Originally Posted by
silverwolf
Chi-james and sixty-fiver- those bikes look fantastic! Is that a brooks saddle on the white-tire mountain bike?
Anyway, nice to know I'm not the only one- tire options are one reason I could deal with a 26" bike, as well as cheap and near-universal tubes, brake systems, rim and spoke repair, etc.
A few more questions- I'm used to 700cs and apart from my 20" folder they're all I've ridden for over three months now. I am pretty skilled at even BMX-style curb hops and such on my 700cs, will the 26" wheels be that much of an adjustment?
Second, tire options- I need something that can do mild off-roading, general bad weather duty, and still get me to around 15mph on a clear day without excessive rolling resistance. What sort of tread pattern/tire width should I be looking for with these uses?
Third what about clips/straps for pedals? What kind of shoes are necessary to ride with them and are they worth it for a singlespeed as well as a fixie?
I ride bikes with wheels in almost every size ever known save for 24 inch... 26 inch wheels are that nice in between that roll out and usually ride better than really small wheels (without a suspension) and are much tougher than 700c road wheels.
As for a great multi use tyre that will give you everything you ever wanted plus good flat protection and a long service life I can only suggest the Schwalbe Hurricane... mine have at least 10,000 km on them and show very little wear and have never flatted.