Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Can new tires make THAT much of a difference?
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I've been riding all year on a set of Michelin Orium's. They were on the bike when I bought it. At about 1100 miles I got two flats in a week. The back tire had a couple of small cuts, the front was fine. I always pump them to pressure before each ride.
I bought a pair of Conti GP 4000's and rode them 20 miles today. Wow what a difference. immediately felt less rolling resistance and just seemed faster. Now the Orium's are not top of the line but mid-grade. At the end of the ride I was .9 mph faster than normal and they just seemed to be more comfortable on the road.
Can it be the tires or is much of this in my head?
10 Wheels
09-27-09, 06:29 PM
Tires make the most difference in riding.
Richard_Rides
09-27-09, 07:02 PM
I replaced my bar tape and my average is up .2 mph
Tires make the most difference in riding.
If this is true (and it may be) why would anyone not buy top of the line tires. Compared to the bike it's small potato's
Bar tape is next
barturtle
09-27-09, 08:08 PM
The GP4000s are about 2/3 the weight of the Oriums. This means they are much easier to get moving, so you will accelerate quicker with the same amount if power production.
They also cost about 3 times as much. Whether 0.9mph average is worth 3 times as much is a very personal thing.
Good points barturtle. I looked up the orium and they are about $36 a pair, So you're right $60 more, but amortize that over 2-3 years use and better performance and it's probably a good investment to upgrade
sstorkel
09-27-09, 10:20 PM
If this is true (and it may be) why would anyone not buy top of the line tires. Compared to the bike it's small potato's
Fast tires are not necessarily long-wearing, puncture resistant, or good in the rain... As with everything, there are a trade-offs.
Fast tires are not necessarily long-wearing, puncture resistant, or good in the rain... As with everything, there are a trade-offs.
That's for sure. I use race tires on one of my bikes. Flat protection sucks, and they wear out in 2000 miles. But dang, they sure roll well and the feel is great.
Peter_C
09-28-09, 06:19 AM
Let's not forget! A CLEAN bike is a faster bike too! Your Drag cohieficiesient (hate it when too far off for spell check!) is better by 0.0029!
Riverside_Guy
09-28-09, 09:33 AM
Tire width and inflation are also factors.
Then again, this is my first real fall riding and am finding wind can make a HUGE difference... like 5-6 mph average.
takingcontrol
09-28-09, 09:49 AM
Let's not forget! A CLEAN bike is a faster bike too! Your Drag cohieficiesient (hate it when too far off for spell check!) is better by 0.0029!
OK were not exactly flying here. I don't think you need "clean" and "dirty" specs.....It could just be me but I know I produce more drag then the bug guts.....