Commuting - Alternatives to Schwalbe Big Apples?

Considering a pair of schwalbe big apples for my Big Dummy, hear lots of hype about how great they are (and I've ridden the first bunch'o'miles on the pair that came stock on the BD and now require a replacement) but wondering if there is a less expensive or perhaps more accessible (REI, LBS) alternative?

I'd prefer the 2.35, but 2.15 will do.

Anyone have any recommendations for reasonable alternatives to the Big Apple?

Thanks,

Dave

yes there are other companies making a street tire of 26- 1.9~ 2.125" width,
just go to your favorite LBS and the staff will help you sort thru what they have available.

base price seems about $20. features like puncture resistant bands add to the price..

Considering a pair of schwalbe big apples for my Big Dummy, hear lots of hype about how great they are (and I've ridden the first bunch'o'miles on the pair that came stock on the BD and now require a replacement) but wondering if there is a less expensive or perhaps more accessible (REI, LBS) alternative?

Anyone have any recommendations for reasonable alternatives to the Big Apple?


Schwalbe tires are the best around. I don't think you'll find many people contradicting that fact. Here's a short video of how their tires are put together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0P3oQWo22A

Your LBS or REI can order any Schwalbe tires you'd like, just ask them. If you can order at least $100 of bicycle stuff then you may want to use Chain Reaction Cycles (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com) which has free shipping for orders over $100. If you have Amazon.com prime then you can also find good prices on tires via Amazon.

Another alternative to the Big Apple is Schwalbe's Fat Frank. They have the same specs as the Big Apple but with a different thread pattern. Schwalbe has also come out with Big Ben tires with similar specs as the Big Apple.

I've used other vendor tires but always keep coming back to Schwalbe. :thumb:

I’m currently running Continental Comfort Contact 700 x 54 (29” x 2.1) slick-centered street tires and these are awesome tires that I’ve ridden on numerous hilly centuries, but Continental unfortunately discontinued them in recent months for their newer tire lineup whose thinner dimensions simply don’t interest me, so I’ll likely be switching to Schwab Big Apples (2.15 or 2.35) next time around.

I prefer the ride quality of large volume tires along with their increased rotating wheel mass, as their subsequent greater momentum (especially when very near to 50 MPH descent speeds) yields a slower loss of speed at the bottom of high speed descents and I prefer the greater force required to accelerate them from traffic lights (strengthens my legs and enhances my cardio workout as well as burns more calories, which is keeping my weight down to the 170’s, even dropping to the upper 160’s at the conclusion of my hilly century rides).

Nomad Resist are fairly decent and come fat

I'd stick with the Big Apps and just try to find the cheapest price on the web. That's what I'll do when mine eventually go.

FYI folks,longtails ride a touch rougher than regular bikes. The extra wheelbase gives bumps more leverage to bounce the rear. Tires designed specifically for comfort are a big help.

Nomad Resist are fairly decent and come fat

I have the 700x"45" Nomads. The 26" version is much wider. They ride nicely, but no flat protection (which is a big contributor to the nice ride).

Nice tires for the price, but I probably wouldn't run them for this application.

It's a shame Panaracer T-Servs don't come bigger than 1.75". I really like them.

I have a friend who runs Schwalbe Super Motos on his commuter. I took it for a short spin and holy crap those are nice tires. Priced accordingly too :(

I Fit Schwalbe Marathon Plus on in place of the Continental Travel Contact tires
that were on the Bike when I got it.

still lots of miles left on the Conti TC's, [just a hole made by a rusty 10p nail in one]
Hole closed up OK when I replaced the tube.. if I were on Tour ,
I'd have just kept riding on them for months more ..

I kept the 26 X 1.75 width size..