This is a classic consideration in bicycle racing, where the formula is that the tire tread is twice as significant as the axle and other chassis parts. The rims matter more than the spokes, because they don't get up to full road speed in rotational motion.
That just applies to acceleration. Wheel weight is nothing special on a smooth road, but on bumps, it wastes momentum, so the real formula would need a lot of input about the number of potholes in your town.
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There is no excuse for a land vehicle to weigh more than its average payload.
Last edited by Bicycle Bob; 11-09-2008 at 12:10 AM..
Reason: P.S.
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