Tires for Origami Crane?
04-15-14 | 01:55 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 9
From: The Big City
Bikes: Brompton M3L, Tern Verge P20, Citi Bike
Tires for Origami Crane?
I guess I'll start here, since it involves 20" wheels. I'm asking on behalf of a coworker who bought an Origami Crane (in part with me and my Brompton as inspiration 
) for commuting. She said she gets a lot of flats, and wants to put mountain bike tires on it, which struck me as a bad idea, as they would slow her down on city streets. I don't have a lot of experience myself however, and don't quite know what else to suggest. I know Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon Plus come in the right size, but I suspect they may be pricey for her.
So, what sort of 20", 47-406 tires might be puncture resistant and suitable for city riding? Cheaper is better. What else might you suggest she try to minimize punctures?
) for commuting. She said she gets a lot of flats, and wants to put mountain bike tires on it, which struck me as a bad idea, as they would slow her down on city streets. I don't have a lot of experience myself however, and don't quite know what else to suggest. I know Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon Plus come in the right size, but I suspect they may be pricey for her. So, what sort of 20", 47-406 tires might be puncture resistant and suitable for city riding? Cheaper is better. What else might you suggest she try to minimize punctures?
04-15-14 | 02:14 PM
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 11
From: NYC
I guess I'll start here, since it involves 20" wheels. I'm asking on behalf of a coworker who bought an Origami Crane (in part with me and my Brompton as inspiration ) for commuting. She said she gets a lot of flats, and wants to put mountain bike tires on it, which struck me as a bad idea, as they would slow her down on city streets. I don't have a lot of experience myself however, and don't quite know what else to suggest. I know Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon Plus come in the right size, but I suspect they may be pricey for her.
So, what sort of 20", 47-406 tires might be puncture resistant and suitable for city riding? Cheaper is better. What else might you suggest she try to minimize punctures?
) for commuting. She said she gets a lot of flats, and wants to put mountain bike tires on it, which struck me as a bad idea, as they would slow her down on city streets. I don't have a lot of experience myself however, and don't quite know what else to suggest. I know Schwalbe Marathon and Marathon Plus come in the right size, but I suspect they may be pricey for her. So, what sort of 20", 47-406 tires might be puncture resistant and suitable for city riding? Cheaper is better. What else might you suggest she try to minimize punctures?
the schwalbe's you mentioned are probably the very best and worth it. otherwise, look for "kevlar" lined. punture resistant tubes are also possible, but i've only had one experience with the so-called "slime" filled tubes. nasty and stupid and who knows what that green chemical is?
04-16-14 | 06:35 AM
#4
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 247
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From: Bushnell, FL
Bikes: Recumbents and all HPV'S
There is a trade-off with puncture resistant tires. The ride will be slower and harsher. I am a big fan of Schwalbe Marathon Racers. Very light, minimal rolling resistance, and has some puncture protection. Marathon Plus is a very durable tire but you will lose ride quality. Not sure you want to give that up on a folder, which by nature, already struggles with that. You can go with a Bmx tire were volume might help with flats. A cheap BMX is Kenda Kontact 20x1.95 or Schwalbe Big Apple for more money. I had Kenda Kontacts on one bike for many miles with no flats. Surprisingly good ride for cheap tires. I recently came back from a 825 mile tour with Marathon Racers and no flats. On another bike I had expensive flat resistant Continental tires and got many flats. I suspect flats are a matter of luck and sometimes a defective tire. Just saying.
04-16-14 | 08:54 AM
#5
master of bottom licks
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Lou-evil, Canned-Yucky USA
I have Schwalbe Marathons on my Brompton and Bike Friday. Haven't any flats with them and they are good performers in the dry, wet and snow. They roll well and ride smoothly. They aren't inexpensive but then I no longer have the time or money to bother with cheap tires.
04-29-14 | 08:25 PM
#6
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 43
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From: Miami
Bikes: Jamis Aurora Elite, Fuji Allegro, Trek 800, Oriigami Crane 7
tire liners are also an option. With those i had only one flat even though i ride over broken glass more often than i would like to.
When it comes the time to get new tires i will consider some of the brands mentioned above
When it comes the time to get new tires i will consider some of the brands mentioned above
