God I hate 650x23c handcycle wheels

Patrick Madsen · 07-07-2012, 06:23 PM

Had a pinch flat sometime on my ride; may have been a pothole I hit wrong. If that was it, I rode it home unknowingly at 18t mph with the powerpod.

I rebuilt the front wheel with double butted stainless steel spokes so doesn't seem to be any damage other than a few dings in the rim.

I hate this size tire. there just aren't any choice in tires other than the Contis. Panaracers or Ultremo Zx's. All are skinny racing tires when in fact the majority of us don't race and need a more durable tire.

Freedom Ryder used to have 700c on their front but changed.

I could go with a 559 wheel and get a larger choice but then I'd have to change the brakes also.

Just a rant. The handcycle community has been telling the manufactuers for years to change to the 700's but still don't. I've heard a few do, but the stock bike options still have 650c as a tire chice.

Just a rant after ruining another tire.

Jett · 07-07-2012, 06:51 PM

Pat, I have been using Kenda Kaliente Road Tire the last couple of years.
They holdup pretty well and are about half the price!

pararich · 07-07-2012, 06:55 PM

That is a pain, Patrick!
Now, with the powerpod, you could have a more durable tire without noticing the drag.

Patrick Madsen · 07-07-2012, 08:05 PM

Jett, those are 700c's. The trouble with standard handcycle forks is the clearance between the fork and top of the wheel. If they just made the clearance 3/8" more., 700's would fit.

Exactly Rich, thing is they don't make a more durable tire in a 650x23c tire due to fork clearance. The powerpod still did 21t mph even with a flat front tire.

djrolling · 07-08-2012, 03:40 PM

I agree and the reason they do not listen is they do not use them and I am guessing maybe they get the 650's cheaper, you have to wonder also that on some level they just do not care...

The_Wheel_Life · 07-08-2012, 04:45 PM

I just picked up some Kenda Kalientes in 650. However, I haven't run them, so I can't say how well they hold up. Conti GatorSkins are the best ones that I've used.

I'm also surprised that the handcycling industry hasn't made the switch over to 700c. The last handcycle I got was custom-made for 700s, and I'll never go back to 650. A couple manufacturers will make bikes with 700s. However, some of them simply use a frame for 650 wheels and adapt 700s to it. Intrepid builds all of their stuff on 700s, but they are also one of the newest manufacturers out there. More and more 700s are showing up on the racing scene. So, maybe that will help push the switch.

Jett · 07-08-2012, 06:22 PM

FYI

Kaliente Technical Specs
KA Part #Product FeaturesSizeTPIETRTOCompoundProtectionMax PSIBeadWeight_grams212112L3R Pro 700x2312023-622 L3R Pro IC 125 Folding190+-10212168L3R Pro700x2012020-622L3R ProIC125Folding 165+-10212123L3R Pro650x23 12023-571L3R ProIC125Folding170+-10

My395 · 07-08-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Wheel_Life

I just picked up some Kenda Kalientes in 650. However, I haven't run them, so I can't say how well they hold up. Conti GatorSkins are the best ones that I've used.

I am using Conti GatorSkins and they seem pretty sturdy.

Patrick Madsen · 07-08-2012, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Wheel_Life

I just picked up some Kenda Kalientes in 650. However, I haven't run them, so I can't say how well they hold up. Conti GatorSkins are the best ones that I've used.

I'm also surprised that the handcycling industry hasn't made the switch over to 700c. The last handcycle I got was custom-made for 700s, and I'll never go back to 650. A couple manufacturers will make bikes with 700s. However, some of them simply use a frame for 650 wheels and adapt 700s to it. Intrepid builds all of their stuff on 700s, but they are also one of the newest manufacturers out there. More and more 700s are showing up on the racing scene. So, maybe that will help push the switch.

Sounds like the new guys are listening and making the 700's. It will definitly be a factor when choosing my next bike.

The whole challenge is the space between the top of the 650 tire and the bottom of the fork. Just a little bit more clearance and we could put on a more durable tire.

I had a XLT where I put on 559 wheels with Chen grey wheelchair tires. Had to change out the brakes but was a good reason to upgrade them. It was fast and never had a flat. I may just go back to 559's til my next one.

I live in a rural area so lots of rocks. If it's not a pinch flat it's usually a sidewall puncture from gravel and rocks.

