Commuting - Maxxis Hookworms vs. Schwalbe Big Apples?

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Inthe10ring
07-22-08, 02:11 PM
I have been using my hookworms on my Xtracycle for about 500 miles or so now, and I love em'... Not a single puncture, and phenomenal grip on gravel and hardpack dirt. I have the pressure up around 60psi, but the ride is a bit harsh. Any lower pressure than that, and It seems like I double my workout on the commute.

My friend just put a set of Big Apples on his 29er, and I really like em'. Significantly lighter than the hookworms, and they seem to roll a bit better too. (although that could be the 29er placebo effect)
Anybody have any experience with both tires? Should I chase good after bad and plunk down more $$$ for the big apples, or just run the hookworms (and myself) into the ground?
I guess I'm just looking for the "perfect" tire... I have tried the following thus far...

Maxxis Hookworms
Kenda Kwest 100psi
Michelin Transworld City
Continental Sport Contacts (1.3 & 1.6's)

I like the Hookworms the best so far, but they are just sooo much work! Any suggestions?

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/inthe10ring/IMG_0801.jpg
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j112/inthe10ring/IMG_0742.jpg

Baying_Hound
07-22-08, 02:34 PM
I can't speak to the hookworms, but I do ride big apples and can compare them to several other large tires. I find the Apples roll better than anything else I have ridden. This surprised me as the weigh 850 gms or something around there. They don't accelerate or climb as fast as road bike tires, but they are durable enough to roll over anything in the road. I don't think you could go wrong with them.
Chuckie J.
07-22-08, 06:28 PM
I can't comment on the Hookworms.

I have a 2.35 Big Apple (26") on the front of my Xtracycle and all I got to say is CUSHY! Its like having a big shock up there. No flats and rolls over everything. I wants more!

Inthe10ring
07-23-08, 09:50 AM
Big Apples are starting to sound pretty good...
dynaryder
07-23-08, 11:01 AM
Big Apples weigh a good bit less. Marathon Supremes weigh even less than Big Appples. I've got them on my Safari and love them.

(and -5 cool points for removing your trekking bar)
Inthe10ring
07-24-08, 01:44 AM
Big Apples weigh a good bit less. Marathon Supremes weigh even less than Big Appples. I've got them on my Safari and love them.

(and -5 cool points for removing your trekking bar)

dude, I have super wide shoulders, and the trekking bars were just not cutting it... I am looking into something similar to some super wide Mary Bars... We shall see...
I prefer having a fatter tire, as I often load my Xtracycle HUNDREDS of pounds overweight, and I appreciate the built in "suspension" that fatties provide. Not to mention, I often tear up single tracks and fire-roads with the Safari. So for me, fattier is better. (minus the weight...)