Can anyone enlighten me on the advantages(if any) of longer wheelbases. While you're at it, enlighten me on the advantages of shorter wheelbases as well. Thanks in advance.

a longer wheel base will keep the front tire from hitting your foot when you turn.

a shorter wheelbase will give your more control over the bike.

its all about what you prefer and are comfortable with.

a longer wheel base will help to keep you from looping out(keep the front on the ground).

shorter will allow the front end to come up easier. helping to make it easier to manual.

[ November 17, 2005, 03:19 PM: Message edited by: tom light ]

some of it will depend on the proportions. you could have 2 bikes with, let's say, a 38" wheelbase. if one has a longer front end/shorter back end with the other bike being made the opposite they will ride differently from each other, even though the overall length is the same.

Good point mr coasterbrake. What characteristics will I notice if my rear wheel is mounted one inch further back? Is there really a big difference? I purchased v-brakes with very limited vertical forward adjustment. Therefore, my rear wheel is mounted close to the end of the dropout in order for the brake pads to make contact with the wheel. This bike isn't fully ridable so, I really can't find out.

there are so many variables, but in general a shorter back end will make the front easier to pull off the ground than a longer back end - given that everything else is the same.

how much a small difference make is more a personal thing. for me, i can usually feel a difference of about 1/4" (moving the wheel on a given bike).