Kabir

Are there other fat 20-inch tires that can provide cushioning similar to what big apples do? How about BMX tires? I have seen quite some of those in the LBS. Big apples seem to be harder to find in the neighborhood. Have to order them online and they are a bit pricey. The ride on the 20x1.5 tires of my DT NS is quite rough over road cracks/potholes.

In addition, do 20x2.35 big apples fit DT rims? Anyone tried? I figure if I wanted the comfort, I might as well got for the most comfortable one.

Pine Cone

I like Maxxis tires and they can have some reasonable prices.

Right now at Jenson USA Ringworms for $17
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...gworm+Bmx.aspx

I have 16" Big Apples on my DT Mini and have 20" Maxxis Hookworms on my recumbent tandem. I think the Big Apples all have a kevlar strip under the tread for flat protection, so the extra cost may be worth it.

Kabir

How about the comfort? How does Maxxis tire handle road irregularities?

geo8rge

What pressure are you at. You might try your current tires at 40 - 50 psi.

Pine Cone

The Maxxis tires can be run a high pressures (100 psi +) for less rolling resistance, or run a lower pressures (maybe 60 psi) for more comfort. I don't think I would run them at less than 50 psi.

Kabir

I have already kept the pressure of current tires in that range. The neighborhood road condition isn't friendly to bikes (have to ride on sidewalks for some part of my commute.) So, I am looking for alternatives to improve comfort. I think wider tires with lower pressure may help.

Kabir

I notice that those high pressure tires only give the highest pressure rating, instead of a range. Does it mean as you said, they are for high pressure usage only?

MnHPVA Guy

Maxis tires, such as the Hookworm, are very heavy and stiff and will only roll well at high pressures on smooth surfaces. The 1.95" CST Cyclops is very inexpensive and weighs 100 grams less than the 50mm Big Apple. It is also one of the straightest tires I've ever seen. Spins like it was turned on a lathe. I still prefer the Big Apple but at 1/3 the cost the Cyclops is a great deal.

doktoravalanche

Ringworms are great, soak up bumps, roll fast and have enough tread to hook up when things get a bit hairy...

jur

I had a cyclops on my back wheel; I took it off after the 2nd time it flatted with a 1/4" stick right through the tread. I think the carcass is too weak. (You may not have problems with sticks like we do here in Oz. I have suffered damage LOTS of times with sticks.)

Kabir

Just to have a follow-up report on this topic. Yesterday, I shopped around and bought 2 BMX tires. One is Kenda Krackpot 20x1.95. It has bead2bead tread. A little heavy (615grams according to a German site. Kenda has its very brief info on the Taiwan site, not on the English site.) I put it on the front rim for its possibly higher relibility and better handling capability. The other is Kenda K-Rad 20x1.95. I put it on the rear for its low rolling resistance. It is about 470 grams, so not too bad. I got both from local CanadianTire. $13CDN for Krackpot and $14CDN for K-Rad. They also have Kenda Kontact. I skipped it since it is heavier than the other 2. CanadianTire even have more 20-inch tires than LBS.

Pumping them up at 40psi. Now, the ride is much more comfortable.

Thanks everyone for all the advices.