Annoyed with the 25's. Want to change to 23's.
#52
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SPRING10 FTW, baby! Honestly, I don't know how those blokes stay in business unless they are the WallyWorld of bikedom...
#53
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OR.....think outside the box and just mount a 23 on the front rim only. I assume you only remove the front wheel?? Then you get ease of removal PLUS with a 25 on the rear, you get a majority of the extra ride qualities that come with the extra volume of a 25.
Many riders use this combo. I don't but know it does work and have some advantages.
Bob in MN
Many riders use this combo. I don't but know it does work and have some advantages.
Bob in MN
23 in front, 25 in rear.
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You know you'll have to deflate the tire a bit to get them off and then reflate them once they are on. I usually ride Conti Gator skins 700x25 that slide on and off easily, this rainy season I switch to conti 4 season 700x25 and had the same problem you're having. The tires just didn't clear the brake pads. So I just carry the floor pump with me to reflate the tires.
On your tubes, we are lucky to have the tour of California stop by San Francisco in years past, I took a close look at the "Pro's" bikes including Lances. What the mechanics do is put electrical tape around the valve stem where it comes through the rim, I asked one of the guys about it. He said it kept the valve stem from moving around and they had less flats.
You may want to try that.
On your tubes, we are lucky to have the tour of California stop by San Francisco in years past, I took a close look at the "Pro's" bikes including Lances. What the mechanics do is put electrical tape around the valve stem where it comes through the rim, I asked one of the guys about it. He said it kept the valve stem from moving around and they had less flats.
You may want to try that.
#55
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Continental Gator Hardshells in 700x25 on my Addict for riding in NJ, and Continental CityRide 32's on my Cannondale SuperX for riding in NM. And I'm faster than you. Whoever you are. Darn you skinny tires, darn you all to heck.
#56
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Okay- done. I put a little piece of black electrical tape at the valve hole on the rim as recommended. I have new name brand tubes (Michelin Butyl) without threads and new Continental Grand Prix 4000S tires. They all came in the mail yesterday. I am off work today. I spent the morning *****ing and groaning putting them on the bike. I got the first one on and then noticed the directional arrow. Crap! I had to redo the whole thing. When I finally got the bike back together I had to readjust the brakes. My husband offered to do it for me when he got home, but I want to be able to do it myself. I ride by myself a lot.
I took it out for just a couple of miles to try them. NICE! Smooth! Easier up a hill! I can feel the road more than with the 25's, that is true, but it isn't unpleasant. In fact, it feels pretty smooth to me. Maybe because I inflated them to 100 in the back and 90 in the front? It doesn't seem like much air compared to what others do, but that is what the formula said for my weight. They look pretty nice, too. Tomorrow we are going on a longish 30 mile ride. I should know the real story after that.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am now equipped with cute spandex clothes (omg), an awesome bike tweeked to perfection (for me), places to go and things to see.
I will not spend ANY more money on this bike. I will not spend ANY more money on this bike.I will not spend ANY more money on this bike.
...well, I did notice some Felt water bottles on the website that match the bike...
PS I just checked the Amazon link again. The tires are now showing $55.93 each and not coming from Amazon, but from a 3rd party. ooooo, I got in there just in time, I guess. I paid $77.88 for both with free shipping and they came directly from Amazon. I bet if you keep the link and check over the next couple weeks they will go down again.
I took it out for just a couple of miles to try them. NICE! Smooth! Easier up a hill! I can feel the road more than with the 25's, that is true, but it isn't unpleasant. In fact, it feels pretty smooth to me. Maybe because I inflated them to 100 in the back and 90 in the front? It doesn't seem like much air compared to what others do, but that is what the formula said for my weight. They look pretty nice, too. Tomorrow we are going on a longish 30 mile ride. I should know the real story after that.
Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I am now equipped with cute spandex clothes (omg), an awesome bike tweeked to perfection (for me), places to go and things to see.
I will not spend ANY more money on this bike. I will not spend ANY more money on this bike.I will not spend ANY more money on this bike.
...well, I did notice some Felt water bottles on the website that match the bike...
PS I just checked the Amazon link again. The tires are now showing $55.93 each and not coming from Amazon, but from a 3rd party. ooooo, I got in there just in time, I guess. I paid $77.88 for both with free shipping and they came directly from Amazon. I bet if you keep the link and check over the next couple weeks they will go down again.
Last edited by outwest5; 04-01-11 at 05:17 PM.
#57
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We run 700x25 Maxxis Re-Fuse tires on our tandem bike.
Great flat protection, easy to install/remove as it has a Kevlar bead. Can do that without tire tools.
Lawyer's tabs on forks also tend to hang up wheel removal.
Open up brakes a tad (loosen cable a tiny bit then re-tighten).
Pedal on!
Great flat protection, easy to install/remove as it has a Kevlar bead. Can do that without tire tools.
Lawyer's tabs on forks also tend to hang up wheel removal.
Open up brakes a tad (loosen cable a tiny bit then re-tighten).
Pedal on!
