small wheels, big frame
09-09-09, 03:13 PM
#1
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small wheels, big frame
is it possible to put 20 or 24 inch wheels on a road bike frame without changing the frame or fork? i know that the brake mounts would be useless and the clearance is changed, but i'm ok with that. is it easier, harder, possible, impossible to do it with a single speed or fixed gear?
09-09-09, 03:21 PM
#2
Part-time epistemologist
is it possible to put 20 or 24 inch wheels on a road bike frame without changing the frame or fork? i know that the brake mounts would be useless and the clearance is changed, but i'm ok with that. is it easier, harder, possible, impossible to do it with a single speed or fixed gear?
If you want a small wheel bike, look for the mini velos -- Dahon makes the hammerhead -- or folding bikes.
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09-09-09, 08:41 PM
#3
Uber Goober
You could possibly put shorter crank arms on it and help some.
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09-09-09, 08:53 PM
#4
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Totally possible, as long as the hub width/spacing is similar. SS/FG hubs are usually narrower than geared hubs/dropouts.
You may have to put on shorter cranks due to having less bottom bracket clearance, definitely if you went from 700c to 20".
You may have to put on shorter cranks due to having less bottom bracket clearance, definitely if you went from 700c to 20".
09-10-09, 11:40 AM
#5
Senior Member
20" on a road bike frame is pretty much impossible without some frame modifications. As in, you can't get cranks short enough to be able to clear the ground.
09-10-09, 12:02 PM
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If your chainring clears the ground, you can get cranks short enough to work.
09-10-09, 06:52 PM
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09-11-09, 07:04 AM
#8
Pedaled too far.
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C'mon, just because there aren't gear teeth all the way around the chainwheel?
Anyway, that shouldn't matter too much here in alt-bikes.
If you want practicality, try the Utility Bike forum. 
Anyway, that shouldn't matter too much here in alt-bikes.
If you want practicality, try the Utility Bike forum.
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Last edited by Artkansas; 09-11-09 at 07:08 AM.
09-11-09, 11:10 AM
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09-13-09, 09:06 PM
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09-24-09, 10:58 AM
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I've slapped 24" wheels onto a old 27" road bike (about a 53-55cm frame) - it worked as long as you didn't lean into corners too much. I think the cranks were just 170s, nothing too long, but they'd strike the ground if you were in the wrong part of your pedal stroke as you turned.
10-26-09, 03:33 PM
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I'd go with 165mm or even shorter cranks. You could put 20" wheels on it but then the crank needs to be proportionately shorter to avoid pedal strike when leaning on turns.
11-12-09, 01:30 AM
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It should be harder on a fixie since you can't coast through a turn to keep from striking the ground.
11-12-09, 08:19 AM
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funny I didn't hear anyone mention brakes
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