18's or 16's?
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 150
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From: Wisconsin, by God!
18's or 16's?
I'm shopping for new spoke rims and whitewall tires. I've kind of got that retro/socal look to my bike. It currently has a Klockwerks front fender that will expcept either size. I kind of want the 21 inch up front, but not enough to change front fenders. So my question is, do I gain anything by stepping up to 18 inch rims. In regards to looks or performance, I mean. I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences on this topic.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
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From: Bluffton, South Carolina
18" rims are bigger!! LOL But seriously the have a little less rollilg resistance, but take a little more force to get them rolling and to stop them because of the larger diameter. It's just simple physics. If you like the looks go for it. Hope this helps.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Bluffton, South Carolina
At 6'3" any extra ride height wouldn't make a difference. I would look at some bike magazines for some similar bikes as yours and go with whatever look you like. Both sizes are being used with great results. Sorry I can't be of any more assistance, go with what you like!!!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
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From: Potsdam, NY
I'm shopping for new spoke rims and whitewall tires. I've kind of got that retro/socal look to my bike. It currently has a Klockwerks front fender that will expcept either size. I kind of want the 21 inch up front, but not enough to change front fenders. So my question is, do I gain anything by stepping up to 18 inch rims. In regards to looks or performance, I mean. I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences on this topic.
there is no performance advantage in going larger.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 829
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From: lakeland fl
an 18" wheel with a low profile tire is not much if any different diameter than a 16" with a stock tire
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Richmond, VA
I am sure to be in the minority, but I like the look of 16's over the 18's up front. Since you declared the 21 to be off the table, I think a beefy 16 will look better. Now, of course thats just my opinion and the decision is your but I would go 16. I just happen to think that 18's look too much like 19's that kinda missed the point. IMHO, fuller fenders like Fatboys look good with 16's.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Hallsville, Tx.
The only one so far that actually knows what he is talking about. All you have to do is read than do not post is you do not know what you are talking about! Read the Metzler tire chart found on my web site;2008 Metzeler Tire Guide PDF Download They have the weights, tread widths, and total height. If any of the above members ever had any real experience (other than kickstart pan) in riding you would have known that the length of the sidewall or lack of, the taller the sidewall the more comfort you will get going over bumps. With a rigid, that is all of the shock you have. When you go to a thinner side wall your ride comfort decreases. The quality of the rubber also plays a part in this. You want to look good at the bar, put on a 18" rear rim and enjoy the degrade of ride comfort all the way back to your house from the bar. Of course if you do not ride enough or do not know the difference, than it really does not matter. The rolling resistance is directly proportional to the compound of the tire, the tire pressure you keep it at (recommended or low), and the width of the tread. That is why those big wide rear wheel choppers use around 1/2 their horsepower turning the wide tread & heavy wheel.