Should You Buy Tyre Protection for Alloy or Spoke Wheels?

Are you confused about using Alloy wheels or Spoke wheels for your two-wheeler? In this post, we give a comparison chart highlighting the two kinds of tyres and their differences. Also, we will explain how these tyres impact your two-wheeler online insurance policy.

What are Spoke Wheels?

They are traditional models of tyres that were used in the early 90s. Spoke and steel rims are used to make these wheels. The material used to make wheels is steel and similar metals, which are then joined to the hub of the bike containing the brake drum.

These flexible multi-spoke wheels were used before the 1970s and are mainly used for dirt/adventure bikes, ATVs, etc.

What are Alloy Wheels?

These are tubeless tyres of contemporary times. These are mainly designed to offer safety and greater performance. The introduction of these wheels has revolutionized the tyre manufacturing industry. Metals like aluminium and magnesium are used to make the alloy wheels lightweight and thus suitable for superior performance.

These wheels are created by pouring melted hot alloy into casts of wheels in a process called casting wheel. The wheel is extracted once the alloy cools off. These wheels are expensive because the alloys are costly and require more maintenance. However, despite the cost, these wheels are highly beneficial and long-lasting.

Difference between Spoke Wheels and Alloy Wheels?

Categories	Spoke Wheels	Alloy Wheels
Durability	As compared to Alloy wheels, spoke wheels are strong and sturdy. Their grip is firmer and better, and hence, they are suitable for off-road trips and adventure rides.	Alloy wheels are prone to cracks, dents, etc., as they are not as strong as spoke wheels.
Elasticity	These wheels are more elastic and flexible as compared to alloys. Hence, they are better for long off-road trips.	These are lightweight wheels and, therefore, bent easily. They are also less elastic as compared to spoke wheels on bikes.
Fuel efficient	They consume fuel in more quantity than alloy wheels and have low fuel efficiency.	These wheels use low pressure on suspension and allow more fuel efficiency.
Tyre quality	They are of low quality as compared to alloy wheels. This is because they use traditional tubes in their tyres.	They use superior quality tubeless tyres for best performance
Tyre design	These are traditional tyres that are mostly available in one color.	They use many attractive colors and styles.
Making process	The spoke wheels are made from steel and are heavy in weight. A wired spoke connects the outer tyre rim to the inner hub.	The alloy wheels use a process of casting, which is strong as they are made of magnesium and aluminium. Thus, they are light in energy.
Utilization	These wheels are generally preferred by dirt/adventure bikes.	These wheels need greater acceleration, and so they use alloy wheels, which are lightweight with good speed.
Price	They are less costly as compared to alloy wheels.	These wheels charge 50% more than the spoke wheels. Their contemporary production procedure makes them expensive.
Maintenance	These are low-maintenance wheels used for bad roads and can be repaired by local garages.	They need more money for maintenance and repair and have a complex repair process.

Which Wheel is Better for You – Spoke Wheels or Alloy Wheels?

From the comparison above, you can state that both types of tyres have strengths and flaws, and neither of the two is designed to be perfect. So, you have to use your common sense and rationale while choosing the tyre for your bike/two-wheeler. For professional two-wheelers, alloy wheels serve better, and spoke wheels will go for dirt bikes and ATVs.

You may also note that alloy wheels are easily repairable. In case broken or damaged, these wheels are required to be replaced. This means that you have to buy extra coverage of protection or an add-on coverage to cover the repair and replacement cost of such tyres.