Question 1

What are the price ranges?

Accepted Answer

Major brands offer different price points for their hubs. The weight and finesse of the hub determine the category.
​
Shimano uses several categories for every application.
 • Road(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/road.html)
 • Gravel(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/gravel.html)
 • MTB(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/mtb.html)
 • City(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/urban.html)
 • Trekking(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/trekking.html)
 • BMX(https://bike.shimano.com/nl-NL/components/bmx.html)

Question 2

Why do I need to know the number of gears to determine my hub?

Accepted Answer

With a derailleur gear system, the rear hub has a body over which the cassette can be slid. The width of the body determines the maximum size of the cassette that can be slid onto it.
​
For example, an 11-speed cassette won't fit on a hub with an 8-speed hub body. For that, you'll need a hub body that's also compatible with an 11-speed cassette. This is usually indicated in the hub's specifications.

Question 3

Does it matter which spokes I use?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the spokes definitely make a difference. The spokes and their spoke patterns make your wheel stiff or supple. Light or extremely strong. Aerodynamic or durable and more affordable.
​
The spokes connect the frame and the rim, absorbing numerous impacts from both the road surface and the rider's input. This determines the level of comfort and the degree of power transfer to the wheel/tire.

Question 4

How do I know what my tire size or rim size is?

Accepted Answer

The tire size is printed on the sidewall of the bicycle tire. Nowadays, every manufacturer uses the ERTRO sizing system.
​
ERTRO tire 32-622 = tire width is 32mm. The inner diameter of the tire is 622mm.
​
The rim size is indicated in the same way.
ERTRO rim 19-622 = inner width of rim tread is 19mm. The outer diameter from tread to tread is 622mm, equal to that of the tire.
​
In the example above, the tire fits on the rim.
More info with a matrix in my blog (https://www.etappecycling.com/blog).

Question 5

How do I measure the installation width of my wheel?

Accepted Answer

To choose the right wheel, it's important to know the hub width. You can measure the hub width simply by removing the wheel from the front or rear fork and measuring from the inside of the left frame to the inside of the right frame.

Question 6

How do I buy the right tire?

Accepted Answer

How do I buy the right tire?

Choosing the perfect bike tire might seem like a simple task, but anyone standing in front of a shelf with dozens of options knows it can be quite a challenge. Whether you're a touring cyclist, a competitive cyclist, a commuter, or an everyday city cyclist, the right tire truly makes all the difference in comfort, safety, and riding enjoyment.

1. Start with your bike and riding style

Every bike requires its own type of tire. City bikes usually get wider, puncture-resistant tires. Mountain bikes require thicker tread and often tubeless capabilities. Road bikes benefit from light, fast tires. E-bikes, on the other hand, require extremely strong, smooth-rolling tires that last a long time. So consider: what will you be using the tire for most?

2. Determine the correct size

Check the sidewall of your current tire : you'll find the tire size there, for example, 37-622 (ETRTO) or 700x28C. These numbers tell you exactly what you need. The simplest approach is to choose a new tire of the same size. Not sure? Compare the numbers with the sizing chart in the (online) shop or ask for advice. Note: Inner tubes are often suitable for different widths, so choose a tire that fits your size within the range.

3. Choose the right valve

There are three main types of valves:

• Schrader (car valve): sturdy, easy to inflate, even at any gas station.
 • Presta (French valve): slimmer, especially on sports bikes and racing bikes.
 • Dunlop (Dutch valve): mainly used on city bikes in the Netherlands.

Choose the valve that fits your bike and pump. Not sure? Check your old tire, or take it with you to the store as a reference.

4. Note extras: anti-puncture and tubeless

Want a worry-free commute every day? Then choose tires with puncture protection (such as a protective anti-puncture layer) or even a tubeless system (without an inner tube). For the adventurous, there are self-sealing inner tubes or tires with extra tread for grip on gravel and unpaved paths.

5. Choose your favorite brand

Brands such as Schwalbe, Continental, Vredestein, Maxxis and Goodyear offer a suitable tire for every bike and every need, from rock-hard city tires to high-performance racing tires.

