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Unread 31-01-2012, 14:29
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Re: Bike tires allowed?

Quote:
Originally Posted by EricH View Post
That's actually a rather heavy bike for that size of wheel. The high-performance racing bikes don't weigh any 44 lbs; my mountain bike, which isn't high-performance, is much closer to the 20-30 lb range. It's got larger wheels than that, too.

I'd be VERY surprised if 4 standard bike wheels came in over 10 lbs; I'd figure more in the 4-8 lb range.
coming from a cycling background, I will say this:

4 20" wheels could weigh that much if the lowest quality components were chosen. as in the junk found on the wannabe type junk At walmart.

if you went with better grade BMX comonents, the wheels would be lighter and stronger, as BMX wheels are meant to take a beating. stunt riders slam them into curbs all the time...

(its hard to see, but the rim is in 2 pieces... one split is held together with the rim sticker)

I would not reccomend using recumbent/folding bike wheels (skinnier rims), as they are light but not meant to take abuse. I have actually shattered aluminum road rims (700C, not 20" granted) on square curbs before:




(as you might be able to see, the frame and fork were also damaged)

I was going about 15-20mph when I took a corner too hard... I weigh about 275lb.

IMHO, a robot getting slammed into the curb would not be that much different force wise.
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DISCLAIMER: Any opinions/comments posted are solely my personal opinion and does not reflect the views/opinions of FIRST, IndianaFIRST, or any other organization.

Last edited by ratdude747 : 31-01-2012 at 15:24.