Rolling Resistance-Single Speed newbie w/knobbies
All:
Question about rolling resistance.
Short explanation:
Running 39/18 w/Maxix cyclocross knobbies and it feels as hard (or harder) to pedal as running 39/15 fixed w/street tires. Should there be that much more rolling resistance between tires?
Longer Explanation:
Am doing first CX race Sept 28th. Turning my 76 Schwinn Varsity Fixed/SS into a frankenbike Single Speed. "Racing" may be wrong verb, "participating" with a 32 year old 32# bike may be a better verb to describe how I'll do in the Age 45-B Masters catergory. Been averaging 200miles per month and am a lapsed cat 5 roadie. Used to be a runner.
Anyway, had 39/15 fixed, fllop to 39/16 Freewheel side. Had slick with road tires and original ashtabula one piece crank with orignal platform pedals.
I upgraded to a new one piece crank from Harris Cyclery to one that had 9/16th holes so I can use modern pedals. Put in new bearings and 24tpi threads.
Purchased an 18tooth SS for the running 39/18 single speed.
The chain fits, seems to be right tension, but the axel bolts are pretty far up the horizontal dropouts.
Love the fact I have SPD mountain pedals on my franken-varsity, but dang it seems hard to pedal w/new knobbies. Wondering if
-crank bearings are too tight
-chain too tight
-need a smaller front chainring
-or just suck it up and ride.
When I figure out how to post pictures I'll post one of ole' Black & Tan (name of my varsity)
Thank in advance.