Spoke Wheels Vs Alloy Wheels – Which is Better?

Do you know your bike's performance and efficiency also depend upon the quality of the tyre you are using? ? In India, two types of tyres are used - spoke wheels and alloy wheels. To decide which one is better for you, we have given a comparative chart between the two to highlight their differences and how they can affect your two-wheeler insurance online policy.

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What is Spoke Wheels?

Spoke wheels are traditional tyre models, which were primarily used before the 1970s. They are made of spokes and steel rims. The spokes are built from steel & other similar metals and then are joined to the bike's hub, which contains the brake drum.

Spoke wheels are flexible and are used for designing dirt bikes, adventure bikes, ATVs, and scramblers.

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 thus, provide enhanced performance.

Alloy wheels are made by pouring hot molten alloy into the wheel cast. Once the alloy has cooled off the cast, the wheel can be extracted. This whole process is known as casting. The alloy wheels are expensive and demand high maintenance, but the benefits associated can easily overlook the cost factor.

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 percent 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 policy. 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 comprehensive bike insurance policy on payment of an extra premium amount. Also, on websites like Policybazaar.com, you can calculate the premium amount before buying a policy using an online two-wheeler premium calculator.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the differences between spoke wheels & alloy wheels, and thus, can easily choose between them when purchasing a new bike. However, do not forget to buy a tyre protection add-on cover with your two-wheeler insurance online policy to get coverage for the tyre replacement or repair.