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When you look at the Hidoes B10, the first thing that catches your eye is the rubber. Those 20×4-inch fat tires are not just a style statement borrowing from the bobber motorcycle culture; they are the defining component of the bike’s ride dynamics. But what does “fat” actually mean for the rider in terms of physics?
The Pneumatic Cushion
In automotive engineering, tires are considered the “primary” suspension. This is especially true for e-bikes. A standard road bike tire (25mm wide) runs at high pressure (80+ PSI) to minimize contact patch and maximize speed, but it transmits every crack in the pavement to the rider.
The Hidoes B10’s 4-inch tires operate on a completely different principle. Typically inflated to a low 15-20 PSI, the massive air volume allows the tire casing to deform significantly around obstacles.
* The Result: The tire swallows gravel, potholes, and curbs. It acts as a low-frequency damper.
* The Benefit: This creates a “floating” sensation that isolates the rider from high-frequency road buzz, reducing fatigue significantly over long commutes.
The Efficiency Trade-off
However, physics demands a payment for this comfort. The phenomenon is known as Hysteresis Loss. As the tire constantly deforms and recovers while rolling, energy is lost as heat.
* Energy Cost: This is why the B10 requires a 700W motor. A significant portion of that battery power is spent simply overcoming the rolling resistance of the wide, soft tires. If you were to run these tires on a human-powered bicycle, it would feel sluggish. On an electric bike, the motor masks this inefficiency, but your range (Watts-hours per mile) takes a hit.
Unsprung Weight and Rear Suspension
The B10 features a rear suspension system. Is this overkill for city streets? Not when you consider the motor placement. The B10 uses a hub motor, which adds significant weight inside the rear wheel. This is called unsprung weight.
High unsprung weight makes a wheel sluggish to react to bumps. The rear shock absorber is crucial here not just for rider comfort, but to help keep that heavy wheel planted on the ground, ensuring traction and preventing rim damage from square-edged hits.
The Verdict on Dynamics
The combination of small 20-inch wheels (which offer high torque mechanical advantage) and wide tires creates a bike that accelerates briskly but prefers to go in a straight line. The gyroscopic effect of the heavy rubber resists leaning into corners, giving the bike a stable, planted, but deliberately “heavy” steering feel. For the urban cruiser seeking stability and pothole immunity, this trade-off is entirely worth it.
