felge

Felge is the wheel rim, the circular outer part of a wheel on which a tire is mounted. It is used on various types of wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles, cars and trucks. The rim forms the structural backbone of the wheel in combination with spokes and the hub, and it can also provide a braking surface for rim brakes in some designs.

A rim typically consists of a bed where the tire bead sits, and, in many wheels, a braking surface for rim brakes. Bicycle rims often have drilled spoke holes and a flange or other features for attaching spokes. Key dimensional properties include the bead seat diameter, inner width, and overall diameter, as well as the rim’s offset in certain wheel systems. Modern rims frequently accommodate tubeless tires and may be described as tubeless-ready or tubeless-compatible. The material and construction method influence weight, stiffness, durability, and ride characteristics.

Materials range from steel and aluminum alloys to carbon fiber (for higher-end applications), with aluminum and steel still common in many automotive and bicycle rims. Aluminum rims are typically cast or forged; forged rims are generally lighter and stronger, while carbon fiber rims offer high stiffness and low weight but at higher cost. For automobiles, rims are designed to fit specific tire sizes, wheel hubs, and vehicle dynamics, while bicycle rims must match tire width, braking system, and spoke pattern.

Maintenance concerns include checking for bends, cracks, or deformation, which can compromise safety, and ensuring proper tire seating and tubeless sealing. Rim compatibility with tires, tubes, and braking systems is essential for performance and safety.