I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess. Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to,
Not really. You can reasonably go down to, say, 700x28 and still use it for general purpose and touring (what I ran on my EBC country for > 10 years). And 38mm isn't too fat, as long as they're high pressure and kept pumped up accordingly.
Quoted message said:
Anything to suggest?
My general purpose tyre of choice for a while now is the Schwalbe Marathon. Tough and capable, though not the fastest option you could try.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
Oh - I'd assume that narrower tyres would need narower wheel rims. What are the pros/cons of narrower tyres?
I assume its a balance between lower rolling resistance and frontal area vs shock absorbing ability over bumps...?
Ben
Peter Clinch said:
Ben said:
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to,
Not really. You can reasonably go down to, say, 700x28 and still use it for general purpose and touring (what I ran on my EBC country for > 10 years). And 38mm isn't too fat, as long as they're high pressure and kept pumped up accordingly.
Quoted message said:
Anything to suggest?
My general purpose tyre of choice for a while now is the Schwalbe Marathon. Tough and capable, though not the fastest option you could try.
Pete. -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess. Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
Panaracer Pasela - not truly slick but not really knobbly either. Light & fast for the type. Go for a narrower size if you fancy a bit more speed still. It is fairly puncture resistant, though might not be for you if puncture resistance is all-important and you ride a lot in the wet (when any tyre will puncture more easily).
Older versions of the Pasela were actually much smaller than the stated sizes, but the current ones compare properly to other brands, size-wise.
Oh - I'd assume that narrower tyres would need narower wheel rims.
Rims can take a range of sizes. They'd have to be unusually wide not to happily take 32C.
Quoted message said:
What are the pros/cons of narrower tyres?
I assume its a balance between lower rolling resistance and frontal area vs shock absorbing ability over bumps...?
That's right, except frontal area is hardly relevant at sub race speeds. Some weight is saved as well. Rolling resistant on smooth roads will indeed be lower with narrower tyres when properly inflated. On the other hand, wider tyres take longer to wear out, as well as providing more suspension and speed on very bumpy paths.
I also found my tourer's handling and steering feels better with 28 than 32mm tyres. This might have something to do with trail, though I'm not really sure, and it won't apply to all bikes (wider tyres are more appropriate for some bikes than others).
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess. Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
Cheers,
Ben
Hi Ben,
rear tyres tend to wear out faster than fronts, and it's genrally best practice to have your best grip on the front, so...
If you're only replacing one tyre, remove the worn rear tyre and bin it, move the "part worn" front tyre to the back, put the new tyre onto the front.
You can probably go a bit smaller on the tyre size if you want, but this depends on the width of your rim. A chart showing "acceptable" rim/tyre width combinations, and lots of advice on what widths suit what uses is here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
Oh - I'd assume that narrower tyres would need narower wheel rims. What are the pros/cons of narrower tyres?
I assume its a balance between lower rolling resistance and frontal area vs shock absorbing ability over bumps...?
About the size of it, though also add in narrower are lighter and fatter tend to cope better with loose surfaces (there's more of them to find something to get traction on). The rolling resistance thing isn't so much of an issue if you're running at high pressure (I now run 38mm Marathons at 100 psi[1] and don't find they're really holding things back too much).
I think what you had is a good choice, but don't let a few mm either way scare you off something which looks good.
Pete.
[1] IIRC the 700c version is rated to 85: do check before blowing them up! (I'm running 16", 20" and 26" versions) -- Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/
Thanks for the advice. I hadn't really considered a narrower tyre, but it might be interesting to try...
The front tyre looks absolutely fine. The rear has worn completely smooth and is starting to crack - having said that its still working fine. I've got a tour coming up though, so I thought it might be worth replacing. I assume the rear would wear quicker as it takes all the luggage load and a majority of the "me" load.
I'll certainly have a look at that link,
Cheers,
Ben
bookieb said:
Ben said:
Hi,
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess. Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
Cheers,
Ben
Hi Ben,
rear tyres tend to wear out faster than fronts, and it's genrally best practice to have your best grip on the front, so...
If you're only replacing one tyre, remove the worn rear tyre and bin it, move the "part worn" front tyre to the back, put the new tyre onto the front.
You can probably go a bit smaller on the tyre size if you want, but this depends on the width of your rim. A chart showing "acceptable" rim/tyre width combinations, and lots of advice on what widths suit what uses is here: http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
Thanks for the advice. I hadn't really considered a narrower tyre, but it might be interesting to try...
If you're touring (particularly if carrying much luggage), there's probably little to be gained, and possibly lots to be lost by going to a narrower tyre. 32 and 28 would be the next two common sizes down from your 35. The 28 in particular would likely have to be run at significantly higher preassures than your 35s, which may not do much for your comfort. If it ain't broke, etc. etc.
