Re: Small front wheel question

Tom Sherman

Veloise wrote:
> Now that we're past April 1...this is really a question for Sheldon
> (RIP).
>
> I have a Counterpoint tandem (the original, not a Viewpoint). Spec
> sheets from later years indicate that the max weight on the front
> should be about 175 lbs, and total gross vehicle weight 400.
>
> New friend in my life. To fit under that total limitation, I would
> have to have a couple legs removed.
>
> Need advice from a Sheldon wannabe (um, other than the obvious) who
> has real life practical experience with 'bents and other small
> wheels.
>
Well, I have only been riding small wheel recumbent since the last
millennium, so I do not know if I can be of much help.

> Here are pics of the bike. I don't have the specs memorized but they
> are easy enough to type in from a trip to my basement.
> http://home.earthlink.net/~veloise/cpoint.htm
>
The stronger the front wheel the better, and the heavier the rim with
more surface area for cooling the better. Something along the lines of a
Sun Big City [1] would be a good choice. Yes, it is 600 gm, but this is
no place to save weight. As always, proper wheel build is critical.

Secondly, you will want a fat tire that can be inflated to high pressure
to reduce pinch flatting and thick sidewalls and tread to reduce the
potential for cuts and punctures. A BMX freestyle tire such as the
Maxxis Hookworm [2] would be a suitable choice.

[1] <http://www.sun-ringle.com/contentpages/bmx/rims.php5>.
[2] <http://www.maxxis.com/products/bicycle/product_detail.asp?id=90>.

--
Tom Sherman - Holstein-Friesland Bovinia
The weather is here, wish you were beautiful