Strong Wheels short-term review

I decided to replace my Omni Wheels 55 mm (front) + Eazy Wheels 55 mm (rear) setup with the so-called Strong Wheels. The Eazy Wheels were breaking regularly, while the Omni Wheels showed quite a bit of wear after only a season and a half.

My Brompton gets rolled while folded quite often, sometimes on rough surfaces, so a solid wheel design seemed more reliable than metal rims with a tire stretched over them. Strong Wheels seemed like a promising option available.

Started with 4×74 mm, but the front wheels were hitting my heels. Switched the front to 55 mm and kept 74 mm at the rear. This gives more clearance when folded, which is useful for avoiding obstacles with the rear light. The previous 55 mm setup had very little clearance at the back, and I suspect that's how I managed to lose the rear light.

Each wheel has a single bearing, with a very tight fit and almost no play compared to the Eazy Wheels. The rubber is fairly firm but not rock-hard and feels like it should last well.

The 74 mm wheels are solid, similar to roller skate wheels. The 55 mm version has cutouts, presumably to reduce weight. Long-term durability of the 55 mm wheels remains to be seen. The 74 mm ones feel almost indestructible. If not for my big feet, I'd probably run 4×74 mm.

Weight:

• Strong Wheel 55 – 25 g
• Strong Wheel 74 – 68 g
• Eazy Wheel 55 – 35 g
• Omni Wheel 55 – 86 g
• Roller skate wheel – 100 g

So far, 55 mm front + 74 mm rear seems like a good weight/durability compromise.