Hi All,
I apologize in advance if this question has been done to death already - I've searched around a ton and haven't been able to find definitive info...

I am switching out my stock 20" tires from my Dahon D7HG and trying to decide what to get. I am using it about twice a week for 8 miles stretches - mostly on nice bike paths, but some sand/dirt/gravel parts.

I've been thinking about the Big Apples, Marathon Racers, or Kojak (or something else?). Can someone help me understand the pros/cons of each? I am not a "speed demon" and prefer to be stability on the dirt roads, but don't want to get anything that will slow me down too much (the boss awaits ).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Speks

For the riding that you described, I would suggest the Big Apples since they will give you a little more absorption of road imperfections without slowing you down.

Thorn resistant tubes & marathon + offer the puncture resistance features to make my BiFri pretty reliably puncture free,
for several years.

I am assuming your bike is a Dahon Vitesse D7HG with the standard fenders. The 20x2.00 Big Apples are a tight fit with those fenders. I don't think the 20x2.15 Big Apples will fit with those fenders. See: Schwalbe Tires

-HANK RYAN-
Norman, Oklahoma USA

correct Hank

I've been using the Tioga Power Blocks for a while now. They're a great cheap supple tire that comes in lots of sizes.

PowerBlock S-Spec | TIOGA BMX Race

Less than $20/tire at several locations.

I just put marathon racers on my bike friday. They roll very fast, and grip well. I ride urban streets, bike paved paths, some gravel-ish areas. My other bike has 700x35 tires so I don't have a problem with a narrower tire. I don't find the road bumps any more jarring on the 20" than the 700c. I got a great deal on the tires, too (see if Utah Trikes still has them on sale for $20). I really like that they don't pick up every little piece of road crap and gravel in the tread. They have some flat protection as well.

My Dahon has 20 x 1.75's..plenty wide for comfort.....IMO

Thanks all for your quick replies!

Any hills on the route? If so, big apple will be very slow. Big apple is ok on flat but too heavy on hills. For me it's Kojak all the way.

Almost forgot,, I did a test ride on a Giant folder with narrower tires,, I think they were 20 X 1.25's I felt every single sidewalk crack.
I did not buy that bike because of the ride.

The 1.25 wide tires both had 60 psi,, With my 1.75 wides I run 50-55 in my front and 55-60 in the back. I am 173 pounds.

I'm pleased so far with the Schwalbe Marathons 20X1.5 that I put on my Giant Halfway to replace the Kenda Kwest 20X1.25. Maybe not as quick feeling, but smooth and durable. Fatter tires are not always the answer. Lighter snappier feeling tires are more fun. So far its a decent trade-off.

Hi All,
Just wanted to update that I ended up going with the Big Apples. Had one 7 mile ride on them, and so far so good.

I did have to adjust the fenders a bit, but was not too hard to fit them in. Definitely a comfortable ride and handles better on the dirt surfaces than my last tires.

I did notice a slight slow down when going up hills, but this could also be psychological since this was thing I was most concern about before buying.

Anyway - thanks again for all of your help!

Speks