Bicycle wheels are qualified for a specific purpose according to ASTM International's classification of bicycle wheels. The classification of wheels defines the purpose and performance standards. It is presented on a 1-5 grade scale, the development of which is shown below.
Based on ASTM F2043-13 "Standard Classification for Bicycle Usage".
https://www.astm.org/f2043-13r18.html ASTM F2043-13
ASTM International classification
1. highway
The purpose is to drive on a level and paved surface, and the goal is to maintain tire contact with the ground, there may be a brief and accidental loss of tire contact with the ground.
2. gravel, CX
The conditions described in Section 1 extended to: unpaved roads, gravel roads and off-road paths with a non-steep slope. Tire contact with uneven ground is allowed, as well as loss of contact with the ground. Jumps of up to 15 cm (6″) are allowed.
3. MTB XC/XCM
Conditions described in points 1 and 2 expanded to include: bumpy off-road paths and unpaved, difficult off-road paths for advanced cyclists, requiring appropriate technical skills of the user. Jumps up to 61 cm (24″) are allowed. Despite adherence to the conditions, damage to the wheel materials may occur due to the user's technical error while riding.
4. enduro
The conditions described in points 1, 2, 3 expanded to include: allowing jumps up to 122 cm (48″) and maximum speed on technically difficult downhill sections up to 40 km/h (25 mph). Despite adherence to the conditions, damage to the wheel materials may occur due to technical error by the user during the ride.
5. Downhill / Freeride
The conditions described in points 1, 2, 3, 4 extended to: extreme jumps, no speed limit on technically difficult downhill sections, no limit on the allowable jump. Due to the extremely high overloads, despite compliance with the conditions, damage to the wheel materials may occur due to technical error by the user during the ride.
Presented destinations of cycling varieties are examples - the characteristics of a particular route, for example, set by the organizer of the competition, may contain elements beyond the discussed classification.
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