Why there are no (to my knowledge) electric bikes with 700c tires? All the ones I’ve seen use fat tires, what is the reason behind that? Cc @[email protected]

  • kersploosh@sh.itjust.works
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    2 years ago

    700c tires are sometimes labeled 28" when used on e-bikes, at least here in the US. Maybe that’s why you haven’t noticed many. It’s really stupid since there is a different older 28" wheel standard with a slightly different rim diameter.

    • DogMuffins@discuss.tchncs.de
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      2 years ago

      Weirdly wheel sizes are one of the few things still measured with non-metric units in Australia, likely the same elsewhere.

      I think it’s simply that inches are a more sensible graduation at that length.

    • Throwaway@lemm.eeBanned
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      2 years ago

      You got it backwards. Fat tires have more rolling resistence. They’re just more comfy to ride on

      • Em Adespoton@lemmy.ca
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        2 years ago

        Not just more comfy; the added resistance also means less likelihood of wobble at higher speeds. Since the e-bike helps less experienced riders achieve higher speeds, that extra stability can be important.

    • spacecowboy@sh.itjust.works
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      2 years ago

      You are incorrect. Fat tires require greater energy to roll, as they have much more rolling resistance than a typical bike tire. There is more rubber on the ground at all times which increases friction, which requires more energy to overcome.

      Fat tires are not more energy efficient and do not provide better range.

        • spacecowboy@sh.itjust.works
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          2 years ago

          Yes. Per your own link:

          At the same inflation pressure, a wide and a narrow tire have the same contact area. A wide tire is flattened over its width whereas a narrow tire has a slimmer but longer contact area.

          Fat tires are pressured up around 10-13 psi. Most mountain bike tires are pressured up between 40-60 psi. Road bike tires are pressured up between 80-130psi.

          You will always have more rolling resistance with a fat tire than you will with other common bike tires.