Mag Wheels

[appye]

I wanted to get people's opinion on mag wheels like these ones ... Basically, how strong are they compared to spoked wheels in terms of staying true when hitting potholes at 30+mph? How about in comparison to the 9 gauge spoked wheels built by wheelmaster?

Do you know if adapters exist that will allow for me to put a left hand threaded freewheel on that like the one provided by the staton kit? I see that staton sells something similar like this one, but only 24" and I want 26" ...

I am still unsure what I want in terms of this at the moment.

 

[SimpleSimon]

Well, the forces involved in hitting a pothole at 30+ mph are likely significantly greater than those involved in jumping a bike at 10-15 mph. Those wheels will NOT stand up to BMX type uses, even in BMX sizes. A 26 inch wheel has a much longer lever arm for side forces to act on from the axle than does a 20 inch one, so I'd guess that using them on a motorized bike isn't a really good idea.

 

[appye]

You are saying that they are weaker then. What kind of rebuttal can you give to the article here?

Sorry, not trying to troll, just looking for good information.

 

[SimpleSimon]

In rebuttal I'll offer the following quote from the sellers own description:

2. Shock Absorption & Wind Resistance: The rims take bumps quite easily, but off road riding and large jumps are not recommended. The wheels are very durable and well built. These wheels spin extremely smoothly while riding. Acceleration is smooth and constant even while not pedaling. Traditional bicycle rims always bring some uncertain volume of wind resistance when spinning. The bike will start decelerating immediately if you stop pedaling. "UNI WHEEL" is designed according to the Centrifugal Force and Windmill Theory. While riding, "UNI WHEEL" will keep cycling and rotating even though pedaling has stopped and not decelerate noticeably at first.

3. The rims can be used with either V or Disk braking systems

4. These rims can't be allowed to do high-drop riding, like 2 or 3 meters high because the axle is regular size at 10mm. Depending on your weight it could cause damage to the hub. Regular riding over uneven terrain should not do any damage and street riding is 100% safe though this company can not guarantee unforeseen circumstances.

Now, think about the differences between a human powered bicycle, and a motorized bicycle. Ordinary bike, typical focus is on making it as light as will do the tasks it is intended for. Motorized bike, typically 2-4 times as heavy with all accessories in the load - then add the rider. Ordinary bike speeds mostly in the 20 mph max range under pedal power, motorized bikes in the 20-30 range.

So, you have a bike that weighs, say, twice as much, moving at let's say half again the speed. The forces encountered by the wheel in hitting a pothole are a product of the Mass x Velocity (too greatly oversimplify the analysis), and represent a calculable figure. Fo an ordinary bike under pedal power, it's like this:

F = M * V

whereas for a motorized bike:

F = (M*2) * (V*1.5)

The force experienced is a minimum in the scenario above of 3X that experienced by the pedalled bike, and may be much greater than that. Which is why motorcycle wheels are built one heck of a lot stronger than bike wheels.

Capisce?

 

[darwin]

Those wheels are nice but for the price of 2 wheels I could buy 3 bicycles or a bike with a friction kit on it. Just too pricey for my tastes but they do look nice and have to be more sturdy then a conventional spoked wheel. I guess its like owning a $500 car and having 3k worth of rims on it, just not my style.

 

[appye]

so now we have disagreement here! One person says that they are weak and should be completely avoided whereas another says they are strong!

darwin:
they are only $100 for the set! You must have read the prices wrong.

 

[darwin]

Het appeye, your right about those rims thats the best price Ive seen yet on a set of mags but be aware the shipping alone is $70.

 

[appye]

sheesh. I did not catch that $70 price tag.

 

[MotorBicycleRacing]

sheesh. I did not catch that $70 price tag.

The wheels are $70 and $60 for shipping = $130 total for a pair

On the $100 buy it now auction just make an offer of $70 or even maybe
less and it will be accepted

As for the strength versus spokes I would say the mags are stronger and
more trouble free
The seller is Taiwanese, doesn't write English very well and is just
covering his arse from idiots that will jump them from over 6'

Think about it, my first motorcycles had spoked wheels but my last bike had
6 spoke mag wheels, a BMW K100RS that didn't look too much different from those bicycle mag wheels especially considering that the BMW weighed 550lbs and I loaded it up with at least 375 lbs making at least 925 lbs total that
I could cruise 2 up at 100 mph + with ease

appye, your motorized bicycle must weigh well under 100lbs
Those mag wheels are going to stabilise your handling and ride
I guess Wheelmaster wheels would be as good but cost a lot more

 

[appye]

Well, the other thing to worry about is whether or not I would be able to adapt the staton freewheel to those things...

I cannot find any real authoritative information on the internet about these. I respect your guy's opinions, believe me. I just wish there was some authority on the matter where I could see tests that show for a fact which is stronger, and whether or not it matters on the application.