Recumbent - Faster Tires

Hi, I am running a Front tire 20x1.50 Kenda Kwest 100psi, and a rear
tire 26x1.50 Kenda Kwest 100psi. Are there any tires out there that may be alittle faster for a guy that weighs 280 pounds. I heard once the more rubber you put on the ground the slower the bike will be. I would like to stay with the same width and be alittle comfy on the bumps and have more speed at the same time.

Curt

The Kendas that come on the EZ Sport are pretty smooth. I'm not sure you could do a lot to improve on them.

Kendas are good tires, Try running with 85-90 psi in the front and 100 in the rear. I have the 20 inch tires, so I don't know what yours feel like.

I hear that Primos are pretty good tires. Except they are 1.25 wide. That may make you faster, but could hurt stability.

I hear that Primos are pretty good tires. Except they are 1.25 wide. That may make you faster, but could hurt stability.

Assuming we are talking about the Primo Comets, they come in widths 1.35" through 1.90". They even offer a kevlar version too. The downside is that they stereotypically are not know for their longevity. Mine lasted about 800 miles before needing replacement.

Kendas are good all-around, really. They offer a fair flat protection and a little speed. That, IMHO, is the pivot point. You go to a more durable tire, you may add weight - - - a little lighter and you may sacrifice durability.

What you need to do is figure out your riding style. I am a tourer. I ride self-contained tours and also ride club rides. So durability was my goal. I have a set of Schwalbe Marathons. They work great for me. They are kevlar belted and have a decent (but not too obtrusive) tread that allows excellent gravel manuvering and a good ride on imperfect roads.

Curt: Like you I also have the EZ Sport, but mine's the CX. I just passed under the 300 lb mark. and my bike also has the 100 PSIG Kwest tires. I've found in my short time back cycling that if the Kwest's are even a little bit under the inflation pressure, they roll pretty soft. I ride each day and check the pressure every time before I go out. I inflate to 105 PSIG (I figure that by the time I get the pump off of the stem, the pressure's back to 100 PSIG) and they roll pretty well for me. I'm actually considering a 2" 100 PSIG rated slick when the rear finally wears out for loaded touring purposes. I don't push it too hard, though, only shooting for 13 to 15 mph average speed for touring and training, so the speed issue may not be as big of a deal to me. BBJ