wheel size and speed?

Cabinfever1977 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 10:22 PM

i have a 26" mountainbike and i can do around 20mph+
if i use smaller wheels how will it effect my speed and stuff?

Gator Wrestler · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 10:43 PM

This depends on the type of drive system used. A friction drive is not influenced by wheel size. A belt or chain drive system will tend to give lower top speed but more torque with a smaller wheel. This is assuming the same size is used for the other drive components. There are however other considerations; the main one being overall drive ratio. I would suggest that one immerse himself in the wealth of information to be found in these forums.

mechanickid · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 10:54 PM

a smaller wheel will make you go slower. if your going 20mph with your 26" you will go 15.10mph with a 20 inch.

mechanickid · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 10:55 PM

assuming you have a standard china kit.

Cabinfever1977 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 11:08 PM

looks like i'll probally stick with my 26" wheels.
i was asking cause i have a 18" front and 16" rear wheel with a sprocket attached,these left over from my electric bike parts.
i have a 48cc dual start starfire II grubee frame mount.
my bike will do more than 20mph but i let off the throttle at 20.
but my $10 walmart speedo could be not working right,as it felt like i was doing 30mph or so and the speedo kept resetting itself.
i think i have a 41t sprocket on back.
the bike will go up a steep hill full speed,no problems at all.

Cabinfever1977 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2009, 11:33 PM

i looked it up.
if i wanted to use the smaller wheels i would have to get a smaller 27T sprocket,in order to go the same speed.

Andyinchville1 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 09:37 PM

HI,

FWIW a 27T sprocket on a 20" wheel acts about the same as a 35T sprocket on a 26" wheel.....

Andrew

Mrakulous · #8 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 11:45 AM

I have 20" wheels on my 26" old schwinn frame. With the standard kit, i think I've gotten it up to 15-20 mph. I don't have a speedo, but the cars in my nieghborhood don't seem to pass me too fast. The spped limit is 25. That's my white Grand Marquis I'm not allowed to drive anymore.

Cabinfever1977 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 12:27 PM

thats a kool bike

Upshifter · #10 (**permalink**) 04-04-2009, 03:06 PM

How about taking a mountain bike with 26 inch wheels and installing 24 inch wheels? Would that be a good way to lower the bike, and lower the gear ratio for more power and less speed?

I have a Chinese Roadmaster mountain bike with 24 inch wheels, and I have another similar Chinese mountain bike with 26 inch wheels.

Of course the bike with 26 inch wheels has a larger frame too. I'd like to use the smaller wheels on it; and I'll have to modify the brakes to get them to work with the smaller wheels. But, I want a lower center of gravity, and I want a lower gear without having to change the rear sprocket. Wheel diameter will take care of that.

What do you think?