Originally Posted by
foldingdroid
Hi pinholecam, is 451 better than 406? What are the advantages of 451 over 406 or is it the other way around?
Depends on the ride we do and even till now, I am thinking about it....
451 is larger in diameter, and because of that, I find that whatever the inefficiencies/losses in a smaller wheel, seems to be reduced between 406 to 451.
My same bike that has been converted from 406 to 451 has become faster wrt 700c bikes in the usual weekend rides.
Perhaps a larger diameter just means that inefficiencies like bearing losses, rolling irregularities, etc become less repeated for the same speed, but I only know that its faster in 451 for sure vs the usual roadies that I ride with on the weekends.
406, has the advantage of more tire options.
Wider tires for light trails, or harsh roads or just comfort with the option to for thin tires as well.
451 is generally stuck with 1 1/8 wide tires as the widest and limited in choices.