Post 13: Is my wheel too big? Asking for a friend...
April 22, 2026
Is my wheel too big? Asking for a friend...đ§
Seriously though - the internet says 26-in fat tires are overkill for an ultralight. I say they're mandatory. If you're building a true backcountry bush plane, you can't rely on tiny go-kart tires and paved runways. I'm designing the Canyon Lightning⢠to eat sagebrush, roll over desert rock gardens, and land where the lawn chair ultralights wouldn't dare taxi.
The math:
By using these ultra-lightweight mountain bike wheels and my custom carbon-hybrid gear, I'll be getting massive ground clearance and 4 inches of natural suspension before the airframe even feels a bump. All while staying well under that 254-lb Part 103 weight limit.
The "experts" can keep their 8-inch wheels and manicured grass strips. I'll see you in the desert. đ đľ
The build continues:
Tomorrow the glue fest hits the landing gear. I'm starting the layout for the custom main gear and the tailwheel spring. Here's the deal: No heavy steel brackets, no bolt-on kits, no unnecessary weight.
I'm using a unitized carbon-hybrid wrap to bond the gear directly into the airframe. Aside from the axle bolts, it'll be a 100% composite structure that's lighter than aluminum and stronger than steel.
Follow me so you don't miss the build!
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