I decided what I need are better wheels for the Cadillac. The ones on it now are ok, but they're a little skinny. They run 1.95 tires and I don't feel they're good for much wider. Partly because of the small tires, but mostly my massive rear end, I've already broken a spoke once. I'd like to be able to run 2.125, or maybe 2.5 tires to get a little more cushy ride.
So what I did was go to my favorite bike store, REI, and order a set of custom made wheels. They're going to be 26" double wall, 28 mm wide, and compatible for V brakes, because I'm running a rear V brake. The hubs are sealed bearing, disk brake hubs, with quick release axles, and a 7 gear cassette. I tried to get 12g spokes, but the mechanic couldn't find any, so I'll have to make do with 14g.
I have good working relationship with the mechanic there. He's already repaired 3 wheels for me, and he's aware I'm using them on a motor bicycle. All his work for me has been wheel repair, and they've all been perfectly true, and tight after he gets through with them. He's one of these guys that uses a torque wrench on the spokes. Total cost for both wheels is $350 including labor. They should be good ones.
I'm also going to need a wider BB, because right now there's very little room between my tire, expansion chamber, and the peddle crank. I bought a 153 mm BB from SBP for this purpose.
Another added benifit to a bigger tire that I'm looking forward to is, taller gearing. Right now I'm falling just short of 40 mph, and would have to pull 7400 rpm to do it with my 36T. At that speed my powwa is already starting to drop off. I think I could pull 40 with a little taller gearing, and lower rpm.
It seems like a lot of money until you consider, just one wheel for my Harley cost over $1000.
So what I did was go to my favorite bike store, REI, and order a set of custom made wheels. They're going to be 26" double wall, 28 mm wide, and compatible for V brakes, because I'm running a rear V brake. The hubs are sealed bearing, disk brake hubs, with quick release axles, and a 7 gear cassette. I tried to get 12g spokes, but the mechanic couldn't find any, so I'll have to make do with 14g.
I have good working relationship with the mechanic there. He's already repaired 3 wheels for me, and he's aware I'm using them on a motor bicycle. All his work for me has been wheel repair, and they've all been perfectly true, and tight after he gets through with them. He's one of these guys that uses a torque wrench on the spokes. Total cost for both wheels is $350 including labor. They should be good ones.
I'm also going to need a wider BB, because right now there's very little room between my tire, expansion chamber, and the peddle crank. I bought a 153 mm BB from SBP for this purpose.
Another added benifit to a bigger tire that I'm looking forward to is, taller gearing. Right now I'm falling just short of 40 mph, and would have to pull 7400 rpm to do it with my 36T. At that speed my powwa is already starting to drop off. I think I could pull 40 with a little taller gearing, and lower rpm.
It seems like a lot of money until you consider, just one wheel for my Harley cost over $1000.
