Changing up my setup - questions.

[corkscrew]

Howdy all.

I've gotten to the point where rattling my bones in my non-suspended trike at 30mph (+/- 4mph) just hurts. The three tire paths make it a real PITA to dodge pot holes and other road imperfections, and have led to many a broken spoke. Not to mention the rear tire clearances are very narrow, and thus a 700x35mm tire is about all that clears.

I'm on the hunt for a suspended mtb with disc brake tabs. Thinking just front shocks so I can still mount a proper rack on the back (primary purpose is commuting). I'm going to re-lace my 2806 9C into a 26" wheel (In a 700C now).

Here is where the questions start. I would like to be faster off the line, but I'm not really looking for a higher top speed, 30ish MPH is plenty. Will the smaller wheel give a noticeable effect, or should I consider an even smaller wheel?

I could up the voltage, I'm at 12S now, but am worried it would push my efficiency into too high of a speed. I would also need a new controller, as my pre-2013 Infineon 40amp needs modded to run on 18S. (I don't trust myself to replace resistors on a PCB.) Lyen's overclocker 18fet model looks promising, but is more money than I care to spend right now.

Thanks all.

 

[motomech]

So you want to go to a MTB hard-tail that does 30 mph for reasons of comfort and rear wheel survivabilty? Hummm...
Try a quality full suspension at 27 mph, your body will thank you.
If you replace one 26"wheel with a wide tire(2.5") 24 incher, the crank throws will probably clear.
2) 24'wheels and you would need shorter crank arms to prevent pedal strikes.
Racks and FS bikes not mutually exclusive.

 

[dogman dan]

Look for a good full suspension bike, or, go with a longtail. Comfort will increase either way.

There is an easy way to reinforce a seatpost rack to carry up to 50 pounds.