Does the 23 refer to the o.d. of the tyre? Knock 4.5" off it for a true rim size = 18.5. I'd seriously go to a breakers and get a pair of 21" steel rims from a trail 125 and then work on what tyre section goes with them. The proportions are going to revolve around big skinny wheels. That's my thoughts on it.
Board Track Racer / Vintage Wheel and Tire Considerations
- Thread starter wret
- Start date
The posts above have all your answers about wheel size. The problem with 23" wheels is that tire selection is very limited as described in one of DareDevils posts in this thread. 21" is a common size wheel that tires are readily available for & they actually stand taller than a 26" bicycle rim & tire. They look great on board track bikes. You said you're going to have a custom frame made so have the frame and fork made to fit whatever wheel and tire combo you select. .
Ludwig is absolutely correct in his post as well.
Rick C.
Ludwig is absolutely correct in his post as well.
Rick C.
Here's a quick visual reference for you all-
26" Worksman bicycle wheel = 22.75" edge to edge.
28" Antique bicycle wheel= 24.75" (note this is the same diameter that nearly all antique motorcycles used typically with a 3" tire, so add appox 6" overall...).
21" Motorcycle = 22" (Since Harley started using this size there is a wide assortment of tire choices nowadays!)
23" Motorcycle (Honda) = just sly of 24" Edge to edge (much more limited tire choices for these!).
26" Worksman bicycle wheel = 22.75" edge to edge.
28" Antique bicycle wheel= 24.75" (note this is the same diameter that nearly all antique motorcycles used typically with a 3" tire, so add appox 6" overall...).
21" Motorcycle = 22" (Since Harley started using this size there is a wide assortment of tire choices nowadays!)
23" Motorcycle (Honda) = just sly of 24" Edge to edge (much more limited tire choices for these!).
Who is a good supplier of these 21" rims? Estimated cost for front and rear with hubs, spokes etc. ready for tires?
Many ways to go about this, none really painless. It took me over 6 months to locate the last wheels I wanted, but you might find what you want the first day. I searched on ebay etc. I also went to auctions and salvage yards. I asked bikers if they had what I was searching for. Lot of work but with patience I found them for a very reasonable price. You got to do the research & know what you want. The easy way (kinda) is call a custom motorcycle wheel smith, like Buchanan's in Azusa, Ca. You supply the hubs and brakes off a small bike 125cc or so and they will lace them right. Quite expensive and not quickly at all, but just what you specify. Others may have a favorite shop for this. You could spend the same amount of time and less money to learn how to lace your own wheels, but few take this route.
Perhaps someone on this forum has a set to sell & that would be great luck on your part.
Rick C.
Perhaps someone on this forum has a set to sell & that would be great luck on your part.
Rick C.
Tom,
Two words never seen in the same sentence when talking about motor bike parts are, Fast and Cheap.
Steve.
Two words never seen in the same sentence when talking about motor bike parts are, Fast and Cheap.
Steve.
LOL...lol....a lot! I feel your pain brother....Bikes, no, but my ex...
(am I bitter sometimes? Why yes, yes I am — sometimes.)
Rick C.
I found no shortage of used 21" dirt bike rims when I put them on my bike (ebay). I got 2 in very good condition in the $25-$50 range. They are all front wheels so you will need to get creative on the rear. You could lace a moped hub to a 21" rim if you need sprockets on both sides. Or you could drill and bolt a sprocket onto a front hub to make a rear wheel.
Here is a recent wheel set with vintage colors. Indian red, Worksman rims, 11 ga spokes, disc brake hubs with creme colored tires. Going on an electric bike. Rotors are 180mm rear and 203mm up front. Tires are Fat Franks.
Cool Wheels by Pat Dolan, on Flickr
Cool Wheels by Pat Dolan, on Flickr