Converting Scooter tires for 20 inch bike rim

[johnnyz383]

I have a question. I have an electric trike and want 3.0 tires and something with a far better wear rating...Its my understanding that 16 inch scooter tires will fit on a 20 inch rim. But there are numerous ways of describing scooter tires...for example Kenda K329 tire...350-10 TT/TL 4PR 51J 16.8....I have no idea if this for example would fit on my 20 inch rim which is 31 mm wide. Does anyone know how to convert the tire numbers for scooters to bikes? The alternative would be to get 20 x 3.0 bike tires but cant find any

Thanks

John

 

[Bluefang]

Go down to your local scooter or motorbike shop and get the tires from them in the scrap bin. The tires are still better then bike tires and most are changed out just cause someone wanted a bigger tire etc. They have to pay for the tires to be disposed of so they will give them to you and probably mount them for a few $. May have trouble getting all 3 to match but getting a nice fat one for the rear and 2 fronts should not be hard.

That 350-10. The 10 at the end is the rim diameter so too small. 16" is pretty large for a scooter, small motorbike tire is more likely to be what you are after. If you want to buy new i recomend asking you local shop to order in some Sava tires in a relevent size. And get them to fit the tires as it can be one hell of a pain to get the tires mounted. They are used alot on ultra light race bikes and are cheap.

 

[neptronix]

You're gonna need a rim that is 24-32mm in diameter.

One note, 3 inches might not clear your vbrake posts if you have a 26" or 24" wheeled bike.
2.5 fits though, and will provide an excellent ride quality just on the sheer amount of rubber it has alone.

For tires, i like the pirelli ml75 16 x 2.5" front tire.

 

[johnnyz383]

Thanks for the replies.....local bike or scooter shop?...they have no idea...I went to a scooter place and he brought out a 16 inch scooter tire and it clearly would not fit on my 20 inch bike rim...so im afraid im still confused..I measured the inside of my "20 inch bike rim" and its actually 16.5....?????.ml75 16 x 2.5 besides the 2.5 inches in width what does the rest of the designation mean?
Im after 2, 20 x 3 inch rubber at least as the trike is capable of 80+ kph and there is no obstacle in the way (disk brake)


John

 

[johnnyz383]

Update:

Well I went to a motorcycle store and brought my 20 inch bike rim and tire. I asked if a Pirelli ml75-16 tire would fit on my rim, as he said he could order them for me. He took a tape measure and measured the rim at 16.5 inches. 'Nope" he said, it wont fit. Perplexed, I said that there are lots of guys doing this. He said he didnt understand how it was possible. I asked if he had any spare tires to see, he said they did not. I then let the air out of the tire and took it off...I then measure the inside of the bike tire and guess what?...16 inches. I then asked for a motorcycle tube and after giving it a little bit of air, it fit on the bike rim perfectly. I then ordered the tires. I hope they will fit as the rim is only 32mm wide. Well see when they get here tomorrow.


John