A carbon fiber road bike wheel is one of the best performance upgrades you can make to your bicycle. It reduces your effort and friction when riding, making cycling less tiring and more enjoyable.

Carbon fiber is a very strong, light and stiff material that is used for a variety of applications including bikes. It is made by using layers of long carbon filaments that are woven together to create a stronger composite material.

The material is extremely durable and won't bend or break easily like aluminium. It's also much less prone to corrosion and the resin that holds it all together is very durable.

Weight: Carbon rims are typically lighter than aluminium wheels. This helps reduce the amount of power you need to push your bike forward, and it can also improve your comfort by reducing vibrations.

Rims are also a key factor in aerodynamics. Manufacturers often claim carbon rims are more aerodynamic than their aluminium counterparts. However, a wide range of factors can affect real-world drag savings, including tyre size, frame design and wind conditions.

Spokes: Most spokes are steel, but a few high-end wheelsets use carbon spokes to cut weight. They thread into the hub and usually have a nipple that allows the spoke to be tightened to ensure the rim is centred on the hub.

The most important features to look for when choosing a wheel are weight, rim width and depth. These are a major consideration because they make an impact on your bike's aerodynamics, as well as how you ride the bike.