Originally Posted by
Ron Damon
Would I tour on 349 wheels? No. For one, they'll make for a harsher ride due to the narrow width, short profile and high pressure of the 37mm max tire width. Comfort, day in and day out is key in touring.
For two, the higher pressure transfers more road stresses to the rims and spokes. For three, the higher pressure increases the chances of punctures. For four, the narrow tire profile will sink in even the shallowest of loose stuff.
Folks here complain about the harsh ride of narrow tires on 406, but studiously avoid the issue of the harsher ride of 37mm max width on 349.
You're correct, of course.
406 at least, has the option of 1.75 and often 2.0 in terms of clearance. 349, very often, not. Not what a brommie is designed for. Yet, many rave about it touring. But they probably have not ever ridden on cushy small tires. Or they are racerish and like small and light tires for lovely low rotation inertia (one would think less important at steady speeds), and only tour on really smooth roads. Or a lot of multimode transport on the tour, and value compact folding above all else. However, a 'brom at least has rear suspension, though your 50s may be equal, and, are on front too, whereas a 'brom has no front suspension.
I really need to do a test ride of a Brompton. Like I've said, I tend not to ask sales for a test ride if I am not in the market, but I should.
I do now have some quality known-name 406-50s that are used but like new and were cheap at the LBS, my guess is, didn't fit or like the way they rode. I still have some life left on the 1.5s currently on (just using up tires that came on other Dahons I bought), and 1.75s to use, I'll use the 2.0s after that, or if I tour sooner. Frame and fork (mid-00's Dahon Speed) looks like I have clearance for that.