compared to some other decisions like buying two wheeler insurance online. So below are some points to note.

Alloy Wheels vs. Spoke Wheels – Difference in construction

Construction is the basic factor, which differentiates the alloy wheels and spoke wheels. Spoke wheels are made of steel. Alloy wheels are made of lighter metals, commonly aluminium or magnesium. More expensive titanium alloys are also being made, but those are only available in very high-end two-wheelers. Alloy wheels are commonly cast or forged. Spoke wheels are made by bending a steel rim in shape and connecting wire spokes to the inner hub and outer rim. Spokes are generally screwed in the rim so microscopic gaps remain in it, whereas alloy wheels do not have any gap and tyres fit in them airtight.

Advantages of alloy wheels

• Ability to use tubeless tyres: The biggest advantage of alloy wheels is that you can use tubeless tyres with them. This is not possible in spoke wheels. Tubeless tyres are much less susceptible to punctures than traditional tube and tyre models.

• Lightweight: Since alloy wheels are made of lighter metals, they are overall lightweight as compared to steel made spoke wheels. Lighter alloy wheels are both more fuel-efficient, aerodynamic, and experience less rolling resistance.

• Available in many beautiful designs: Alloy wheels are available in many designs and colours.

Disadvantages of alloy wheels

• More expensive: Alloy wheels are overall more expensive. They are very costly to manufacture because the metals used are more expensive and the manufacturing process itself is more specialized.

• Thief magnets: Considering their looks and high cost, alloy wheels attract unwanted attention as well. Leave your vehicle unattended for some time in a secluded area and there is a big risk of your alloys being stolen. Thankfully, this is covered by your comprehensive bike insurance.

• Lesser durability: The alloy wheels are made of lighter and softer metals. If they encounter large road bumps at very high speeds, they tend to bend and become unusable unless properly repaired.

• Costly to repair: Alloy wheels are much costlier to repair than spoke wheels because when they bend or break, the entire wheel has to be repaired as compared to spoke wheels whereas individual spokes can be easily replaced at a marginal price. Many times, it is simply not worth repairing alloys

Advantages of spoke wheels

• Cheaper to purchase:  Steel used to make spoke wheels is cheaper and overall, less steel is used. Its manufacturing process is simple and technology is completely mature. This makes spoke wheels cheaper to buy than alloys.

• Cheaper and easier to repair: Since spoke wheels are simple and durable, they can be easily repaired. No specialized equipment is needed to repair them and there are many repair service providers in the market. Repair costs are easily covered by own damage insurance for bike.

• Usable in rough and off-road conditions: As compared to alloys, which do not take bumps well, spoke wheels are very well suited for rough road and off-road conditions, especially in rural areas.

Disadvantages of spoke wheels

• Heavier: Being made of steel, the spoke wheels are much heavier, which makes removing them harder.

• Less fuel-efficient : The higher weight of spoke wheels also makes them less fuel-efficient and the air crisscrossing the spokes increases aerodynamic drag, thus impacting performance.

Conclusion

Consider all these points and give them due weightage to decide, which wheel type suits your needs. No matter what type of wheel you choose for your two-wheeler, protect them with a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by
Mukesh Kumar | Motor Insurance Expert | 36+ years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in the insurance industry, Mukesh Kumar has the expertise of handling various functions like Business Development, Underwriting, Claims, Human Resources, Quality Management and Marketing. With rich knowledge of the industry, he loves to share his views on topics of insurance sector and takes special interest in educating people on advantages of having insurance.

Few other articles:

• Safe Driving Saves Lives: ten best safety rules you should follow

• Guide to Purchase and Maintain Your Bike Helmet

• Things to keep in mind while getting two-wheeler insurance

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