Do we really need a 650b-type BMX option? I mean, how disadvantaged do people feel without an option between 20" and 24"?
Not trying to argue 22" is "better" than 20. It's just an option. So no, not every BMX'er "needs" it. It's just an option for those of us who are stoked on it.
that looks sweet
too many wheelsizes in the cycling industry though, in my opinion atleast
BMX wheels already come in every 2" increment size EXCEPT 22". we've got 10", 12", 14", 16", 18", 20", 24", 26", and maybe even count the SE 29"er.
if you've ever spent time riding trails on 24" or 26" you definitely notice aspects about bigger wheels. however, riding street or park on 24" is good (esp. on Liquid or Model C) but it still does not feel as snappy as 20"s.
when i got my 22" from Faction (after years of dreaming about them, and at one point back around 2002 even making calls to tire manufacturers to investigate possibilities), the bike felt instantly comfortable. it's hard to explain--it's not like i'm trying to say it's better, only that it feels more normal and comfortable to me, being 6'1" with long legs. only a rider who has gone back and forth a lot between 20 and 24 would get it. it's not for everyone. just a cool option.
and by the way, i tried a Macneil Deuce Deuce with 9" bars. felt pretty good. but honestly, the 22" wheels on a big bmx look more proportional and make more aesthetic sense. note how the Faction fork is an inch taller, which means that the bars can be 8" and your grips are at the same height as if you had 9"s on the Deuce Deuce. if you're happy with 8"s on a 20" then obviously this doesn't matter.
comparison with a General Lee 24":
Topic: 22 inches (Read 450930 times)
