IronEcho & Snegoviktor
IronEcho IronEcho
I’ve been tweaking a new chassis for a downhill bike that can really handle the crazy slopes you climb, but I’m not sure how to optimize the grip in deep powder. Got any tips on what makes a good wheel profile for those steep, icy runs?
Snegoviktor Snegoviktor
Snegoviktor: If you want to slide through powder, a wide, shallow rim is the way to go. Keep the spoke count low so you don’t over‑stiffen the wheel and lose that give. A 3‑inch‑wide profile, 29‑inch rim, light weight and a high‑centered tire gives the best lift. Keep the center of gravity low, because that lets the bike drop into the snow rather than grind on the surface. Don’t over‑tire with a hard compound – that’s for hardpack. In powder you want something that deforms, not sticks. And if you’re going for steep, icy runs, stick to a rim that’s only a few inches wide, keep the tread shallow, and weight yourself low. That’s how you keep the bike from turning into a slab.