Long distance on a MTB?
02-21-07, 09:51 AM
#26
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Originally Posted by Hambone
I know I did it too but just to be clear on a vocabulary thing:
slicks are smooth, like dragster tires.
There are tires for MTB rims which are designed for road riding...
slicks are smooth, like dragster tires.
There are tires for MTB rims which are designed for road riding...
True 'nuff. I call any tire that isn't a knobby off-roader a "slick." I ride Marathon Pluses, and they aren't a true slick tire. They have a siping tread to them that looks almost like big snake scales. They're "road tires" but not "slicks."
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02-22-07, 04:32 AM
#27
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My sig tells what bikes I have. The ones I use most are, in order of preference: 1) the Trek 930 MTB roadified and, 2) the Trek 520 tour bike. Definitely go with slicks. Make 'em skinny, like around 1.25" to 1.37". Inflate them to max in the back and maybe 10% under in front for ride comfort. Eventually, you'll likely have trouble with straight, or riser bars that are nearly straight. There's alot of discussion on bars. I currently use North Roads on the MTB because they work well for carpal tunnel and arthritis issues.
This old MTB is usually fully fendered and has another rack in front. Also, I've installed clipless pedals because when I go out for 75 or so miles they are dramatically better in terms of expended effort. The saddle is built for staying on the bike for hours. I agree that bike shorts would be a good choice.
Old school MTB's can make terrific tour machines.
https://i19.tinypic.com/2cnjbl1.jpg
This old MTB is usually fully fendered and has another rack in front. Also, I've installed clipless pedals because when I go out for 75 or so miles they are dramatically better in terms of expended effort. The saddle is built for staying on the bike for hours. I agree that bike shorts would be a good choice.
Old school MTB's can make terrific tour machines.
https://i19.tinypic.com/2cnjbl1.jpg
02-22-07, 08:20 AM
#28
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IMHO, an excellent tire for that MTB you like to take on the road is a Specialized Hemisphere 26" x 1.9. Its not slick but not nobbie. It runs well on asphalt and hard pack and has enough tread to get in the dirt some as long as its not too technical.
I do a 30 mile ride in the summer that keeps me on black tops and dirt roads and the tire works great.
I do a 30 mile ride in the summer that keeps me on black tops and dirt roads and the tire works great.
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Last edited by Monoborracho; 08-21-07 at 04:18 PM.
02-22-07, 03:58 PM
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I use a Hutchinson Top Slick, 26x1, PSI 87-112. Beena good tire, and decently priced, $22 at Jenson
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...lick+Tire.aspx
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...lick+Tire.aspx
02-23-07, 11:31 PM
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Well a quick update here. Went to the LBS and picked up a small bag for under the seat, and some tires. The tires are not slicks, but more of a semi-slick I guess. Still have knobs, but nothing like my stock tires. They go fairly flat at the top so they should help alot while still providing some traction on loose stuff I think.
Heres a cell phone shot of the bike now. Nothing special by any means but just looking at it makes me wanna ride lol
Is it more comfortable to take the stem on the handle bar out so that it sits lower?
Heres a cell phone shot of the bike now. Nothing special by any means but just looking at it makes me wanna ride lol
Is it more comfortable to take the stem on the handle bar out so that it sits lower?
02-24-07, 04:09 AM
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"Is it more comfortable to take the stem on the handle bar out so that it sits lower?"
That depends on what gives you the most comfort. For me, lowering the bars is a no-go because it puts too much pressure on my wrists and hands. Lots of riders don't have a problem with that.
That depends on what gives you the most comfort. For me, lowering the bars is a no-go because it puts too much pressure on my wrists and hands. Lots of riders don't have a problem with that.
03-03-07, 04:05 PM
#32
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Originally Posted by GT_Rob
haha well it looks like I will be shopping for slicks.
As for water, my buddy has been trying to talk me into the camel pack but for the price I think I am just going to run 2 cages/bottles.
I *hope* to throw everything in a back pack if I hotel it. Is it easier to ride with a rack instead?
I am trying to talk the girlfriend into joining me, but have a feeling ill be going alone. Ill have a phone with me just in case something happens though of course. I am getting excited about it now! I wish the gym was open so I could go spin some miles
Damn snow
As for water, my buddy has been trying to talk me into the camel pack but for the price I think I am just going to run 2 cages/bottles.
I *hope* to throw everything in a back pack if I hotel it. Is it easier to ride with a rack instead?
I am trying to talk the girlfriend into joining me, but have a feeling ill be going alone. Ill have a phone with me just in case something happens though of course. I am getting excited about it now! I wish the gym was open so I could go spin some miles
Damn snow
03-03-07, 07:09 PM
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Hi-Center line tires
Hi; I have ridden Ragbrai on a Mtb as do many other people. I think Knobbies are best for off-road and if you do a lot of street riding you have already gotten a lot of good advice about changing them out. For my Mtb I prefer a thinner tire (like 1.25) with what I call a high center, i.e. unseparated ridge line (wow what a description). The single unbroken line runs smooth on the road and the narrower tire rolls fast. I have used slicks which were sold to me as "City Slickers" for street riding in NYC. Good tires, smooth and they really grab the road even in rain. But that came with a price - friction. While they are good tires I always thought they required at least 1 gear lower and were harder to pedal. Find what works best for you.
03-03-07, 08:38 PM
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I only have one bike, and it is a rigid MTB. I went from full knobbies, to knobbies with a smooth bead, to a new set of 700x32c wheels. The 700x32c wheels win hands down! I noticed a real increase in speed. If your bike has disc brakes, you could use 700 size wheels also. If not, then 26x?? slicks would be the way to go.
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03-05-07, 10:40 AM
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Originally Posted by jcm
"Is it more comfortable to take the stem on the handle bar out so that it sits lower?"
That depends on what gives you the most comfort. For me, lowering the bars is a no-go because it puts too much pressure on my wrists and hands. Lots of riders don't have a problem with that.
That depends on what gives you the most comfort. For me, lowering the bars is a no-go because it puts too much pressure on my wrists and hands. Lots of riders don't have a problem with that.
It requires building up leg strength and "core strength." (Abs, obliques, etc.)
What I did was get an adjustable stem and move it down a little every other week or so. Once I was at a spot I thougth was efficient and comfortable, I switched to a fixed stem.
03-05-07, 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by bigpedaler
DON'T LET THE CAMELBACK PRICE SWAY YOU -- GET A HYDRATION PACK AT WALLYWORLD -- ONE OF THE FEW THINGS THAT ARE ACTUALLY USEABLE! I'VE GOT ONE THREE YEARS OLD, STILL GOING STRONG; 2-LITER CAPACITY, ROOM IN THE PACK FOR A 2ND BLADDER, AND THE PACK W/ ONE BLADDER IS ABOUT $30. GO W/ THAT AND ONE BOTTLE/CAGE -- NO SUCH THING AS OVERKILL ON A LONG CLYDE RIDE! I'LL GO THROUGH A LITER OR MORE OF FLUID IN 20 MILES! GO GOR IT, DUDE!
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