Any opinions on good quality fast skinny 451 (20" x 1-1/8") tires?

A couple of years ago I tried the following tires: the IRC Roadlite, the Primo Comet, and the Schwalbe Stelvio. The IRC tires rode well but I often got punctures in the sidewalls. The Comets are fairly durable but have more rolling resistance. The Stelvios rolled the best and were my favorite, but that was only after they sent me free replacements for the defective tires they sent me originally.

Now the Stelvios seem to have been redesigned since I last looked at tires. Are the quality control issues a thing of the past?
http://www.schwalbetires.com/new_racegaurd_belt.html

Also, any experience with the Primo Champion tires?
http://store.bikefriday.com/product_...oducts_id=9361

I've tired the Comets and Stelvios. I find the Stevlios to be a faster tire. My only complaint is I get around 1500 miles per set.

Hey Brian.

Can't comment from personal experience but have you tried the Kenda Qwest? In the 406mm size, people have nothing but good to say about them - durable and fast. http://www.foldingbikes.co.uk/tyres_20_451.htm

I'm very happy with the Schwalbe's (I have the kevlar version), but I haven't tried the IRC or Primos so I can't compare them..

Here's another shop that has a good selection of tires in all sizes.

Kenda Kwests come in both 65 psi and 100 psi versions, just be sure of what you're getting. The 16"(305)X1.5" 65 psi version of these tires come as OEM equipment on Strida bikes, they're pretty nice tires.

I've got Schwalbe Marathons in 20" (406) X 1.5" on my Raleigh 20, they're nice tires, too.

I have the Comet Primo's on my Speed Pro ... they have performed great in the city! Quick and durable.

Mine are 406s ... What takes the 451s? I thought they were for kid's bikes.

Bike Friday road models use 451 size tires...

Actually, 406 is the standard BMX / kids bike size.

451s aren't so well used on mass-market bikes and the size comes mainly from older shopper-type bikes. 406s are as randya says - the standard size of bmx and a lot of kids bikes. 451 sizes are used by Bike Friday though not exclusively as well as a lot of recumbent builders. Mass market folders tend towards the 406 - most probably because of the ease of customers gettting tyres and tubes in local markets as much as the smaller size.

AND Dave Hickey:
Bike Friday road models use 451 size tires.


Thanks for clearing that up! I've only done the Dahon thing. This is good to know.