Papa Tom

Sorry. I had to duplicate this thread in the Commuting forum, because my question applies to both.

I've been riding and loving my Schwalbe Big Apple 26" X 2.35" tires for quite a while now, but thanks to a new set of cantilevers that won't open wide enough to pass a 2.35" tire through, I need to look for something a little more narrow. Please do not question my reason. This is what I need to do.

Because the more popular Schwalbe tires are almost impossible to find in 26" right now, the only decent option available to me immediately is the Almotion, which is on sale for $59 through Schwalbe. If I want to wait until November, they say the 26" X 2.0" version of the Big Apple may be back in stock by then.

I commute to work by bicycle on Long Island, NY from April through the end of October, and my ride is a vintage 1996 GT Outpost mountain bike. My commute is all on the road, but it's only a few miles each way, so I have no need to "fly" over the road. I also do a lot of recreational riding on bike paths, some of which are dirt and gravel; most of which are paved. And in the summer, I take one or two multi-day road rides that take in both pavement and dirt.

Here are my two questions:

1. Given that I like the cushy comfort of the 2.35" Big Apples, I'm leaning toward waiting for the 2.0" to become available. To anyone who has ridden both (or something close to them), do you think the narrower Big Apples will provide the same soft ride as the fatter ones?
2. The Almotions, according to Schwalbe, are also "soft" like the Big Apples. Has anybody ridden them, and what can you say about them?

Thank you, everyone.

(PS: The Marathon Supremes, Supreme Tours, et al are all out of stock in 26" X 2.0" right now, and the rep at Schwalbe advised that, despite being tougher and more flat-resistant, the Marathons would not give me the ride I want.)
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gauvins

I ride on Almotion (I believe that they are marginally wider than 2" -- 2.1"" IIRC). Was on Supreme before that. Reasons were (1) Almotion's design is "probably" superior to Supreme's on sand/small gravel (we had "Supreme issues" on sandy roads); (2) Almotion have the lowest rolling resistance in their category; (3) Almotion have thicker sidewalls, and are therefore "probably" more puncture proof compared to Supreme. Sorry I can't compare to Big Apple. Only suggest that Almotion inflated at 40psi is comfortable, durable and efficient.

Papa Tom

Thank you, Gauvins. VERY helpful reply!

Tandem Tom

Papa Tom,
I have 5 pairs of Schwalbe Marathon Suprêmes,used in good condition, sitting in my basement. We start every long tour with new tires. Yeah a bit crazy but...
If you have an interest I am open to offers.

djb

Ive been meaning to get some 1.6in supremes, having ridden so much on my 2in ones. Do you have any?
I realize that shipping would probably be silly, especially to Canada....
let me know

djb

just be aware that the 26in almotions are 2.15in so while they look like an interesting tire, do you think you would still have clearance issues with your brakes?
I havent ridden on these Almotions, but I'm sure at proper pressures you would find them just as comfy as the wider ones you are riding on now. Makes all the diff just 5psi less or whatever to overall ride feel, especially with the front tire (not to mention traction on looser surfaces).

I too have been tempted by them, but tend to want to go narrower--but of course they could be great for some trips. I just like the feel and fast rolling of the slickish supremes.

Tandem Tom

My tires are 2"x26"

Clyde1820

I'm fairly impressed with the Schwalbe Big Ben Plus, in the 55-559 (26x2.15") sizing. Comfortable, reasonably cushy ride quality, reasonably grippy, reasonably fast (for a rather heavier tire type at 935g, with good puncture protection. If you're open to a similar alternative, I'd think the Big Ben (or Big Ben Plus) would be a reasonable choice.

They're currently showing out of stock at Schwalbe, but some suppliers have plenty (ie, Bike24 in Germany has 50+ units in stock, in the 26x2.15" sizing).

fishboat

Been riding the 26x2.15 Big Ben tires(not the plus version) for the occasional day ride, but mostly for touring. Great tire. Very easy rolling and cushy. The Big Ben's are marketed as the more stout version of the Big Apple. If they fit..I think you'll like them.

I think the Plus or Green Guard type models of tires tend to be stiffer and heavier...though better with flat protection.

Papa Tom

The Almotion comes in a 2.0. It is on clearance at Schwalbe right now for $59. Perhaps they are going to discontinue 2.0?

Papa Tom

I was interested in Big Bens, too, but for some reason, after speaking with the rep at Schwalbe, I took them off my list.

djb

look again, but I see that in 26 (559) they are only avail as 2.15, but in 28 (700-622) they have a 2in model.

HerrKaLeun

I ride the 29" Almotion in 2.0 and 2.15" tubeless. Very low rolling resistance and no wear. No flats in 3 years
I didn't know they make them in 26".

You can get them from bike24.de for half the cost.

Papa Tom

Thanks. I went to that site, spent ten minutes trying to find them, and gave up. I'd rather support my LBS and buy locally, anyway.