High Volume Tires?
 

I've got an old rigid mtb with slickish tires from nashbar. 1.5in I believe. Thinking about getting a pair of high volume tires, maybe big apple or something like it. niagara has some low cost version that is 2.4in.

my question is with this make a noticeable difference in the ride? I am pretty happy with the tires I have now, but I think the high volumes look cool. Not sure I want to pay for looks if it wont be that different ride wise.

anyone have experience making this change?

Thanks!

Fat Franks.... oh yeah!

http://www.schwalbetires.com/files/l_img_fatfrank.gif

I run 2.0 big apples at 40-50psi and they really smooth things out a lot. I would heavily avise against pumping them higher than 50psi. Keep them above 35 though, certainly by 30 they are noticeably boingy.

those fat franks are definitely awesome. just wish I could try them or something like them to see if I appreciate the difference before actually committing to the purchase.

I used a bike with a Big Apple rear tyre and narrow front.When i ran over a stick it went bump,then nothing.I could barely feel the BA over the stick.The fat frank is very similar.

Fatter tires definitely make a cushier ride. Though at that size, they also usually make a slower feeling ride.

The Fat Frank shares the same carcass, flat protection (kevlar belt) and rubber compound as the Big Apple. The only major difference is the retro look of the Fat Frank. The Big Apples might handle/grip a bit better as they likely put a little more rubber to the pavement. Beyond that they are very similar in their feel and performance.

Another option is the Big Apple Liteskin. It's a Big Apple with a folding bead, and the rubber compound is grippier.

you'll defiantly notice a difference, a change that big will even alter your steering geometry. Whether or not you'll like it, I have no idea. I've found my Fat Franks give me a ton more grip than the Fat Boys I was using before (1.25 inches to 2.35, it was quite a change). They also give a lot more control over loose surfaces.

They roll a little slower, but not too much. Then again, I try to keep them around 55 or 60 psi. Too much lower, and they start to wiggle on me. I rode them at close to 20 (it was a slow leak that I just didn't notice), that was an interesting ride. No cornering stability, but smooth as glass. And slow as you can imagine.

I really like my 2.0 Big Apples, I'm going to trade up to the 2.3 liteskins though, for a nicer ride.

You said Niagara has 2.4 (thats point four) inchers? Got a link?

Dunno about on 26" wheels... but on 20" wheels, Schwalbe Big Apples make a huge difference. I was really impressed, since the big thing you hear about folders is they've got such a harsh ride... and with Big Apples, it's totally not the case.

http://www.niagaracycle.com/product_...ucts_id=506397

lower end cst, not schwalbe. high volume though

Yeah...kinda doubt it has the same ride though. Can't find a weight on it, though some clues indicate it is about 25-30% heavier than the wire bead BA.

just buy them. you'll likely go through hundreds of sets of tires in your lifetime.

I agree the ride is most likely different. maybe i will try both just for kicks. I think the cheapys may be lighter though, this link has the 20in listed at 430g which is lighter than the equivalent sized BA.
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...s.php?id=17924

I dont ride enough to go through that many. I think I've purchased one new set of tires in my life. Maybe 2 if you count random bmx tires purchased in youth.

Bigger tires better for rough roads and potholes, great for launching off curbs and such.

from my experience with Fat Franks
they are kind of slippery
on the wet pavement in a group road ride, they are somewhat akin to driving a big block with a stall converter on wet twisty roads.
I'm pretty sure they are designed for "cruising" instead of performance

but I have ridden this set for at least 500 miles

they are heavy
but yes, they do deliver some cush

I had some cheapo Kenda 26x2.1 slick tires on my MTB. They were amazing. Like one of the previous posters said, you could run over sticks and not even notice.

Considering some cheapo 20x2.1 tires the LBS has for my folder.

I've run a 24x3.0 rear tire on a bike I have, you couldn't even tell the rear was touching the ground. Rode like a Cadillac, but better. Your bike probably won't fit 26x3.0's but they do make them.

I just wanted to say.... man, I love that bike!

Asana, What kind of bike is that? It's definitely got some cool factor going for it.

The Fat Franks are cruisers. For better performance, the Big Apple Liteskins offer a lighter weight tire with a stickier compound. Unfortunately, not in Creme..

Thats a custom steel Hunter 29er
www.AsanaCycles.com

here's another... with big tires, I rode this bike for about 2yrs straight. I've had it for 5yrs now.

26x4.0
at 30psi the tires are really hard, and they roll really fast
at 5psi thet tires are really soft, and they roll over really soft surfaces

everything in between, is just that... adjust psi accordingly

better yet yet, a set of WTB Vulpines set up tubeless with latex sealant
typically I get about 3k miles out of a set, I'm on my 3rd set these days... Vulpines... awesome tire

Looking at your photos, you bought the cream coloured Franks, yes? This is the problem, not their Frankness. It's nasty black carbon that gives tyres their grip.

that would be the answer then.

personally I like the tires.
they are not a fast tire
but they look cool
and in a skewed way, having to pay more attention to driving them, is kind of fun
reminds me of the '71 LeMans I once had with a 455, posi and a stall converter