Carbon Fibre Wheels

[speed]

These rims are cool, but man they're pricey.

Nice background image on that Web site eh? Straight out of 1995.

SM

[Mungo]

I've been looking for carbon fiber wheels for the Night Train since I bought her. I think it would be an incredible ride. Lighter weight.

The only concern would be redistributing the weight of the bike higher up. I'm dying to see how they would handle.

I found a couple of others, but they cost about he same as these listed.

[speed]

I would like to know first hand how they ride as well. Not that I am in the market for new rims.

SM

[creter]

I don't know if the weight saving would make much of a difference. To me it would be akin to riding with a full tank of gas as opposed to an near empty one. I think if I wanted to go faster Id get the heads ported. Might be cheaper.

[speed]

Well, overall mass isn't the same thing as rotating mass. In a drive train scenario 1 pound of dynamic weight is typically equal to dropping 12 pounds of static weight when calculating true HP to weight ratio.

That being said I would go for ported heads before buying carbon fibre rims myself. However, if the bike was to be used for a racing application you obviously have to take everything your budget can afford.

SM

[curley725]

Originally Posted by creter

I don't know if the weight saving would make much of a difference. To me it would be akin to riding with a full tank of gas as opposed to an near empty one. I think if I wanted to go faster Id get the heads ported. Might be cheaper.

creter the lighter wheel has less unsprung weight which allows the tire to fully contact the pavement quicker improving handling :grin:

Curley

[creter]

I stand corrected. Putting it that way sounds reasonable.
I lived in British Columbia for 30 years and did a lot of mountain riding. I know how much fun a crisp handling bike is on those type of roads. I was riding a sportster back then and highly doubt my heritage would have a chance to keep up to my old bike.
Here in Ontario the roads are mostly straight and flat. Not near as thrilling as throwing a bike through the twisties.