E-bike question- 26 vs 20” tires

[gostovp]

I have an opportunity to get a pretty good deal on an e-bike. Couple different models, both step through design, both fat tire, but one is a more traditional with 26” tires, the other is a 20” tire folder. Both are 750w rear hub drive.
Which one would be best for general riding on country roads, Midwest trails, and mild off road stuff?

 

[ScreamingPotato]

Wife has a 20 and I have a 26, her's feels more torquey probably due to lower gear ratio due to the tire size? I don't think it matters all that much honestly except for ground clearance.

 

[dapesche]

So 26" fat tire is going to be like a 29" standard tire.

Watch a YouTube video on 26" VS 29" tires and why 29" is smoother.

In short, 20" would be terrible on any trail that is not paved. If you have suspension on the 20" it'll help but my assumption is that there is no suspension.

So for smoothness on the trail, the 26" fat tire will cushion the trail and make it somewhat enjoyable.

The problem with hub drive is burning out the drive. If you have any hills that you're try to pedal up with your hunting gear, your drive system will do it but it won't be happy. That's when the perks of a 20" tire kicks in. Smaller tire = easier to drive.

If you can find a mid drive with 26" fat tire you'll be happy.

I built my own. Norco bigfoot fat tire bike with a bafang middrive bbshd.

I am in British Columbia Canada. My bike goes up steep, logging roads with me and 25-30lbs on my back with no issues.

In short:
20" will rattle your fillings but will delay you burning out your drive system
26" will be smoother with better grip but if you live/hunt in the hills or mtns your drive system will hate you.

Good luck

Sent from my SM-S928W using Tapatalk

 

[stephane]

So 26" fat tire is going to be like a 29" standard tire.

Watch a YouTube video on 26" VS 29" tires and why 29" is smoother.

In short, 20" would be terrible on any trail that is not paved. If you have suspension on the 20" it'll help but my assumption is that there is no suspension.

So for smoothness on the trail, the 26" fat tire will cushion the trail and make it somewhat enjoyable.

The problem with hub drive is burning out the drive. If you have any hills that you're try to pedal up with your hunting gear, your drive system will do it but it won't be happy. That's when the perks of a 20" tire kicks in. Smaller tire = easier to drive.

If you can find a mid drive with 26" fat tire you'll be happy.

I built my own. Norco bigfoot fat tire bike with a bafang middrive bbshd.

I am in British Columbia Canada. My bike goes up steep, logging roads with me and 25-30lbs on my back with no issues.

In short:
20" will rattle your fillings but will delay you burning out your drive system
26" will be smoother with better grip but if you live/hunt in the hills or mtns your drive system will hate you.

Good luck

Sent from my SM-S928W using Tapatalk

I’m also in BC. Do you only stay on logging roads or also go on quad trails or even horse/cattle trails? Does your bike have any suspension? Have you packaged an animal out with it yet? Ive been considering building a bike with the bbshd kit for hunting, but undecided on a fat bike versus just a normal hard tail mtb.

 

[dapesche]

I’m also in BC. Do you only stay on logging roads or also go on quad trails or even horse/cattle trails? Does your bike have any suspension? Have you packaged an animal out with it yet? Ive been considering building a bike with the bbshd kit for hunting, but undecided on a fat bike versus just a normal hard tail mtb.

where in BC are you? I am in Nelson.
If you know Nelson, you'll understand the country I use it in.

I have gone into spots with the bike that someone wouldn't want to bring their truck. Without a trailer, I can put it in the highest gear and it will power up nasty roads. Just stand up on the pedals, hit throttle and she'll climb.

I have a trailer but you'll want a fsr to use it on. Any weight in that trailer on fsr that has not been maintained will be rough.

Horse and cattle trails will be a breeze.

I do not have suspension. Nice to have, but not a need to have. Airing down the fat tires will cushion the ride a bit.

 

[DonC1]

My stepthru Himiway Zebra has front suspension and 26 inch fat tires.
I have no problems with the 750 hub drive motor getting me where I need to go whether it be open field fairly rolling type terrain, foot trails, bike trails, unimproved two tracks etc. at any speed I wish to go up to 20mph or so.
A suspension type seat and post are on my radar this year, that would make the bike just about perfect for my deer hunting needs and the stepthru design allows for much easier mount/dismount when heavier clothing/boots are involved.
20 inch tires would be a definite no go for what I need an ebike to do but your needs sound different, try the size before you buy imo.

 

[keystone112]

26” for sure