Folding Bikes - Tire Question

Do tires really make that much of a difference for casual riding. I was thinking for changing my tires that came on my new Citizen Miami to maybe some Primo Comets. I know that the Comets do have a higher pressure, but if you have say some Marathons at the same pressure will it make handling better with possibly more speed then the new tires that came on my folder.

Yes, tires do make a difference which you may or may not feel depending on how sophisticated of a rider you are. Roger

The 451 rim will make more of a difference over a 406 rim and the width of the tire.

Tires make a huge difference in speed for the casual cyclist...more than any other modification and cheaper as well. If you bike is 406 [20"] wheel size get some Greenspeed Scorchers...fast, grippy and comfortable...hard to beat 'em...:thumb:

Thx, I know that higher pressure tires are better, I was wondering if the stock tires on the Miami where decent enough or should I try something a little better. My Miami seems so slow compared to my R20 which has Comets on it. The gearing is low, but it feels different even at slow speeds. I don't know if it's because of the tires or the gearing.

Thx, I know that higher pressure tires are better, I was wondering if the stock tires on the Miami where decent enough or should I try something a little better. My Miami seems so slow compared to my R20 which has Comets on it. The gearing is low, but it feels different even at slow speeds. I don't know if it's because of the tires or the gearing.

You'll be faster with supple wider tires at lower pressure than narrow high pressure tires. If you use a wider supple tire and inflate it to high pressure all you'll do is make the ride uncomfortable - it won't be faster.

Tires should be inflated so they achieve ~15% of the measured width in vertical drop when you sit static on the bike. The front will get a significant amount less pressure since it carries less weight.

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/?s=inflating+tires

Gearing won't make your bike feel slow.

You'll be faster with supple wider tires at lower pressure than narrow high pressure tires. If you use a wider supple tire and inflate it to high pressure all you'll do is make the ride uncomfortable - it won't be faster.

Tires should be inflated so they achieve ~15% of the measured width in vertical drop when you sit static on the bike. The front will get a significant amount less pressure since it carries less weight.

http://thelazyrando.wordpress.com/?s=inflating+tires

Gearing won't make your bike feel slow.

+1

This is particularly true if the road surface is bumpy or irregular. On my regular trip into town on a mix of poorly maintained streets, a MUP, and brief stretches of smooth tarmac, my 50mm Big Apples are marginally faster than my Kojaks and considerably more comfortable.