{"id":40651,"date":"2023-06-01T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/?p=40651"},"modified":"2023-10-05T02:15:14","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T02:15:14","slug":"are-bigger-bicycle-wheels-faster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discerningcyclist.com\/are-bigger-bicycle-wheels-faster\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Bigger Bicycle Wheels Faster? (ANALYSIS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Have you wondered why bicycle wheels come in different sizes? Why some models of mountain bikes have a choice of 26 inch diameter or 29 inch diameter rims? Do you know your rotational energy from your gyroscopic stability? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The bike is a fascinating, ongoing physics experiment. In its simple terms, to move forwards you\u2019re only adding the physical capabilities of the body to the relative simplicity of the mechanical advantage gained whilst pedalling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From this template, it\u2019s been relatively simple for boffins to experiment, research and develop those terms learned in science lessons. They\u2019re investigating acceleration, air and wind resistance, inertia, aerodynamics and friction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But then lower-cost testing by passionate enthusiasts out of a Californian garage and an accident of availability<\/a> helped to create the first mountain bike wheels and a dedicated mind created a stowaway with 17 inch wheels<\/a>. Vast budgets and multi-million pound wind-tunnel testing is often saved for Olympians with wings<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The size<\/a>, weight and rigidity of wheels<\/a> all contribute to the maximum speed that a person can reach on a bike and the time it takes to get there. To most people, faster can mean the ability to move quickly, or taking a comparatively shorter time to get somewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll examine the reasons why different wheel sizes make you faster in different circumstances and also look at some of the more practical reasons for different wheel sizes. This isn\u2019t a science assignment and wheel size can be as much to do with practicality, marketing and gimmicks as the attainment of speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are definitely reasons other than speed and going faster that should influence your choice of wheel size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve come a long way from the Penny Farthing<\/a>. Road, hybrid and gravel bikes<\/a> are now rooted to a 622 millimetre (mm) wheel diameter known as 700c. This default size is a European concept from the 1970s. There are small variations around that width for specialist wheels. A smaller version known as 650b is 584mm in width and is increasing in popularity<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n Mountain bike rims vacillate between 660.4mm and 736.6mm – the higher amount known as a 29er. These differences are to control comfort and handling. Folding bikes<\/a> typically operate with a 406.4mm to 508mm rim diameter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their size is largely practical to assist with the fold but there are some advantages. If you want practicality and standard diameter rims<\/a>, you can have that too.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBicycle Wheel Sizes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Does Bike Wheel Size Affect Speed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n