Thread: Wheel diameter?
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Old 06-01-07, 09:15 AM
  #9  
Leisesturm
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The last poster had me sucked in behind for the ride until s/he mentioned 'looks'. I was never trying to argue that small wheels don't drastically decrease the ride quality when the going gets rough. Suspension must be used and it better be well designed too. Moulton knows that and from the very beginning his 20" bikes were suspended even though suspension science has come a long way since his first efforts. Smaller wheels are stronger wheels period. However, at the present level of performance even large wheels are not in any danger of failing in normal use. Still, at the present state of the art of recumbent design, when a rear wheel is driven it must be 26" or larger in order to use a long cage derailleur. When the driven rear wheel is 20" some kind of expensive geared hub or jackshaft intermediate must be used to get a decent range or high gear.

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