Hi, right now I do trails, 2.5 foot drops max, very minor trials (I’m learning)
I have a 26 inch wheel. Are there any downsides to this over a 24" wheel? I can see it being weaker (going on mt mountainbike background), but would it really matter all that much? It seems that a majority of riders are on 24’s.
The main advantage to a 24" wheel is that you can use a Nokian Gazzaloddi 24x3 downhill tire (assuming you have enough frame clearance, and a wide rim), which is considered by many to be the best MUni tire available. There is also a 26x3 Gazz, but that is to big in my opinion, and not many people ride them. Also, as you said, 24" wheels are stronger. If I where you, I would stick with your current unicycle until you start bending parts, and than invest in a 24x3 MUni with a Profile hub.
Ben
What’s the tire with cool flames for tread? Do those look awesome but suck?
Re: Downside to 26" ?
— Sofa <Sofa.1l1hb@timelimit.unicyclist.com> wrote:
>
> What’s the tire with cool flames for tread? Do those look awesome but
> suck?
>
This tire is called the Dyno Fireball. Unfortunately it’s no longer available because it’s a good
tire for doing trials on a 24" wheel, and as a general cruiser road tire if you like fat tires.
On the original question, 26 is great for MUni but the 24" rim is MUCH stronger. When I used to
use 26" rims, I had to true the rim after practically every ride. During filming for New World
Disorder 1, I tacoed 5 rims in 4 days (although that was way more than normal due to lots of big
drops). Since switching to 24" rims, I’ve never once wrecked a rim, and the 24x3" Gazz is an
awesome MUni setup.
-Kris.
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Re: Downside to 26" ?
Sofa,
Most technical muni riders (Chris Reeder and Kris Holm, for
example) do use a 24" wheel. A 24x3" Nokian Gazzaloddi brings the actual
diameter to 26". It’s width and volume allow you to roll or hop over
almost anything. Yes, I believe the wheel is stronger, too, as compared
to a 26" wheel. Riding on a 2.6 or wider tire is amazing. You can roll
over roots as if they aren’t even there.
Some riders still choose to use a 26x3 wheel. I have no
experience with these, but they are much heavier with an actual diameter
of 29".
If you ride more xc type trails, IMO a 26" wheel w/ a Gazz Jr. or
Kenda Kolassal would be excellent.
Jeff
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Re: Downside to 26" ?
> What’s the tire with cool flames for tread? Do those look awesome but
> suck?
The tyre you mention is the 24x3" Dyno “Fireball”. It is an awesome tyre
except on loose wet / muddy surfaces. It’s pretty much the same size as a
24x3" Gazz but some 400g lighter which makes a big difference. The main
weight saving comes from it having thin sidewalls so it has to be run at a
higher PSI rating. It’s much more responsive than any comparible muni tyre
of a similar size thanks to the weight saving and the slick tread . It’s
very quiet too!
Sadly they aren’t made any more and the chances of picking one up are slim
but there might still be some places with some kicking around…
Cheers,
Neil