18” wheel opinions

Chance1216
Posts
8784
Joined
4/1/2018
Location
Carson, CA, USA

I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were on running an 18” rear wheel for riding off-road. 
I’m looking at upgrading  my wheel set for the first time and, just figured an opinion from those of you that have ran them would be of value before pulling the trigger. 


 I have an 01 CR 250 and, ride mostly single track (tight technical) in the PNW with, the California desert trip thrown into the mix occasionally. I don’t race. I’m just wondering if there’s advantages and, disadvantages between the two. The only thing I have heard is, having a taller sidewall offers a little extra protection from pinch  flats. I deal with a lot of rocks and, roots here in the PNW. 

Since I don’t know much regarding who makes  better hubs, what are your thoughts as well? I’m considering  Excel Takasago rims with Haan hubs. 
I’m not really interested in the A60. I can’t stand black rims. 
Your advice is appreciated. Thanks. 

 

 
 

 

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TeamGreen
Posts
37252
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA, USA
12/6/2023 10:39am

Running an 18 opens up your options to all sorts of off-road tire options, too. Maybe consider running a bib for,off-road as insurance against flats? 

As for hubs? I’d run whatever is your favorite look for what you’re building. Dubya has some fairly inexpensive hubs that look great on their Edge wheels. I’ve even seen nice wheels built on RMATVMC hubs. 

1
12/15/2023 1:02pm

If you have lots of rocks to deal with best thing is either bibs or tubliss. 18" wheel will surely open up more tire choice options for off road specific tires. The taller sidewalls do potentially offer better traction  in rocky or slick terrain...the more sidewall flex you have, the bigger your contact patch is. Also, the taller sidewalls also help protect your rims from damage. As for hubs, stock hubs are fine, as are most any aftermarket hubs (except those with a rep for failure/crappy bearings)

1
1/21/2024 4:26am
Chance1216 wrote:
I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were on running an 18” rear wheel for riding off-road.  I’m looking at upgrading  my wheel set for...

I was just wondering what your guys thoughts were on running an 18” rear wheel for riding off-road. 
I’m looking at upgrading  my wheel set for the first time and, just figured an opinion from those of you that have ran them would be of value before pulling the trigger. 


 I have an 01 CR 250 and, ride mostly single track (tight technical) in the PNW with, the California desert trip thrown into the mix occasionally. I don’t race. I’m just wondering if there’s advantages and, disadvantages between the two. The only thing I have heard is, having a taller sidewall offers a little extra protection from pinch  flats. I deal with a lot of rocks and, roots here in the PNW. 

Since I don’t know much regarding who makes  better hubs, what are your thoughts as well? I’m considering  Excel Takasago rims with Haan hubs. 
I’m not really interested in the A60. I can’t stand black rims. 
Your advice is appreciated. Thanks. 

 

 
 

 

Pretty good choice. IMG 4391 2.jpeg?VersionId=qjhL 4fZx6Ct

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