Spokesmaneditor

Has anyone tried changing the 406 front wheel on a V-rex (2001) with a 451 wheel? The fork seems to have plenty of room. As far as I can figure, the crank will be a bit higher, but not that high. I am thinking it might be faster with larger wheels and there appear to be v-brakes that would adjust to the size difference (Paul's Motolite V-brake). Any thoughts about this (positive or negative) are appreciated. Or would this just be a waste of time?

Just can't leave things alone.

JanMM

There have been V-Rex's in the past that came from Kansas with 451 front wheels. In combination with 700c rear, if I remember what I read.

vik 

I think it would be a complete waste of time and money. The slight change in wheel size is not going give you a sudden performance boost.

Depending what tire you are currently running up front you may be able to get better performance with a simple tire swap.

DennyV

I had a 97 Vrex that was 559x451. There was perhaps a small increase in speed, but finding good 451 tires can be a challenge. I don't know if your current fork would support it, but you could go to a bike shop that supports BMX and Freestyle bikes and ask to try a 451 wheel for a fit.
As a previous poster stated you're probably better off finding some fast tires for you're current wheels.

BlazingPedals

My V-Rex24 has a 451 in front. That's the size RANS used for front tires in the 90s. I've seen old Strats and Nimbii with 451, too. Personally, I think most recumbents would benefit from using the 451 size. Tire availability would follow, just as tires have followed the 406 size.

Changing to a 451 would probably require a fork change, since the brakes on the original fork wouldn't reach. How much $$$ are you willing to spend on such a small change?

Tom Bombadil

Exactly why should one expect increased speed from using a 451 front wheel vs a 406???

evblazer

I experienced a large increase in speed going from dual 559 to dual 406 myself (different bike of course)
Is it the same reason people say 700s are faster then 26" (559) they are bigger and roll better through uneven surfaces and the like?

BlazingPedals

The difference in speed would be minimal and the cost of conversion would be relatively high. (But my preference is still for 451!)

gruffydd

I enjoy messing about like that also. (And I can get into some fine messes) But do it because it would be an enjoyable mechanical adventure. Don't do it for speed, as others have said. I really don't think there would be any gain in speed.

But having said that, I am thinking about going to 451 wheels on my Raleigh folder, just for fun.

Spokesmaneditor

I thank you all for your comments. Not sure if I am going to do it or not. I will try several tire combinations first and see how things progress (as I wear out the tires).

In the mean time, the biggest change is probably me getting used to the recumbent. I am getting better, but it looks like it is going to take some time (translation, several thousand miles). I have about 400 miles on it and I am much improved. Interesting, I am now much stronger on my upright. Unfortunately, that also means I am much faster on the upright (compared to the recumbent), especially on the hills around Birmingham.

In group rides, there is still a huge difference between me on the recumbent (getting dropped on the rollers/hills) and me on the upright (not). Huge.


Cheers and thanks for the comments.

BlazingPedals

Part of the trick to recumbent speeds is to unlearn how you rode an upright. Hills are different. Up as well as down. Flats and winds are different too. Rules you learned on your upright might not apply the same way anymore. Learn the differences and figure out ways to take advantage wherever you can.