Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Tire Question

If you could only put a semi or a slick on one tire (Fr. or Bk) which would be most advisable? Or is it a dumb idea and something that should be done in pairs? Im picking up some Ergon E1 grips today, and have a *little*incidental case with which im going to get some grip tape, and maybe a tire-but not two since I can't drop 60.00 on a pair. Can you just do one at at time?

CAS

Sounds like a dumb idea. What kind of tire do you have on the front? I think it would ride kind of funky unless the tires are pretty similar in profile.

Myself, I paid $9.99 each for my slicks from Nashbar. Made the decision easier.....

Here ya go:

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=15304&subcategory_ID=5425

$7, and then they have a 20% off coupon today, that's darned hard to beat. One of the users here, aXon has them and loves 'em, I'd imagine for that price it's pretty hard to find something wrong with them.

If you could only put a semi or a slick on one tire (Fr. or Bk) which would be most advisable? Or is it a dumb idea and something that should be done in pairs? Im picking up some Ergon E1 grips today, and have a *little*incidental case with which im going to get some grip tape, and maybe a tire-but not two since I can't drop 60.00 on a pair. Can you just do one at at time?

CAS

It depends on your current tires, if your coming from mountain bike tires, then they fall into three categories:

1) Front and rear tires are identical
2) Front and rear tires are identical, but reversed.
3) Front and rear tires are unique.

If the front and rear tires are identical or reversed, put the new tire on the front, and the better of the old tires on the rear. Keep the extra tire as a spare. If the front and rear tires are different and all your riding is on pavement, then treat the same as if the tires are identical. If you do some off road still, then put the new tire on the front, and keep the old front tire as a spare. When your rear tire wears out, put the front tire on the back, and a new tire on the front. If you blow a rear tire, the worst that will happen is you drop the bike, if you blow a front tire, you go over the bars, what happens next depends on what you hit when you land, it ain't pretty no matter what.

Can't put it on the rear cause then the rear will be too fast for the front. The rear tire will keep running into the front from behind!:roflmao2:

If you're going to spend $30 per tire, I'd go with a slightly lower model and spend 40 for the set. Slicks at this price are more than good enough!

I would put the smaller tire on the back.

Wonder how they are on flats.....(as in resisting, that is) Ive read Sheldon Browns take on semi treaded slicks for bikes, but those look scary! *lol* I have 26x1.95 knobs on front and back.

Street slicks get better traction than knobs by far on pavement. Even on a wet surface, to hydroplane a 1.5 inch wide bike tire, you'd have to be moving at over 200MPH. The knobs bent and slide, while the slick conforms to the pavement surface. Look as a skinny road tire....how much tread do they have? It's the same principle.

Slicks also have significantly less rolling friction than knobs.

Slicks are great. I had some Specialized slicks on one of my mtb's. 1.25's At 80 psi they rolled fast and never a flat in 2 years, trail or street. I rode them inthe pouring rain once. 42 miles onthe trail and no hdroplane at all. When I sold the bike to a friend, I kept the tires. I payed abotu $20 each!

As long as we are on the the subject of slicks, does anybody know of an inexpensive source for slicks for a mountain bike with 24" wheels. My 7 year old daughter is riding longer distances these days, and I would like to replace her knobby tires with something a little more suited to riding on the road.

http://biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=PCPOB&buttonAction=ci_PCPOB&ssn=8568

http://biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=IKOLQ&buttonAction=ci_IKOLQ&ssn=8568

Option 2 looks to be the least cost and best adaptability of use for a 24" tire.

Make sure it will match up to the rim size, though since 24 nd 26" both have different rim standards between types, etc. These fit like a wheelchair or British bikes. Check the Sheldon Brown site for compatibility.

Only place I have found a selection of 24 inch tires is Niagara Cycle Works. Note there are several different rim sizes. Make sure you get the right one.

http://www.niagaracycle.com

Thank you both. I will check the rim size.


http://biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=PCPOB&buttonAction=ci_PCPOB&ssn=8568

http://biketiresdirect.com/productdetail.asp?p=IKOLQ&buttonAction=ci_IKOLQ&ssn=8568

Option 2 looks to be the least cost and best adaptability of use for a 24" tire.

Make sure it will match up to the rim size, though since 24 nd 26" both have different rim standards between types, etc. These fit like a wheelchair or British bikes. Check the Sheldon Brown site for compatibility.


Only place I have found a selection of 24 inch tires is Niagara Cycle Works. Note there are several different rim sizes. Make sure you get the right one.

http://www.niagaracycle.com