Handling Characteristics of Wider vs. Narrower wheels
#1
Handling Characteristics of Wider vs. Narrower wheels
Beginning to do research into new wheels for my Fat Bob... It has stock aluminum rims, which I don't think do that much for the bike. Plus, I believe the back wheel is 5" wide and the front wheel is 3", which looks great, but before I get spendy on some new wheels, I thought I might check in.
I'm looking at some aluminum spoked rims that I really like the look of. Something like this http://www.hdwheels.com/images/40-60...0and%20Rim.jpg is what I am hoping to achieve in terms of how the wheels look.
Looks aren't the only reason... I also think they would be lighter, and less likely to catch sidewinds going over the bridge. But the opportunity to make an improvement to the bike that can also add to the handling of the bike; I like that. Money is my final consideration... if anyone has any suggestions on similar wheels I'd be very interested.
I can get them in any configuration, right? I would assume there would be some kind of spacer available to put the narrower tire on the bob. If the stock front is currently 16 X 3, would it help or impair the bikes handling to get say a wheel that is 18 X 3? Or even 2.5" wide wheel...? I have changed the shocks in back, and springs in front, but have maintained my stock height... If the wheel diameter is bigger by 2" do I have to lower the forks by that much?
How about the back wheel. I guess I can fit an 18 X 5.5 under there without too much problem, but I gotta ask, how narrow can I go, to improve handling, without making the bike look like a really heavy moped! Or would I be better off staying with a 16" wheel and getting say 4" wide?
The possibilities are endless. If anyone has any good ideas, I'm open to hear them.
Thank You
I'm looking at some aluminum spoked rims that I really like the look of. Something like this http://www.hdwheels.com/images/40-60...0and%20Rim.jpg is what I am hoping to achieve in terms of how the wheels look.
Looks aren't the only reason... I also think they would be lighter, and less likely to catch sidewinds going over the bridge. But the opportunity to make an improvement to the bike that can also add to the handling of the bike; I like that. Money is my final consideration... if anyone has any suggestions on similar wheels I'd be very interested.
I can get them in any configuration, right? I would assume there would be some kind of spacer available to put the narrower tire on the bob. If the stock front is currently 16 X 3, would it help or impair the bikes handling to get say a wheel that is 18 X 3? Or even 2.5" wide wheel...? I have changed the shocks in back, and springs in front, but have maintained my stock height... If the wheel diameter is bigger by 2" do I have to lower the forks by that much?
How about the back wheel. I guess I can fit an 18 X 5.5 under there without too much problem, but I gotta ask, how narrow can I go, to improve handling, without making the bike look like a really heavy moped! Or would I be better off staying with a 16" wheel and getting say 4" wide?
The possibilities are endless. If anyone has any good ideas, I'm open to hear them.
Thank You
#2
Just addressing the wide/narrow question. I would not say a narrower front wheel is better handling, just different. It will be more sensitive to input and as such it will turn in quicker. This could be good or bad depending on your riding habits. It will also deflect more on rocks or other road imperfections. If your bridge is grated the narrower tire will be much more influenced by the various grooves.
A wider wheel/tire will have opposite characteristics. They are heavier and require more rider input, but they are by no means poorer handling. Thier contact patch is larger so you'll have more traction and less reaction to irregularities.
A taller wheel will also slow steering while a shorter wheel will turn quicker. That's why super sports run a 16" in front.
It's all in the feel you want that makes it the right choice for you.
A wider wheel/tire will have opposite characteristics. They are heavier and require more rider input, but they are by no means poorer handling. Thier contact patch is larger so you'll have more traction and less reaction to irregularities.
A taller wheel will also slow steering while a shorter wheel will turn quicker. That's why super sports run a 16" in front.
It's all in the feel you want that makes it the right choice for you.
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