#58
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I just went from 23s to 25s, Bontrager Race Lights and Bontrager tubes. I have had no problems in 2000 miles except I wore the rear tire out. No flats and I do not notice any drop off in speed and enjoy a much smoother ride. They are mounted on Mavic open pro rims. I liked the so much that I bought 2 extra tires last week when they were on sale.
Get the Saris Bones trunk rack, I have the 2 bike rack cost about $129. I have seen them on craigs list for $45
Get the Saris Bones trunk rack, I have the 2 bike rack cost about $129. I have seen them on craigs list for $45
#59
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A trunk rack is next.
We did our ride today, about 25 miles up and down. I like the tires a lot! I was surprised how stuck to the ground they felt around corners; I felt very confident on them. They are also smoother than my husbands 23's. His have more of a triangular shape. I guess all brands of tires have their own feel. My bike was obviously made for running 23's. The 25's barely fit. Getting the wheels off and on was so annoying. These Continental 23's have some of the comfort of the 25's. I feel like they were a great compromise.
Thank you for the suggestion of them everyone. I am very happy! They look good, too.
We did our ride today, about 25 miles up and down. I like the tires a lot! I was surprised how stuck to the ground they felt around corners; I felt very confident on them. They are also smoother than my husbands 23's. His have more of a triangular shape. I guess all brands of tires have their own feel. My bike was obviously made for running 23's. The 25's barely fit. Getting the wheels off and on was so annoying. These Continental 23's have some of the comfort of the 25's. I feel like they were a great compromise.
Thank you for the suggestion of them everyone. I am very happy! They look good, too.
#60
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Okay- done. I put a little piece of black electrical tape at the valve hole on the rim as recommended. I have new name brand tubes (Michelin Butyl) without threads and new Continental Grand Prix 4000S tires. They all came in the mail yesterday. I am off work today. I spent the morning *****ing and groaning putting them on the bike. I got the first one on and then noticed the directional arrow. Crap! I had to redo the whole thing. When I finally got the bike back together I had to readjust the brakes. My husband offered to do it for me when he got home, but I want to be able to do it myself. I ride by myself a lot.
Congratulations on doing it yourself!
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I wouldn't be concerned about which way the arrow points. Moot point on a bicycle. We use that new Michelin tire on a tandem and inflate after the wheel is installed on the fork.
#62
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I am not sure about that. They have a little design on the sides that is directional. I read over the instructions after I put them on (of course) and it says to pay attention to the arrow.
#63
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The arrow is wise, it will always point the way. You just have to figure out which way it's supposed to point.
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I've never noticed any difference, and, besides, my mind can no longer easily translate wheel motion, arrows and place in space into a coherent answer. I just put the tire on, without straining my brain. Seems to work for my riding.
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My Allez Elite has a much better ride with the 25's mounted on the Mavic Open Pro wheels. I would not go back to 23's unless I got involved in racing.
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Yes, the ride is very nice with the 25's, but the hassle of getting them on and off all the time wasn't worth the extra comfort to me. Perhaps other wheel/brake/fork set ups will allow the 25 to slip on and off easily. Mine did not. The continentals I got are pretty darned smooth feeling for a 23- 'course, I have only ridden a few different 23's.
PS My matching water bottles came in the mail. That's IT! No more stuff for the bike!
PS My matching water bottles came in the mail. That's IT! No more stuff for the bike!
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I check our bikes before every ride. I inspect tires, chain, frame, brake pads, clearance, headset and etc, My goal is not to crash due to mechanical failure, poor maintenance or failing to follow manufacturers recommendations. I accept flat tires and operator error and other risks as part of riding.
I loved your "I am not sure about that".
Last edited by Hermes; 04-06-11 at 09:12 AM.
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#72
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I check our bikes before every ride. I inspect tires, chain, frame, brake pads, clearance, headset and etc, My goal is not to crash due to mechanical failure, poor maintenance or failing to follow manufacturers recommendations. I accept flat tires and operator error and other risks as part of riding.
What I'm pretty sure happened is that he, like a bunch of us, turned his bike upside down while waiting for the start, in order to sit down, use the toilet, etc. The cap-bolt was loose and dropped out then. If your stem bolts are properly torqued, that cap-bolt isn't likely to cause on issue. If you know your bike inside out, you will know that, but it's also far less likely to happen. My attitude is "If I trust my race to a teenaged LBS wrench, and something fails, I could never forgive myself." So I'm gradually learning what I need to know, and collecting the tools, to do as much of 'everything' as I can.
Those different approaches reflect the title theme in "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance."
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My bike, a Specialized Secteur, came with 25 mm tires. I installed a 28 mm Serfas Seca in the back to soften the ride for a bad back. The Seca has 2700 miles on it now and is just showing some wear. I think it'll go another 1500 miles. I recently bought two of the folding Secas and they weigh 210 grams. I can say I'm very satisfied with these tires.
On the issue of inspection, I now check the tires frequently as I've noticed glass embedded in the rubber but hidden from view. I'm letting air out so the tire can be pinched to open up any cuts. This was a tip from a pro known for high speed descents.
On the issue of inspection, I now check the tires frequently as I've noticed glass embedded in the rubber but hidden from view. I'm letting air out so the tire can be pinched to open up any cuts. This was a tip from a pro known for high speed descents.