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Old 12-06-07 | 08:02 PM
  #38  
chipg5
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 256
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From: Ithaca, New York

Bikes: Felt Z80 road bike, Trek 7.2FX hybrid, Jamis Aurora Touring, Volae Voyager recumbent

Originally Posted by tsl
The Nokians are a little buzzy through the bars, and you'll hear the studs on the pavement, but they're not significantly different in handling or control in the dry. I was pleasantly surprised for discover this. I had expected cornering to be exciting for all the wrong reasons. It's not.

On the other hand, they're much heavier than my road tires--something like 850 grams each. Coupled with the gumwall construction, they take 2-3 MPH off my speeds on dry pavement in good conditions. A 13-mile route where I average 16.7 to 17.3 with the road tires, I did recently at 13.9. It was about the same last year on a completely different bike (weight, geometry, gearing).

Last year I kept an eye on the five-day forecast and switched tires whenever it looked like 3-4 days of good, above freezing weather. I've gone a step further this year and have two wheelsets. This also lets me use a different cassette. I strongly prefer close-ratio cassettes. I run a 12-23 (10-speed) with the road tires, vs. a 16-27 with the snows. That makes a world of difference given that the snows are harder to push. I'm very happy with the lower gearing.

If I didn't have choices, or if I found swapping to be a chore, I'd leave them on all winter. Since I don't mind changing tires and I have choices, I take them.
Great this is very helpful. Thanks tsl.
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