The PERFECT Recumbent - Wheel Size

OK, our group so far agrees two wheels is the best way to go. Now for the next question. What size wheels??? (We have already had some discussion on this so far, but here is the time to REALLY tell us how you feel about the subject.)

I guess we have two main themes here. The first is, should both wheels be the same size or different sizes? Then the next question is what size?

Here is another poll and let's see what the group thinks. Post your replies here on wheel sizes.

For this discussion let's just keep the wheel measurement in inches.

 

The problem I see with the search for the "perfect" anything is that what is perfect for one purpose/individual could be totally unsuitable for another.

Personally, for a solo ride I prefer 2 wheels over 3 and a smaller wheel in the front than the rear (20 x 26 or 20 x 700C). But that doesn't mean I don't like trikes, especially for a tandem.

The Catrike 700 is a good example of this set up on a trike but I tend to like 3 20 inch wheels on a trike.

I'm not a big fan of same size wheels on a bike though, regardless of whether they are 20, 26. or 700C. However, I know plenty of people who wouldn't ride anything else.

That's what I think is so great about the recumbent world. Yes the amount of diversity makes choosing what's best for you and your purposes more difficult. But it also does give you the ability to find that which is "perfect" for your individual needs.

 

We've heard arguements forever about whether larger wheels reduce rolling resistance and have advantages over smaller. The bottom line seems to be there is no bottom line significant or definitive advantage.

That said, same size or different on a given frame could resolve control or positioning issues.

Mike makes a good point that I said to a upright biker friend just this past weekend: From a distance a group of upright bikes look like sheep, pretty much all the same. But a group of 'bents can be spotted from a mile away and looks like the entire Animal Farm.

My dual 20" on both the Tailwind and the Rocket have one distinct advantage: I need carry only one size spare tube.

Dave

 

Dave,

I won't dispute that for one minute. When we went on the KATY trail, I carried ONE 20 inch tube for all 3 tires on my trike. Took a spare tire too!!! On my V-Rex I have to take TWO tubes (a 20 and 26 inch). More weight, more space but not too terrible. I will sacrifice an extra tube for the lower Bottom Bracket and faster back tire.

I guess we will find out Saturday won't we???

I wonder how much weight difference there is on our front chain rings. You need a bigger chain ring to compensation for you smaller back tire. I am sure there is some difference, but because chain rings are so light anyway, I bet it isn't much. Just a thought.

 

Well, all 20's are not the same. The 20-406 is the most popular.

The 20-451 is a taller faster ride. My avorite 20 and I'm in fine
company with Fast Freddie.

I may just take my second P-38 and equip it with velicity 451's.

The 700c is a nice smooth road wheel. This is the way Gardner
Martin did it and Fast Freddie still does: 700c/451(20).

 

My Honeybee bike (P-38 clone) has a 451 front and 700c on the rear. I have thin high pressure tires. I love my set up. Smooth, fast and comfy.

 

Yeah, without the 62/11 combo I'd never keep up with you large back tire people, esp. since I have dual 20-406. If I recall correctly the actual gear inches for the V-Rex and Rocket are almost identical. It's also hard to keep up with somebody like Buddy who runs 120psi tires on the P-38.
I would guess the larger chain ring weight is outweighed by the larger wheel & tire. I'm not a Weight Weenie but plan on stripping the Rocket down as far as practical for Saturday. Could drop a couple of pounds by losing the rear trunk. I'll carry a spare tube vs. patches only just cuz it so much faster if needed. Don and some others have recently lost significant cycle weight by changing to the carbon fiber seat (pounds, not ounces).

The rest stops are so close together that I don't see a need to carry much water. I'll probably instead carry instant water. Just zip open the pouch, add water, mix, and enjoy.

 

Old Buddy can't stay out front. When Dave gets a big wheel, lookout. He is
already the strongest rider I know. A 62 chainring! That's a full 10 more than
the P-38. Oh well, we are getting ready to see a lot of pain and suffering.
The DF's will pass in droves. They will be nursing sore this and sore that as
we ride through the rest stops, then here they will come again in a few miles.
I think of it as hammer and hurt. Been there and done that and no thank
you, never again. Thank the Lord. I'm blessed.

I don't carry a tube. I carry a patch kit and two tools. I've been known to
patch a tire without removing the wheel. I start with new Continintal
tires and tubes and hope for the best. On this ride, stay in the middle
of the road. Stay away from the edge of the road where the glass and stuff is.
Ease over the RR tracks. Pay attention and travel light. If you are well
hydrated three days up to the ride, you will do well with one 12 oz bottle
between rest stops, and you may not need that. I'll drink 12 glasses of
water every day this week. I may be able to skip several rest areas. That
just kills the DF'ers and I love it. I see a lot of surprised stares as I ride
through. If you don't hydrate this week, you may not do as well Saturday.
If you hydrate this week, you will not need near as much water Saturday.
If you don't hydrate this week, then you will need to drink continously
Saturday. I see men with those gallon water bags on their back. That
right there is enough to over heat a person. Enjoy, be good, have fun.

 

Where are you getting your instant water? I checked with my LBS and she doesn't stock it.

 

In the first thread on this discussion Ward said "If there were more wheels/ tires available 24" would probably be a good size for bents."

The 24x24 would be a good compromise between stand over height and rear wheel size for gearing purposes. I did some checking and decent rims and tires are available in 24" sizes.

I just happen to have an old Mixte sitting out back. It has some fairly decent wheels on it. I guess that my next project will be to see if I can stuff those wheels on one of my bikes. If I can it will be interesting experiment to see what difference it will make.

 

It's a Thunderbolt clone....

 

I went with 26x26. My reasoning for this is fairly simple, in that a larger wheel/tire tends to make for a smoother ride, and everyone has heard me gripe about how rough some of the places I have to ride are. That and 26 inch wheels tend to be stronger - better to support my overgrown ...

 

Oh ok...well some type of clone...its a great ride.

 

While i totally agree with the smoother ride ;i read an article from Greenspeed where test show that the 20" wheels have better lateral strength for hard cornering...I also have to completely agree with the other poster who said there is no such thing as the "perfect" setup since there is such a diversity in riding styles and needs.
I chose other simply because i prefer 3 wheels for my style of riding..I am planning to purchase a 2 wheeler to ride with you guys on the day rides you guys frequent...But for daily long distance heavier loads give me 3 26'' wheels...I have come to the conclusion i am never going to be fast so i want to be comfortable..That sounds kind of "oxymoronic" ( how do you like that word) considering i am sleeping on the ground every night and usually taking a ***** bath most nights,and eating out of the bag....lol

 

Gene, I think it depends a lot on what type of wheels are being looked at as far as whether a 20 or a 26 is stronger, but certainly in a latteral loading situation, there is much less leverage on a 20", so that only makes sense. Latteral loading matters more on a trike where you corner hard without leaning into the turn than it does on a bike, where leaning into the turn tends to keep the loading vertical on the wheels.