Wheels, Tires, Tubes, Rim Straps, and Spokes

Question 1

There are two different types of tube valves; what are they called?

Answer 1

• Shrader (most common)
• Presta (nut valve)

Question 2

How do you read an ISO tire spec? Ex,. 40 - 635

Answer 2

40 is the width in mm, and 635 is the bead seat diameter.

Question 3

How do you read a French tire specification? Ex,. 700 x 32

Answer 3

The readings are opposite to ISO specs. 700 is the bead seat diameter, and 40 is the width in mm.

Question 4

Why do rims have rim tape/rim strips?

Answer 4

To prevent the tire tube from getting punctured by spoke nipples.

Question 5

Which way does the spoke nipple turn?
Left = _____ Right = _____?

Answer 5

Left = tighten
Right = loosen

Question 6

How much do you need to turn your spoke nipple when making adjustments?

Answer 6

1/4 to 1/2 turn at a time.

Question 7

You are correcting lateral runout on your bike rim. The rim is rubbing on the right; how do you make an adjustment?

Answer 7

Move the rim to the left by tightening the spokes on the left. If your rim is not making good adjustments and more movement is required, loosen spokes on the right.