Thanks My, I tried them years ago and then went to Scwalbe. Perhaps it's time to try them out again.

kleonin · 07-10-2012, 02:31 AM

I'm with you Pat. So far, I've been lucky with the Conti GP4000s, but I haven't been riding as long as you have. As you know, I also have the Powerpod and just blew out the tire on that a couple of days ago. Don't know what I hit, but the next thing I know I was hearing this plop-plop-plop behind me. I've ordered the Schwalbe Ultra Marathon Plus (24 x 1.75) as a replacement, primarily due to its reputation as being virtually puncture resistant. I do wish there is something I can do with my LC-1 w/re to larger tires... I do LOVE that lean-steer. Hope all is well with you.

-Keith

07-07-2012, 06:23 PM	#1
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,873	God I hate 650x23c handcycle wheels Had a pinch flat sometime on my ride; may have been a pothole I hit wrong. If that was it, I rode it home unknowingly at 18t mph with the powerpod. I rebuilt the front wheel with double butted stainless steel spokes so doesn't seem to be any damage other than a few dings in the rim. I hate this size tire. there just aren't any choice in tires other than the Contis. Panaracers or Ultremo Zx's. All are skinny racing tires when in fact the majority of us don't race and need a more durable tire. Freedom Ryder used to have 700c on their front but changed. I could go with a 559 wheel and get a larger choice but then I'd have to change the brakes also. Just a rant. The handcycle community has been telling the manufactuers for years to change to the 700's but still don't. I've heard a few do, but the stock bike options still have 650c as a tire chice. Just a rant after ruining another tire.

07-07-2012, 06:55 PM	#3
pararich Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 702	That is a pain, Patrick! Now, with the powerpod, you could have a more durable tire without noticing the drag. __________________ Rich

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07-07-2012, 06:51 PM	#2
Jett Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 170	Pat, I have been using Kenda Kaliente Road Tire the last couple of years. They holdup pretty well and are about half the price!

07-07-2012, 08:05 PM	#4
Patrick Madsen Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Blaine, Wa Posts: 3,873	Jett, those are 700c's. The trouble with standard handcycle forks is the clearance between the fork and top of the wheel. If they just made the clearance 3/8" more., 700's would fit. Exactly Rich, thing is they don't make a more durable tire in a 650x23c tire due to fork clearance. The powerpod still did 21t mph even with a flat front tire.

07-08-2012, 03:40 PM	#5
djrolling Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Salisbury NC Posts: 1,190	I agree and the reason they do not listen is they do not use them and I am guessing maybe they get the 650's cheaper, you have to wonder also that on some level they just do not care...

07-08-2012, 04:45 PM	#6
The_Wheel_Life Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 127	I just picked up some Kenda Kalientes in 650. However, I haven't run them, so I can't say how well they hold up. Conti GatorSkins are the best ones that I've used. I'm also surprised that the handcycling industry hasn't made the switch over to 700c. The last handcycle I got was custom-made for 700s, and I'll never go back to 650. A couple manufacturers will make bikes with 700s. However, some of them simply use a frame for 650 wheels and adapt 700s to it. Intrepid builds all of their stuff on 700s, but they are also one of the newest manufacturers out there. More and more 700s are showing up on the racing scene. So, maybe that will help push the switch.

07-08-2012, 06:22 PM	#7
Jett Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Idaho Posts: 170	FYI Kaliente Technical Specs KA Part #Product FeaturesSizeTPIETRTOCompoundProtectionMax PSIBeadWeight_grams212112L3R Pro 700x2312023-622 L3R Pro IC 125 Folding190+-10212168L3R Pro700x2012020-622L3R ProIC125Folding 165+-10212123L3R Pro650x23 12023-571L3R ProIC125Folding170+-10

07-10-2012, 02:31 AM	#10
kleonin Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Posts: 45	I'm with you Pat. So far, I've been lucky with the Conti GP4000s, but I haven't been riding as long as you have. As you know, I also have the Powerpod and just blew out the tire on that a couple of days ago. Don't know what I hit, but the next thing I know I was hearing this plop-plop-plop behind me. I've ordered the Schwalbe Ultra Marathon Plus (24 x 1.75) as a replacement, primarily due to its reputation as being virtually puncture resistant. I do wish there is something I can do with my LC-1 w/re to larger tires... I do LOVE that lean-steer. Hope all is well with you. -Keith