Buy your two-wheeler insurance in 60 seconds!⚡

Plans starting @ ₹1.3/day*

Processing

Spoke Wheels Vs Alloy Wheels & Which is Better?

Did you know your bike's performance and efficiency also depend upon the quality of the tyre you are using? Choosing the type of wheels directly impacts the overall performance, fuel efficiency, and overall riding experience. In India, bike owners typically owns either spoke wheels or alloy wheels, each one coming with its pros & cons. To decide which one is better for you, we have given a comparative study between these two and how they can affect your two-wheeler insurance online policy.

What are Spoke Wheels?

Spoke wheels are traditional tyre models, which were primarily used before the 1970s and are known for their ruggedness & durability. They consist of a steel rim connected to the central hub by a series of metal spokes, providing superior shock absorption and flexibility.

They are used for designing dirt bikes, adventure bikes, ATVs, and scramblers that runs usually on rough terrains.

Key Features of Spoke Wheels

Highly flexible with effective shock absorbing formula.
Ideal for off-road biking and rough terrains.
More resistant to power brakes, making them tougher
Easy to repair or replace by a local mechanic or garage.
Heavier than alloy wheels, impacting fuel efficiency.

What are Alloy Wheels?

Alloy wheels are the new-age tubeless tyres designed to provide enhanced performance with more safety. They have changed the model of the tyre manufacturing industry. Since alloys are built of metals like aluminium and magnesium, they are light in weight and offers enhanced performance.

Since these wheels are tubeless and are cast from molten alloy, they are lighter and efficient than traditional spoke wheels. They are popular in sports bikes and street bikes for their speed and agility.

Key Features of Alloy Wheels

Lightweight and fuel-efficient.
Sleek, modern designs available in multiple colour options.
Corrosion-resistant and low maintenance.
Better handling and stability at high speeds.
Expensive and harder to repair than spoke wheels.

Difference Between Spoke Wheels and Alloy Wheels

Below is a comparative study between alloy wheels and spoke wheels highlighting the differences-

Categories	Spoke Wheels	Alloy Wheels
Sturdiness	Spoke wheels are comparatively stronger than alloy wheels. They have a strong grip and are suitable for adventure trips & off-road.	Alloy wheels are not as strong as spoke wheels. Also, they are prone to risks like cracks, curbs, and dents.
Flexibility	Spoke wheels are generally more flexible than alloys. That is why they are used extensively for off-road and adventures.	Alloy wheels are lighter in weight and tend to bend. However, they are comparatively less flexible than spoke wheels.
Fuel Efficiency	Spoke wheels have lower efficiency and use more fuel than alloy wheels.	The lightweight frame in alloy wheels allows them to put less pressure on the suspension for faster acceleration and enhanced fuel economy.
Tyre Quality	The quality of spoke wheels is low as compared to alloy wheels, as they use a traditional tube in their tyre model.	Alloy wheels use a high-quality tubeless tyre, which is the best among all.
Design of the Tyre	Spoke wheels are traditional tyres, which are available in a single colour.	You have many attractive colours and designs available in alloy wheels.
Process of Making	Unlike alloy wheels, spoke wheels are typically made up of steel and are heavyweight. The outer rim of the tyre is connected with the help of a wired spoke to the inner hub.	The process of casting used in the alloy wheels has more strength. Also, they are made out of magnesium and aluminium. Hence, they are lightweight.
Utilisation	The spoke wheels are usually preferred by dirt bikes or adventure bikes.	Sports bikes need fast acceleration. Hence, they use alloy wheels that are light in weight and offer maximum speed. Also, they offer greater stability even at the highest speed.
Price	The price of a spoke wheel is less than an alloy wheel.	To buy an alloy wheel, you will pay 50 per cent extra than a traditional steel wheel. They are expensive because of their elaborate production procedure.
Maintenance	Spoke wheels are low-maintenance tyres. They are designed for bad road conditions. Also, they can be serviced by any local mechanic.	Alloy wheels are expensive to repair and maintain. Unlike spoke wheels, they are subjected to complex repairing methods for bringing them back to their original shape.

Which One is Better - Spoke Wheel or Alloy Wheels?

From the above comparative study, it can be concluded that no wheel is perfectly designed. If you are a professional biker, then you must go for alloy wheels but if you are looking for a dirt bike or an ATV, then spoke wheels are the perfect choice for you.

Besides, an alloy wheel cannot be easily repaired. So once broken or bent, the wheel needs to be replaced. Hence, to protect your tyre from several damages, you must buy a tyre protection add-on cover with your two-wheeler insurance online. It will give you financial protection for the repair or replacement cost of the tyres.

Many two-wheeler insurance companies offer tyre protection add-on cover with a bike insurance policy on payment of an extra premium amount. Also, on Policybazaar.com, you can calculate the bike insurance premium amount before buying a policy using an online two-wheeler premium calculator.

FAQs About Difference Between Spoke Wheels and Alloy Wheels

Q.1 Do alloy wheels last long?

Ans: Yes, alloy wheels are durable and can last long if maintained properly. They resist corrosion but can crack under extreme conditions.
Q.2 Do alloy wheels damage easily?

Ans: Alloy wheels are lighter & stiffer, making them more prone to cracks and dents if exposed in extreme conditions, such as rough terrain & potholes. However, they resist rust better than steel wheels or spoke wheels.
Q.3 Can we convert spoke wheels to tubeless?

Ans: Yes, spoke wheels can be converted to tubeless by using a special rim tape or sealing kit. However, this can be done only by a professional and the process is complex.
Q.4 Why are alloy wheels costly?

Ans: They are made up of premium metals, such as aluminium and magnesium. Both of them are lighter in weight and stronger in composition. Moreover, their manufacturing process is more expensive, making the overall cost higher.
Q.5 Are spoked wheels better for off-road?

Ans: IYes, spoked wheels are better for off-road riding as they are great shocks absorber, good in handling rough terrain and more flexible than alloy wheels.

Explore More Under Bike Insurance

new-compare-save-upto-85-on-bike-insurance-mobile

Bike insurance companies

Bajaj Allianz Bike Insurance

Digit Bike Insurance

HDFC Ergo Bike Insurance

IFFCO Tokio Bike Insurance

Liberty Bike Insurance

National Bike Insurance

New India Assurance Bike Insurance

Oriental Bike Insurance

Reliance Bike Insurance

SBI Bike Insurance

Shriram Bike Insurance

Tata AIG Bike Insurance

United India Bike Insurance

Universal Sompo Bike Insurance

Zuno Bike Insurance

Zurich Kotak Bike Insurance

View more insurers

Disclaimer: The list mentioned is according to the alphabetical order of the insurance companies. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. This list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in