Question 7

What spoke patterns are there?

Accepted Answer

Many types of spokes are available. Most bicycles use a 13G or 14G spoke thickness. MTBs, road bikes, cyclocross bikes, and gravel bikes use the lighter (thinner) 14G spoke. Depending on the application and desired weight or aerodynamics, we use the following 14G spokes:

• CX-Ray spokes J-bend and Straight Pull; very light and strong spokes. Used by demanding cyclists, such as top cyclists, triathletes, cyclocross riders, and even downhillers.

• Round 2mm J-bend spokes; standard spokes with a 2mm diameter across the entire length. Used on both sports bikes and city bikes.
A J-bend spoke

• Double-butted spoke 2mm - 1.65mm - 2mm; Reasonably priced spoke for maximum strength and minimal weight.

Question 8

What is TPI?

Accepted Answer

TPI stands for the number of "threads per inch" that make up a tire's casing. The casing is the tire's skeleton: the more and thinner the threads used, the more flexible, lighter, and more sensitive the tire becomes to road imperfections.

Question 9

Which type of enviolo hub do I need for my bike?

Accepted Answer

The choice between an enviolo modular thru axle and a solid axle depends on the frame type, desired compatibility, and your bike's intended use. 1. Frame type and enviolo compatibility

• Solid axle (135 mm): Suitable for classic frames with open dropouts (quick release/screw axle).
    • Widely used on traditional cargo bikes, trekking bikes and city bikes.
    • Mounting with nuts or quick release, easy to replace or repair.

• Modular axle (thru axle / thru-axle, 148 mm):
    • Designed for modern frames with closed dropouts (thru-axle system).
    • Provides extra stiffness, especially under heavy loads or disc brakes.
    • Mounting via a thru axle that is pushed through the frame and the hub and screwed down.

2. Use and tax

• Solid axle: Excellent choice for everyday use, city riding, and classic transport bicycles.
    • Easy maintenance and universally applicable.
    • Strong enough for most applications, even with luggage or light cargo loads.

• Modular axle (thru-axle, 148 mm): Recommended for heavy loads (cargo bikes, e-bikes, professional applications).
    • Offers increased stiffness and safety under high forces, such as disc brakes or heavy loads.
    • Ideal if your bike is equipped with modern thru axle dropouts.

3. Future-proof and flexible

Fixed axle: universal and compatible with most existing frames.
 • Easy to replace, wide availability of parts.

• Modular axle (thru-axle, 148 mm): Flexibly adaptable to different thru-axle standards (sometimes with adapters).
    • Better suited for future upgrades or if you regularly change frames.

Question 10

Replacing your Enviolo rear wheel yourself... Is that easy on a cargo bike?

Accepted Answer

You've been riding your cargo bike for three years without any problems, and suddenly, just outside the warranty... your gears are sticking. Can you replace the rear wheel on your Urban Arrow yourself?

Question 11

How do you determine the correct spoke tension?

Accepted Answer

A properly spoked wheel is essential for a smooth ride, durability, and optimal performance. Insufficient spoke tension can lead to a weak wheel and broken spokes, while too much tension can damage the rim. But how do you determine the correct spoke tension? In this blog post, we explain it step by step.

Question 12

Hands-free communication on the bike. Is that possible?

Accepted Answer

We live in an age of digital technology. It's practically impossible to imagine anything too crazy. The same applies to the cycling world and everything that comes with it. It also offers solutions in the form of communication. For various reasons, it can be difficult to make yourself understood on the bike. You know the drill: wind, narrow bike paths (not being able to ride side by side), your buddy cycling too fast, hearing loss, and so on and so forth.

A solution for making it easier to connect with each other has been around for several years. Motorcycle intercom manufacturer Cardo was ahead of its time and has years of experience in communication solutions between riders. This brand has become indispensable.

The Terrano Systems brand was born from Cardo Systems. Further developed and specifically for cyclists. Launched a few years ago with the Terrano XT and will have a successor in 2024 with the Terrano Q. Rock solid, can withstand a blow and can be attached to any helmet. In addition, it excels in ease of use.

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