New bike...Tire question..
 

Hi all,
Newbie here. Picked up my new bike today...Raleigh Detour 4.5, for commuting 4 mi. to work. Really stoked. I do have a question about tires. I purchased fenders for the new ride and was informed the stock tires wouldn't fit, so they replaced the stock Kenda K192's with Michelin Dynamics. Not as "nobby" as the stock tires. The friendly LBS guys both said it was an "upgrade" at no charge. Does this sound legit? I'm mainly riding on a bike path to work, which is mostly paved/packed gravel and a short stretch on street asphalt. To their credit they said they would switch them back and get other fenders. Any comments or suggestions would be great. My first ride to work is tomorrow morning...forecast is sunny in the low 70s. Wish me luck. Thanks.

Welcome to the commute!!

Michelin and Kenda both make quality tires and the ones you mentioned are similar in price and purpose. I suspect the Michelins are a tad smaller - probably 28s and the Kendas were probably 35s. That would give you more clearance for the fenders. For the type of riding you mention, I would suspect the Michelins will be a little faster due to being narrower and less knobby.

OTOH - different fenders that allow for the stock Kenda's to fit will give you the option of switching to a wider tire in the future without needing new fenders.

Bottom line - I think it is "an upgrade" for your current riding plans but limits your tire choice in the future somewhat. Not a big deal either way.

Less knobby will generally be smoother and feel quicker on pavement; you shouldn't have any trouble on the gravel part. I don't know those two tires specifically to compare them, so if you trust your LBS guys you should be fine. It sounds like a perfect first day to commute-welcome to the club!

I'd say it was an upgrade. According to the manufacturers' websites,the Mich's should weigh less,have a smoother tread,and have some puncture protection.

BTW,has anybody ever checked out Kenda's site? How many friggen 'K' names kan you kome up with? Holy krap! :rolleyes: