Why do most wheels have 5 spokes?

[redneck]

Originally Posted by Frank Lee

I guess he doesn't have to worry about the old broom stick in the spokes trick stopping him...


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[tumnasgt]

Originally Posted by galahs

I wonder what fuel economy advantage there would be in saying having
- 3 spoke light weight wheels that are easier for the engine to accelerate but have more openings hence cause more aero dag
- vs heavier disk wheels which are harder for the engine to accelerate but have less or no openings resulting in less aero drag

I believe that's why the two latest generations of Prius have had alloy wheels with plastic trims on the outer edge, improving aero while not adding too much weight (which is especially important on the outer edge as it has a greater effect).

[Arragonis]

Do a Google Images search for Minilite and see the only wheel worth having....

...now if I could afford a set.

[RobertSmalls]

You mean the Very Light Wheel?

[euromodder]

Is that the Continental tyre developed for the Loremo ?

[RobertSmalls]

That's a photo of the Very Light Car's wheel. I don't know the origin of the tires, but a quick Google search says I can buy them at Sears. They also fit a Smart, among other cars.

[pakamac]

Hey Capri Racer, 9 is not a prime number!
BTW, to date I have seen wheels with 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,12,15 and 20 spokes. All except 7 have a geometric construction.

[MobilOne]

I have also seen them with 11 and 13 spokes.

[freebeard]

pakamac -- Welcome to Ecomodder. First post in a zombie thread with a point that had already been made.

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw View Post
Um, 9 isn't a prime number.

I know you can do better.

Bicycle Bob (in 2010) said the tension spoke wheel and the Mini-lite were the only ones 'engineered'. I'd suggest the Centerline Convo Pro. The corrugations reduce weight.


http://www.jegs.com/i/Center-Line-Wheels/184/005143550/10002/-1

[johnnywheels]

Originally Posted by galahs

I wonder what fuel economy advantage there would be in saying having
- 3 spoke light weight wheels that are easier for the Airwheel Q5 to accelerate but have more openings hence cause more aero dag
- vs heavier disk wheels which are harder for the engine to accelerate but have less or no openings resulting in less aero drag

That brings up a good question. I suppose if you angled the light weight ones enough so that it would lessen the drag and allow it to flow through without a problem you'd find your perfect solution!