Wheel size question

[CRASH]

As I'm contemplating a build, the wheel size comes to mind. I'm pretty tall, so 26 seems to be minimum, but I know a lot of guys are using the really wide Felt 24's. And now they have 29ers, and we've even seen a 32" and 36"! However, the frames don't seem to get taller. The seat tube always remains short for cruisers, without having various sizes for taller riders.
Anyway... what's the point of a larger circumference in the wheels? I'm sure this is a physics question, about rotational mass or some such wizardry. The larger the wheel, the smaller the drive ring it seems.

ok... so what's the point of bigger wheels?

 

[deven_science]

I can't speak to all of the complexities, but one theory I had heard is that the larger the tire, the smoother the ride. A 36" tire rolls over potholes and other dips, while a 16" tire would be dropped inside of it, or at least bang hard on the other side of it.

 

[jackdaw]

Yeah devon, that's right. That's the theory in mountain biking anyway, also that once you get a 29er up to speed it carries its momentum better than a 26" does. I would think that has to do with weight more than size? Also crash take into consideration that wheel size isn't necessarily indicative of overall wheel/tire height. A 26" wheel with a fat tire is similar in overall height to a 700c with a typical skinny road tire. There is also that wheel size doesn't have a final say on leg extension, which for me is one of the most important factors for comfortable riding. You can ride a 20" bike that's all stretched out and be comfortable but you can also ride a too small 29er. So I hope that some of that made sense?

 

[CRASH]

Yup, sure does. So for my purposes, big wheels might look cool, but won't be the driving factor in the build. Since 26" is the most prevelant, I think that's the way I'm going to lean.

 

[wimpy]

I don't know what you're gonna build, but in my case (a stretcher), I had 26", both in front as in the rear. After a few months, I swapped the 26" frontwheel for 28" and the handling of my bike had improved instantly. Much less wobbly while riding it.

 

[CRASH]

It's really just theory. Someone mentioned that at my height I should get one of those 32" from Wally's, but the thing is, they still make the frame sink way down to accomodate the masses.

I'm going to pick up a crap MTB tonight with 26" for my project, so I guess I'm locked in.

 

[sensor]

the felts on a 24x65mm wheel are 1/2" shorter than a balloon tire 26 on s2 wheels so they really arent small :wink:
one thing you might take into consideration is the fact that you are pretty much stuck on tires with the odd ball bigger sized wheels...no one that i know of is making wheels(well unless you make your own) that are wide or tires in colors/widths that you may want.