Opinions on FWD
#1
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Opinions on FWD
I am considering purchasing a performer FWD and am a little worried about reported "wheel slippage" on climbs.
I am looking for experiences from owners of fixed BB FWD and if wheel spin is really a major issue or just a slight annoyance that can be dealt with.
Thank you.
I am looking for experiences from owners of fixed BB FWD and if wheel spin is really a major issue or just a slight annoyance that can be dealt with.
Thank you.
#2
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I am considering purchasing a performer FWD and am a little worried about reported "wheel slippage" on climbs.
I am looking for experiences from owners of fixed BB FWD and if wheel spin is really a major issue or just a slight annoyance that can be dealt with.
Thank you.
I am looking for experiences from owners of fixed BB FWD and if wheel spin is really a major issue or just a slight annoyance that can be dealt with.
Thank you.
#3
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You can read a review of the Performer folding front wheel drive bike here: https://www.bentrideronline.com/?p=11045
I have no opinion, never having ridden or even seen a FWD bike. They are rather uncommon. The most common name for a FWD bike mentioned on Bentrider is Cruzbike https://cruzbike.com/ There are a couple of reviews on the various Cruzbike models 'BentRider Online » Search Results » Cruzbike
I have no opinion, never having ridden or even seen a FWD bike. They are rather uncommon. The most common name for a FWD bike mentioned on Bentrider is Cruzbike https://cruzbike.com/ There are a couple of reviews on the various Cruzbike models 'BentRider Online » Search Results » Cruzbike
#4
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You can read a review of the Performer folding front wheel drive bike here: https://www.bentrideronline.com/?p=11045
I have no opinion, never having ridden or even seen a FWD bike. They are rather uncommon. The most common name for a FWD bike mentioned on Bentrider is Cruzbike https://cruzbike.com/ There are a couple of reviews on the various Cruzbike models 'BentRider Online » Search Results » Cruzbike
I have no opinion, never having ridden or even seen a FWD bike. They are rather uncommon. The most common name for a FWD bike mentioned on Bentrider is Cruzbike https://cruzbike.com/ There are a couple of reviews on the various Cruzbike models 'BentRider Online » Search Results » Cruzbike
Yeah. I am on bentrider and have read the folder review. The Cruzbike is a moving bottom bracket FWD and so is a different beast. The model I am looking at has a fixed boom and twisting return idler.
#5
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I've tried a Cruzebike and hated it. Early on in my 'bent experiences, I got to test-ride a Zox, which was fixed bottom bracket FWD like the Performers. You could only tell it was different when you were turning at low speeds and by having a little more chain noise. A dual-20", FWD folder would be a great travel bike. Otherwise, I don't see the point in small wheels or FWD.
#6
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I've tried a Cruzebike and hated it. Early on in my 'bent experiences, I got to test-ride a Zox, which was fixed bottom bracket FWD like the Performers. You could only tell it was different when you were turning at low speeds and by having a little more chain noise. A dual-20", FWD folder would be a great travel bike. Otherwise, I don't see the point in small wheels or FWD.
In 1999 I raced it at the SDBC Time Trial Series at Fiesta Island. I managed a time of 31:05 for the 20km event, an average speed of 24.12mph (I was 42 years old at the time).
I solved wheel slip by running a 'sticky' tire (Specialized Fat Boys) but I would grind down the front tire in about 2000 miles (steep hills, big rider). A nice bike, fast, but the 26 wasn't a good climber due to fork flex (I've been on Bacchettas since 2004).
(Picture of me at the San Diego Velodrome on one of these).
Crazy tailbox I did in 2000.
(Note, that was my new Toyota Echo, the car now has 255k miles on it).
I reviewed the ZOX for RNC as well.
Last edited by bikingbill; 06-25-18 at 11:19 AM.
#7
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Well, I ordered a FWD from performer. I am modding the highracer with 451 wheels, which pushes out the wheelbase and should help alleviate any wheel-slip.
Edit: to be clear, I swapped out 451 wheels for the stock 700cc and will be using a shorter fork.
Edit: to be clear, I swapped out 451 wheels for the stock 700cc and will be using a shorter fork.
Last edited by Skankingbiker; 06-25-18 at 02:20 PM.
#8
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You want more of the weight on the front wheel. Just a guess but larger wheels may reduce that. I'd have to do the math, but I think that's right. The larger rear wheel isn't going to move the rear contact patch much. The larger front wheel moves the front contact patch forward a bit. Therefore weight distribution shifted slightly back.
#9
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You want more of the weight on the front wheel. Just a guess but larger wheels may reduce that. I'd have to do the math, but I think that's right. The larger rear wheel isn't going to move the rear contact patch much. The larger front wheel moves the front contact patch forward a bit. Therefore weight distribution shifted slightly back.
The bike is designed for 700cc wheels. I am going to be running much smaller wheels (451) and a shorter fork (basically the wheels and drivetrain from their folding model), which should spread out the wheelbase, and it will also steepen the headtube angle a bit, which should push more weight forward.
#10
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The bike is designed for 700cc wheels. I am going to be running much smaller wheels (451) and a shorter fork (basically the wheels and drivetrain from their folding model), which should spread out the wheelbase, and it will also steepen the headtube angle a bit, which should push more weight forward.
#11
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Going to small wheels might shorten the wheelbase a teensy bit due to the shorter fork not angling out as far. The HR frame will have a longer wheelbase than the folder, though.
#12
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I will report back once the bike arrives and I have it up and running
#13
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I have owned my performer FWD custom lowracer now for a little over a month. I live in a moderately hilly area. So far, no issues with front wheel slip or traction whatsoever. Also no issue with leg/idler contact. Only traction issues is the rear end going squirrely on loose stuff and under hard braking.