Folding Bikes - Changing my wheels

IS it possible to change a wheel that's a 451 to a 406? I want to get studded tires for my winter commute, but they only have studded tires for a 406 (remember, I have 20 inch wheels)?

And does anyone know where I can get cheaper rims that are tough and hold up to bumps and heavier loads?

Koffee

IS it possible to change a wheel that's a 451 to a 406? I want to get studded tires for my winter commute, but they only have studded tires for a 406 (remember, I have 20 inch wheels)?

And does anyone know where I can get cheaper rims that are tough and hold up to bumps and heavier loads?

Koffee

It is feasible. Whether it will cost a lot or require a lot of work will depend on the brakes you have. The type of brakes you have will also be a factor in whether alternative tires will fit.

I think that it will take a considerable amount of effort to do the conversion.

The standard rim for small-wheeled tourers appears to be Sun Rhinolites. Check out gaerlan.com for his 20" wheel selection. The other place to look is the harris cyclery-->see Sheldonbrown.com.

Ok, if I have shimano ultegra, will that take too much? Or how can I find 451 studded tires?

Koffee

i dont know of any studded tires in 451..

i think the difference in the bead seat diameter of the 406 rims comes out to an additional brake reach of about 22.5mm
the slots in your caliper arms are probably not long enough to take up this amount,
so you might need to work something out with drop bolts or perhaps consider longer reach brakes

Ok, if I have shimano ultegra, will that take too much? Or how can I find 451 studded tires?

Koffee
Koffee,
Can you get an agressive tread tire in a 451? if so it is possible to add studs to a tire. Not sure who to contact to find out, possibly one of the ice racing sites? Also are you going to have enough clearance?

Aaron:)

I think the difference in the bead seat diameter of the 406 rims comes out to an additional brake reach of about 22.5mm
the slots in your caliper arms are probably not long enough to take up this amount,
so you might need to work something out with drop bolts or perhaps consider longer reach brakes

I think ultergra brakes have a reach of between 39 and 49 mm; so, if that's right, you'll need brakes with a reach of between 61.5 and 71.5. These aren't too common, but should be available for BMX bikes. I'd suggest going to your LBS for this just so you can make sure they fit. A better solution might to use drop bolts, which would allow you to use the brakes that are on your bike now and would give you better braking. According to Sheldon Brown these aren't currently available, but, if you're handy with a hacksaw and a drill you might want to try Sheldon Brown's suggestion for home made drop-bolts for dual pivot brakes, here. (http://sheldonbrown.com/home-drop.html)

Jonathan

I'm not handy with tools, but I'll talk to the folding bike dealer up north and tell them what you all said. Thanks to everyone for their ideas.

Koffee

...of course wheels with hub or disk brakes can be any size provided they fit onto the frame.
Huw