10" wheels yes or no

[bankz]

I have 10" wheels on my pit bike and have had loose spokes on the rear wheel every ride, i tighten them up and then today i was out on it everything ok. I got back and noticed that a spoke on the rear wheel had snapped :| . What should i do? should i upgrade to 12" wheels front and rear or 12" wheel on front or should i just get another spoke or wheel.
help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Martin Cole]

Hi, A 12 inch front wheel won't solve the problem of the rear spokes coming loose or snapping.
If you want the bike to be taller, and providing there is enough room in the swinging arm to fit a 12 inch rear then upgrade at the same time as you make the modification. Buy some decent spokes - any reputable motorcycle dealer will know where to get them from - or talk direct to a wheelbuilding specialist. Are the rims distorting? - it could be they are not strong enough to carry the weight or stand the pounding.
My guess is a good set of stainless steel spokes would cure the problem.
PS - fitting a 12 inch front will make the bike much more stable over or through a rutted surface. A lot of kids in the auto class use 12 inch fronts because it makes the bike much easier to hang on to.
MC

 

[bankz]

thanks very much, the info you provided is very useful and i think i am going to upgrade the rear wheel with stronger spokes and use a 12" wheel on the front. thanks again, MARTIN