Why don't pedicab manufacturers use 20" wheels?

[Ken Cameron]

I have been wondering about this for a good long while. It seems to me that the 20" wheels are stronger, come in a wide variety of hole drillings (36, 48 etc), widths and strengths. There is a huge variety of suitable tires (up to 4.25 inches wide). As well, I have been told that 16" moped tires fit right on to the BMX 20" wheel. I have not tried this my self but if they do that would give a nice meaty tire that has a known load rating.

Does it all come down to rolling over bumps and not sinking as far into pot holes? I know that 20 inch wheels sink farther in to holes and impart a bigger and more sudden jolt when going over a bump. But it seems that builders can set up their passenger seats to have nice cushions and shocks to compensate for the bumpier ride from the wheels. So what gives? Any Ideas? I guess cobble stones would not be much fun on small wheels.

By the way, I got a private message asking about good strong pedicab wheels available in Europe. Any Europeans have some Ideas about the availability of 48 hole parts on your side of the pond? It seems like there wold have to be a BMX freestyle, or Downhill mountain bike shop that can sell some extra heavy rims with a tall side wall. The hard part of course is finding suitable hubs to go with your drive train.

[Greg]

The question is how does the wheel mount to the axle? I guess the gearing would have to be much different for 20" wheels. Much slower on the top end but, better for more weight and inclines and electric/ICE assist. I think a MS standard hub should lace up top a 20" rim. Anyone doing the 20" wheels?

[Ken Cameron]

The question is how does the wheel mount to the axle? I guess the gearing would have to be much different for 20" wheels. Much slower on the top end but, better for more weight and inclines and electric/ICE assist. I think a MS standard hub should lace up top a 20" rim. Anyone doing the 20" wheels?

I'm building my cab up with 20's.

The gearing on the cab can be what ever you want it to be (higher or lower). You control that by choosing the final drive ratio. In that I am using a 20" wheel the drive cog on the axle is smaller than the one that would be used on a bike running 26" wheels. This gives a smaller reduction from the jack shaft mid ship drive hub (or whatever it is called)

[Yendrek3]

Coming back to your question about not using 20'' wheels by the manufacturers? I will do my best to clarify this. The 20'' have some pros and cons. First problem is that the pedicab with 20'' are too slow, have a higher rolling resistance, particuclarly when fully loaded comparing to those with bigger wheels. Secondly manufacturers (I'm talking about tose reliable as Velocab, Maxpro, CM and Main Street) care about tyre max load. Bigger sized tyres can load more weight, the problem is that 20'' tyres can not load 3 pasangers accrding to the manufacturer's specs. It means that reputable manufacturers have to make their vehicles as safe as possible.

Thirdly, when tyres are permanently overloaded are more likely to get punctures.

[gondolaj]

The question is how does the wheel mount to the axle? I guess the gearing would have to be much different for 20" wheels. Much slower on the top end but, better for more weight and inclines and electric/ICE assist. I think a MS standard hub should lace up top a 20" rim. Anyone doing the 20" wheels?

My becak-style pedicab has two 20" wheels in front, with a 26" in back. The seat's cushy enough—and passengers are typically drunk enough—to absorb the road shock, and the wheels themselves are extremely strong and durable.

Jonas

[Greg]

I would love to see your Becak, Post a picture

Greg

[PedalPowerBikeTaxi]

I haven't seen any 24 or 26" tires equipped on trailers yet....but it is the norm on trikes.....

All of our drag trailers have 20" tires....and there is a definite maneuverability advantage to smaller diameter wheels.....but when we build vending and passenger trikes....they all go with 26"ers in the front, and 24"s in the back.

Definately helps in turning......but the drag is there on smaller tires.......20's are still fast though.......we beat the trikes all the time in distance/time and even in load carrying capacity...so I dont know who said they were slow!

James S.
Pedal Power Bike Taxi

[charlestonpedicabs]

I have been wondering about this for a good long while. It seems to me that the 20" wheels are stronger, come in a wide variety of hole drillings (36, 48 etc), widths and strengths. There is a huge variety of suitable tires (up to 4.25 inches wide). As well, I have been told that 16" moped tires fit right on to the BMX 20" wheel. I have not tried this my self but if they do that would give a nice meaty tire that has a known load rating.

Does it all come down to rolling over bumps and not sinking as far into pot holes? I know that 20 inch wheels sink farther in to holes and impart a bigger and more sudden jolt when going over a bump. But it seems that builders can set up their passenger seats to have nice cushions and shocks to compensate for the bumpier ride from the wheels. So what gives? Any Ideas? I guess cobble stones would not be much fun on small wheels.

By the way, I got a private message asking about good strong pedicab wheels available in Europe. Any Europeans have some Ideas about the availability of 48 hole parts on your side of the pond? It seems like there wold have to be a BMX freestyle, or Downhill mountain bike shop that can sell some extra heavy rims with a tall side wall. The hard part of course is finding suitable hubs to go with your drive train.

Check out ebay and view the wheel set I have made for every pedicab operator to enjoy.

Joel
Charleston Pediab

[MrRevolution]

Um, Cycles Maximus trikes use 20 inch wheels (in front). I help sell them in the united States. revrickshaws.com

[Yendrek3]

20'' front wheels have a pros and cons, trike's are very manoeuvrable but very unstable when you turn on the other hand, that happens sadly also on maxis