What's the disadvantage of small wheels?

Trevor Jeffrey wrote:

BruceW..1 wrote in message ...

This boils down to a basic physics question. Is there a disadvantage to
riding smaller wheels (like 16")... that spin faster?


No racing tyres available.

The Schwalbe Stelvio [1] is intended for racing, and is available in
28-349, 28-355, 32-369, 28-406 and 28-451, and the Continental Gran Prix
is available in 28-406. This is every small tire size being commonly
used except for ISO 305, and the 37-305 Primo Comet is a lightweight and
low rolling resistance tire.

As for tubular/sew-up tires, I will annoy Mr. Jeffrey by saying that I
agree with Mr. Brandt that there is no point in putting up with all the
disadvantages of tubular tires since the introduction of high quality
clinchers.

[1]
http://www.schwalbetires.com/recumbent_performance.php?Nickname=STELVIO_R&Image =TireImages/stelvio.gif.

--
Tom Sherman – Curmudgeon

Tom Sherman wrote in message ...
The Schwalbe Stelvio [1] is intended for racing, and is available in
28-349, 28-355, 32-369, 28-406 and 28-451, and the Continental Gran Prix
is available in 28-406. This is every small tire size being commonly
used except for ISO 305, and the 37-305 Primo Comet is a lightweight and
low rolling resistance tire.

Oh.


As for tubular/sew-up tires, I will annoy Mr. Jeffrey by saying that I
agree with Mr. Brandt that there is no point in putting up with all the
disadvantages of tubular tires since the introduction of high quality
clinchers.

Like tubs are cheaper, have a higher safe load bearing capacity, are
lighter, flat slower due to a tube that fits perfectly. Stiffer rims,
lighter wheels. Flat safely due to them being glued to the rim. And there
is the rub, they're glued to the rim, but that is what makes them safe.
High quality clinchers, are these the same wired on tyres which are just as
difficult to remove and fit as a tubular, without the tubulars advantages?

Trevor

wrote in message . ..
snip
The Moulton site says:

"If you are still doubtful, consider the HPVs (Human Powered
Vehicles) developed for the ultimate performance - many of
these use the unique 17" Moulton wheels and tyres fitted to
the AM series bicycles. "

I don't know whether this means that the current 17" wheels
and tires are "unique" in size (not an industry standard) or
are "unique" in some other way.

snip

That was true when the *only* small-diameter, high-performance tires
available were the 17" Moulton tires. My original Lightning came with
them.

Nowadays there are many more choices in the so-called 20" size- which
is a little more than an inch larger in diameter (Moulton: 369 ETRTO
size, 20-inch: 406 ETRTO). The 406 ETRTO rims accept tires from 1"
(28-406 Continental or Schwalbe) to about 2" (Schwalbe, Avocet,
Maxxis, etc.). As far as I know, there are only two tires made in the
17" size, and very few places to get them.

Jeff