Cyclocross - Newbie needs some help with tires

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Newbie needs some help with tires

martian_
03-08-09, 03:06 PM
Hi,

I've been riding my 08 Poprad for about half a year now, and its stock tires are dangerously thin. What kind of tires should I get to replace them?

How I ride:
Casual rides, usually 4-5 a week at 20-30 miles each. I'm often on pavement, but I love diving onto fire trails or single track when I can, so I definitely want a tire that can handle some (albeit minor) abuse.

I'm also training for RAGBRAI this summer (~450 miles). This will be all highway and street riding, so I'm thinking that I should also invest in slicks and get used to riding them early in the season.

I'm still a novice cyclist and am not really sure where to start. Thanks in advance for any tips or recommendations.

CM

10 Wheels
03-08-09, 03:11 PM
What size are your tires?
Do you like the tires you have now?
flargle
03-08-09, 03:26 PM
Panaracer Pasela TG 700x35c

chalex
03-08-09, 07:07 PM
Hi,
I've been riding my 08 Poprad for about half a year now, and its stock tires are dangerously thin.


What makes you say that? I ride on 700x28 slicks, and they can handle dirt trails, gravel trails, cobblestone just fine. Not that I like to ride on those surfaces as it's awfully rough on my arms on a rigid bike, but it works fine.

If you already have 700x35, can you even fit fatter tires in the frame/fork? Have you tried lowering the pressure a bit? That will give you a softer ride and more grip off-pavement.
knobster
03-08-09, 09:32 PM
How about getting a second wheelset to put a set of cross tires on? Something like Mavic Open Pro can be picked up quite cheaply. I've seen them on here for $100. You can a new set from some online retailers for $150-200. Might be able to find some other wheels on craigslist pretty cheaply also.
M_S
03-09-09, 08:02 PM
Ritchey Speedmax on the offroad end, any touring tire, like the pasela mentioned above, if road is more of a priority.