Thanks for the info on the lube - I'll pick that up when the bike comes in.
According to one post I read, the 2.15 made a huge difference and it was really 2.15 where he felt the 2.0 was more like a 1.75. The 2.15 is also lighter than the 2.0. Anyway, xootr is installing the 2.0 on the front and back to start.
Here is what he wrote if you are interested:
"I installed the 2.15 Big Apple’s LiteSkin version on my folding bike (20 inch wheels). I used to have 2.0’s on it before, which were OK, but nothing special.
So how does it feel to go from 2.0 to 2.15? Well, in short, it feels like riding a new bike. I never understood what all the hoopla surrounding the BA’s was all about, although I was riding the 2.0’s that came with my folding bike from the start and experimented with various pressures to find that sweet spot. Yes, the ride was definitely smoother than on Kojak’s or Stelvio’s, but not so amazing that it was worth drooling over. I still felt every bump and pothole that NYC is littered with and was a bit skeptical of the whole balloon bike idea.
The 2.15’s have converted me! I rode home from work last night and paid special attention to the now familiar pot holes and other road imperfections that made my commute a pain. The ride is really, noticeably, significantly better than on the 2.0’s. So good in fact, that I didn’t notice some of the old trouble spots I rode over in the past and the more significant ones, were greatly smoothed out. Anyone living in a city with crappy roads and commuting over less than perfect road conditions, should have these. It’s worth the investment! At $52.85 a piece, they are not cheap, but again, it really transforms the ride, so if you are on the fence about buying these…fall off it and do it!
I stumbled across these 2.15’s pretty much by coincidence, while checking over the choices on Schwalbe’s website. They only come in LiteSkin version, which is a fair bit lighter than the “regular”, non-folding tire. The claim is that the LiteSkins retain the same puncture protection…let’s hope it’s true! At least the Kevlar is still in them, so I am hopeful. I basically went from a 50mm to a 55mm tire and saved 50 grams. Not bad! Ok the weight saving is irrelevant at this level, even for weight weenies I should think, but going to a bigger tire and not adding weight is great.
I put a call in to Schwalbe before ordering these and they confirmed that they are a new addition to their line-up and were introduced, since the jump from 2.0 to 2.35 was too big and people were asking for an option in between. Good job! At least in the US, the 2.15’s are only available in the LiteSkin version, although on the international site, they show regular wire bead’s in 2.15 as well, although I don’t know why anyone would want them (assuming the puncture protection claim is really accurate). Given the novelty factor, I wouldn’t be surprised to be one of the first to be testing these
Oh yes, last but not least, they look really cool too. The logo is just much better than on the 2.0’s…and 2.35’s for that matter!
I can only imagine what 2.35’s must feel like…sadly not possible to install on my folder, but I am very happy with what I have."
Here is the thread if you want to read the follow ups..
http://www.schwalbetires.com/big_apple
Rishi O.