19bonestock88’s commuter bike BUILD: replacing the “Green Line” - Page 9 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

19bonestock88 · 01-01-2019, 09:27 PM

This year, I resolve to cover more miles under human power and less under engine power... to help me keep my resolution, I’ve installed a new rear tube and repaired my smooth wheel cover with strapping tape... while it isn’t as nice as a fabricated wheel cover, I managed to apply it without removing my cassette, so I’m ahead there... it also didn’t cost me anything, so if it makes me faster I’m all for it...

California98Civic · 01-03-2019, 12:44 PM

I would love to see how you made this wheel cover.

19bonestock88 · 01-03-2019, 02:51 PM

It’s made entirely of tape... I will say that to make a tape disc you need a rim that has the v shaped part inside of the braking area (some rims have this part being 3-4” wide), but basically, you take tape and go across the rim’s diameter, stretching the tape semi tight and attaching it to the place I described... make sure you have generous amounts of tape overlap and that your rim is perfectly clean (I’m having issues with tape sticking because I didn’t clean enough)...

On one side you have the option of taping the disc to the spokes from the back side but for obvious reasons you can’t do it on both sides... I used 4” wide masking tape for my bottom layer and then covered it with the strapping tape I use for almost everything... haven’t test ridden yet though, so I don’t know exactly how well it’ll work...

Grant-53 · 01-11-2019, 07:52 PM

The trick is finding a way to attach the cover without affecting the brake surface. I may try using some PVC tubing glued to each side of the rim to attach a cover.

19bonestock88 · 01-12-2019, 07:32 AM

What are thoughts on doing a disc on both wheels? Since my front wheel is made the same way it would be even easier to lay down the tape (no cassette or dork disk), but I heard it affects stability in cross winds?

jjackstone · 01-12-2019, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19bonestock88

What are thoughts on doing a disc on both wheels? Since my front wheel is made the same way it would be even easier to lay down the tape (no cassette or dork disk), but I heard it affects stability in cross winds?

I guess it depends on your level of riding skill, but yes, front wheel discs are generally pretty dangerous in the wind.

JJ

19bonestock88 · 01-12-2019, 01:38 PM

I’ll prob stick with just the rear disc for now and try the front in the summer after I’ve had time to brush up and get used to bike handling again...

Grant-53 · 01-14-2019, 04:55 PM

Any form of surface in the front steering components is prone to cross wind inputs. I strongly advise against a front disc or fairing attached to the forks. You could survey the tests on aero rims and make a profile from light plastic tubing. I'd suggest a 6 ft dishwasher hose centered around the rim. Cut alternate slits to fit it between the spokes and make some spoke fins.

19bonestock88 · 01-15-2019, 02:54 PM

Now you’ve got me thinking of building a fairing that mounts to the downtube and covers front wheel and all...

jjackstone · 01-15-2019, 03:33 PM

You might be able to get by with just adding a couple inches of material from the rim down covering the spokes. If you look at some of the racing bikes they have 50 to 80mm deep rims. That would probably provide some(minimal) aero advantage and not hurt the handling too much. Look up deep dish or deep section wheels.
JJ