Question about weight, tire size, and load for commuting.
02-10-11 | 08:56 AM
#1
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Question about weight, tire size, and load for commuting.
Hey everyone,
I am currently commuting 32 miles round trip between 2-4 days a week and need some advice. I am currently using a messenger bag which I feel is great when I am not carrying too much weight (less than 10 pounds or so). I decided to order a Topeak Explorer rack and their compatible MTX EXP bag. Now, my question comes down to weight. I currently have 700x23 Conti UltraGatorskins and I weigh 130. My question is would the inclusion of the bag with basic equipment (tools, lunch, shirt or two, towel, etc) push the limits of the tires? Meaning, will the weight cause more flats? I am wondering because I don't have the money to upgrade the tires now and riding on very straight, average road I figured wouldn't be a big deal. I was just wondering what everyone thought or if I am just being paranoid over nothing. This is my first time getting commuting gear, so I'm a tad worried about spokes/wheel/tire issues. Thanks!
I am currently commuting 32 miles round trip between 2-4 days a week and need some advice. I am currently using a messenger bag which I feel is great when I am not carrying too much weight (less than 10 pounds or so). I decided to order a Topeak Explorer rack and their compatible MTX EXP bag. Now, my question comes down to weight. I currently have 700x23 Conti UltraGatorskins and I weigh 130. My question is would the inclusion of the bag with basic equipment (tools, lunch, shirt or two, towel, etc) push the limits of the tires? Meaning, will the weight cause more flats? I am wondering because I don't have the money to upgrade the tires now and riding on very straight, average road I figured wouldn't be a big deal. I was just wondering what everyone thought or if I am just being paranoid over nothing. This is my first time getting commuting gear, so I'm a tad worried about spokes/wheel/tire issues. Thanks!
02-10-11 | 09:23 AM
#2
Stealing Spokes since 82'
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Boy-z, Ideeeho
Bikes: The always reliable kuwie
I wouldn't worry about it too much, the back will wear much faster with the extra weight so you will want to keep an eye out for that down the road.
What spoke count are you running?
What spoke count are you running?
02-10-11 | 10:29 AM
#4
Tandem Vincitur
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Northern California
Bikes: BMC Pro Machine SLC01, Specialized Globe, Burley Rock 'N Roll tandem, Calfee Dragonfly tandem.
02-10-11 | 11:04 AM
#7
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From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
02-10-11 | 11:24 AM
#8
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From: Oxnard, CA
Bikes: 2009 Fuji Roubaix RC; 2011 Fuji Cross 2.0; '92 Diamond Back Ascent EX
I've got 100 lbs. on you and my 700x23 Gatorskins are holding up great. Ride with no fear!
02-10-11 | 12:41 PM
#10
Bike addict, dreamer
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Queens, New York
Yeah, I'm 195-200lbs and I carry at least 20lbs of stuff on cheap frame and $120 set of wheels and I used all kinds of tires. I wouldn't worry at all if I were you. Man, I wish I was 130lbs...
02-10-11 | 12:55 PM
#12
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From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
Like others have mentioned I wouldn't worry to much about the weight. You are adding about 5lbs to the total weight of your bike.
02-10-11 | 01:30 PM
#13
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Lots of commuters weigh twice what you do; I don't think you need to worry.
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I stop for people / whose right of way I honor / but not for no one.
Originally Posted by bragi "However, it's never a good idea to overgeneralize."
02-10-11 | 01:46 PM
#14
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This is great news everyone! Thanks for the replies! I have been commuting for a year now and am looking forward to experience a rack and bag/panniers. The reason for my cautiousness is that most commuters I know use 700X28 at the very least. I rarely run into rear rack/bag commuters on 23s. But this is great to know! Thanks again! I hope the Topeak combo is as good as people on here say it is!
02-10-11 | 03:14 PM
#15
Squeaky Wheel
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,681
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From: Newcastle, WA
I have the same rack/bag you do, run 25c gatorskins, weigh 185lbs and commute 36 miles RT. My last rear tire lasted for over 4000 miles without a flat and I only replaced it when I ran over some metal and put a cut into the sidewall (the tube bulged out a bit but did not flat). Probably could have gotten another 1000 miles out of that tire...
You'll be fine.
You'll be fine.
02-11-11 | 02:11 PM
#19
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From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
<Wait, I now take back my original statement. You will definitely break the bike. You should send it to me for safe keeping.>
Beautiful bike, enjoy the ride.
Beautiful bike, enjoy the ride.
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