Wheel dimensions and specifications
How to Measure Spoke Length: From Tire Sidewall Numbers to the Right Spoke
How to measure bicycle and motorcycle spoke length, from reading tire sidewall and rim markings to measuring J-bend and straight-pull spokes, finding rim ERD and calculating the length a wheel needs.
Bicycle Rim Cross-Section Anatomy Explained, Starting with the Numbers on Your Tire
How to read tire sidewall numbers and how they relate to a bicycle rim's cross section: bead seat, rim bed, sidewalls, internal width, rim depth, and single-wall vs double-wall rims, with worked size calculations.
Wheel Rim Drop Center: Dimensions and How to Measure Them
How to read the tire sidewall and rim markings, calculate sidewall height, overall diameter and circumference, and measure a rim's drop-center well depth, width and position.
Bicycle Thru-Axle Hex Size: Finding the Right Tool
Most bike thru-axles use a 6 mm hex, but 5 mm, 8 mm and Torx heads also exist. Learn how to read axle and tire markings and how to pick the correct hex key.
How to Measure Bicycle Rim Depth, Starting With the Numbers on Your Tire
How to measure bicycle rim depth step by step, which reference points to use, and how tire sidewall sizes relate to rim diameter, wheel diameter and circumference.
What Is a Deep-Dish Wheel? Reading Tire Sizes, Offset and Lip Depth
What a deep-dish wheel is and how to read it: tire sidewall numbers, rim width, offset, backspacing, worked size calculations, and how dish affects spoke length.
Wheel Hub Runout Tolerance: Measurement and Interpretation
Learn what wheel hub runout tolerance means, how to measure lateral runout on the hub flange with a dial indicator, and how tire size changes the effect of hub runout at the rim and tread.
How to Measure Effective Rim Diameter (ERD): From Tire Markings to Spoke Length
Learn how to read bicycle tire and rim markings, how they relate to effective rim diameter, and how to measure ERD accurately to calculate spoke length.
How to Measure Wheel Radial Runout, Starting With the Numbers on the Tire Sidewall
A guide to wheel radial runout measurement. Read tire sidewall markings, calculate sidewall height and diameter, then measure radial deviation at the rim bead seat with a dial indicator.
How to Measure Wheel Lateral Runout, Starting With the Tire Sidewall
How to measure wheel lateral runout with a dial indicator, how to read tire sidewall markings and size geometry, and how to compare readings with wheel runout tolerance specifications.