larger wheels on a road bike

[jonny jeez]

I'm guessing that my road bike already has 29ers but is there an argument to provide even bigger wheels for road bikes...especially given that materials are now readily available to offset the weight disadvantage.

Would the gearing work better or worse?...clearly harder to turn but perhaps allowing smaller chainrings

I ask because a larger wheel would allow a smaller (perhaps not shorter), lower more reactive frame...i assume and smoother rolling?

So can I expect to see 31 inch road wheels anytime soon.

 

[neil_merseyside]

I'm guessing that my road bike already has 29ers but is there an argument to provide even bigger wheels for road bikes...especially given that materials are now readily available to offset the weight disadvantage.

Would the gearing work better or worse?...clearly harder to turn but perhaps allowing smaller chainrings

I ask because a larger wheel would allow a smaller (perhaps not shorter), lower more reactive frame...i assume and smoother rolling?

So can I expect to see 31 inch road wheels anytime soon.

Penny Farthings had A big wheel - get two and a brazing torch?

 

[MichaelW2]

29"=700c=29".
This size is the largest than can fit into the normal range of adult bicycles and maintain sufficient headtube height and front-centre spacing (ie toe/rim overlap).
For smaller roadbikes, 700c is too large and they would be made better using a smaller diameter 26" wheel such as 650c.
XL and XXL bikes could be made with a larger diameter wheel but the market is too small, inventory costs are too high and elite racing requires a uniform wheels size for neutral support (mavic motorbike guys).
Gearing has been independent of wheel diameter since the invention of the Rover Safety Bicycle in 1888.
If you fit a larger wheel and wish to maintain the same gear ratios, you fit larger rear sprockets. Gear inches measure the gear ratios inclusive of wheel diameter. Larger riders should, in any case, be using longer cranks. Wheel diameter (or crank length) does not generate power.

Rolling resistance is one factor but not the only one.
A large wheel would not result in a smaller or lower frame. Bottom bracket height is independent of wheel size. The axles would be higher but that would not lead to more responsiveness.

 

[Sharky]

Wasn't there a post about bikes with 36" wheels last year?

 

[Smurfy]

So can I expect to see 31 inch road wheels anytime soon.

@MichaelW2 is correct upthread. However, for those that like something different for the sake of being different.
https://36ers.wordpress.com/

Note the curved seat tube to reduce the frame geometry problems of large wheels

There's a UK builder making them too
http://www.yourspokes.co.uk/36er-mountain-bikes/

 

[neil_merseyside]

@MichaelW2 is correct upthread. However, for those that like something different for the sake of being different.
https://36ers.wordpress.com/

Note the curved seat tube to reduce the frame geometry problems of large wheels

There's a UK builder making them too
http://www.yourspokes.co.uk/36er-mountain-bikes/

My god that looks hideous!

 

[Smurfy]

My god that looks hideous!

Which bit? For me the handlebars are the worst offence. I'd like to try riding it though, bet it rolls easily on rough ground.

 

[neil_merseyside]

Which bit? For me the handlebars are the worst offence. I'd like to try riding it though, bet it rolls easily on rough ground.

Just the proportions really, and it looks like it'll have toe overlap, and that jumper is a bit iffy too...
Quite like the curved seat post though.

 

[neil_merseyside]

I'm sure this large wheel proto fad will (if makers get their way) go the way of the MTB so expect an 800C sometime soon.
MTB 26" goes to 29" 'to roll better' and then when that fad peaked it's let's go in between the SWB 26" super manouverable, and the now seemingly ponderous 29" easy rollers to something in between.

 

[Tojo]

Which bit? For me the handlebars are the worst offence. I'd like to try riding it though, bet it rolls easily on rough ground.

Yes, until you approach a tree, rock or some other obstacle and you cannot turn the bloody thing........

 

[Gravity Aided]

Schwinn Sprints had those curved seatubes in the 1970's

(image from the web)
Also a "no" to the jumper. Taste takes a holiday.

 

[Gravity Aided]

How much do 36 inch bicycle tires cost?

 

[Tojo]

How much do 36 inch bicycle tires cost?

Who makes the f*ckers......

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Which bit? For me the handlebars are the worst offence. I'd like to try riding it though, bet it rolls easily on rough ground.

I like the look of them, but yes, although those handlebars are too small, that jumper is the worst bit by a country mile!!

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Wasn't there a post about bikes with 36" wheels last year?

This!:

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/what-are-the-thoughts-on-these-monsters.157642/#post-3112441