21 inch VS 19 inch front wheel how noticable are the differences?

[Twohungover]

Havig a custom built bike means alot of research as well as trial and error. I may have overlooked the importance of picking the correct wheel size combo with my set up. I've got a strait leg rigid with stock 32deg rake, 4 over inverted progressive forks = 4.75 trail with the 19 inch front and 16 inch rear. Bike is stable rides nice but seems to quick in the sreering. Fallaway is correct as well. Should I have gone with a 21 inch and taken advantage of the gyro effect for a more sturdy slower turning bike? I don't want to blow unnecessary cash changing over if thr effects are minimal.

[Tattooo]

I can't say there is much difference in handling between tire sizes........... Now width yep there is a difference....... To me that is............

[Guest]

Tattoo could be right there I think it’s a huge difference. But I also use vastly different size tires on the two.

[Guest]

If you want sturdier turning I’d say the four over and 21 are generally in the wrong direction, slower turning on the money though. Offset in your front end plays a big part too.

[JBinNC]

If your trail really is 4.75", the bike should be rock steady and not twitchy. I would experiment with tire pressure, and generally you will need less in front than in the rear. On some bikes that can make a big difference.

Jim

[Skjoll]

IMO wheel diameter is just one aspect of many that determines handling characteristics so to me when it comes to 19" vs 21" it's a decision based more on aesthetics than handling. You can try getting a wider and heavier 19" tire to slow things down a bit.

[Tattooo]

I guess been lucky,

I've never thought about or even cared about trail on any bike I have built........ All my bikes have rode and handled great.... But I've never built a fucked up geometry looking bike either.....

[farmall]

What handlebars are you running? They don't change steering geometry but because your arms are "steering linkage" their effect is similar to a pitman arm on a car. The greater the distance between hand grips and the steering head axis the more your hands must move for a given steering input. I run apes which countersteer fine (note turning a two-wheeler without countersteering is basically impossible but ease may vary) but aren't as quick as drag bars.

[Twohungover]

Yea I am running drag bars with 1 inch risers.