Quoted message said:
The front tyre looks absolutely fine. The rear has worn completely smooth and is starting to crack - having said that its still working fine. I've got a tour coming up though, so I thought it might be worth replacing.
<snip>
Yep, do it now. Do not risk invoking the wrath of Murphy && Law.
Haven't used 'em myself, but Schwalbe Marathon tyres are available in that range of sizes, and are well liked in the group for touring/commuting.
It seems that narrower = lower rolling resistance = faster
but
narrower also = more fragile, less cushioning
Currently I ride with 700*35, and they have been fine. It seems that I could use 32's or 28's, but is there any concensus on whether it would be worth it? All my riding is on roads or well prepared paths, mainly commuting or touring...
Ben
bookieb said:
Ben said:
Thanks for the advice. I hadn't really considered a narrower tyre, but it might be interesting to try...
If you're touring (particularly if carrying much luggage), there's probably little to be gained, and possibly lots to be lost by going to a narrower tyre. 32 and 28 would be the next two common sizes down from your 35. The 28 in particular would likely have to be run at significantly higher preassures than your 35s, which may not do much for your comfort. If it ain't broke, etc. etc.
Quoted message said:
The front tyre looks absolutely fine. The rear has worn completely smooth and is starting to crack - having said that its still working fine. I've got a tour coming up though, so I thought it might be worth replacing.
<snip>
Yep, do it now. Do not risk invoking the wrath of Murphy && Law.
Haven't used 'em myself, but Schwalbe Marathon tyres are available in that range of sizes, and are well liked in the group for touring/commuting.
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing.
The reviews of Horizons from around then tended to say the original tyres weren't very good, but they can't be that bad if you got 9000 miles out of them!
Quoted message said:
Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess.
There is very little difference between full slicks and mild patterns. Just avoid anything actually knobbly. As for size, a friend of mine has moved to 700*32 on his Horizon and that seems to have worked very well.
Quoted message said:
Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
I'd go with something like this: http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsS16C81P127K179.aspx?Track=PMP I have several sets of this tyre's predecessor and they're fine. They've lasted so long I haven't actually had to buy any of these, so I hope they haven't decided to build in some obsolescence.
Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an emergency spare.
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing. Bike shops have such an enourmous range though, both in appearance and cost. The size is 700*35C, which I assume will be something I need to stick to, but as for the rest... All my cycling is on roads or reasonable tracks, so slicks are in order I'd guess. Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
Cheers,
Ben
Don't forget to check online for cheaper deals, evans, wiggle, stif, jensonusa, chainreaction or even ebay.
I've had a Dawes Horizon for about 18 months. The bike has done about 9000 miles, and the rear tyre is looking like it could do with replacing.
The reviews of Horizons from around then tended to say the original tyres weren't very good, but they can't be that bad if you got 9000 miles out of them!
I had the bike shop replace my (2004) Horizon's tyres before the bike was out the door. The orginals were pretty poor as I recall.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Anything to suggest? I thought I'd aske before I popped down to the shop - I'm sure any LBS will be able to pull something suitable out of their stock :-)
I'd go with something like this: http://www.dotbike.com/ProductsS16C81P127K179.aspx?Track=PMP I have several sets of this tyre's predecessor and they're fine. They've lasted so long I haven't actually had to buy any of these, so I hope they haven't decided to build in some obsolescence.
Personally, I just plonked a pair of Marathons on, but there are plenty of reasonable choices out there. Plus point for the Marathons: haven't had a puncture in them yet! Although I probably only do 2000 - 2500 miles a year, which is nothing compared to some people around here.
Quoted message said:
Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an emergency spare.
Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an emergency spare.
A sound plan.
Phil
Not really. Tyres age, even if you are not using them. Put the old front on the rear if it's really OK (take it off and flex it to check for cracking - IF 'Cracked' THEN 'Bin'😉.
Thanks for the advice. In the end I ordered two Marathon 700*32C tyres from the edinburgh cooperative. I'll decide what to do with the partly worn tyre when I get around to fitting them.
Cheers,
Ben
squeaker said:
Phil Armstrong said:
Quoted message said:
Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an emergency spare.
A sound plan.
Phil
Not really. Tyres age, even if you are not using them. Put the old front on the rear if it's really OK (take it off and flex it to check for cracking - IF 'Cracked' THEN 'Bin'😉.
Thanks for the advice. In the end I ordered two Marathon 700*32C tyres from the edinburgh cooperative. I'll decide what to do with the partly worn tyre when I get around to fitting them.
Put them in the bin. What price no punctures? Keep life simple.
Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an emergency spare.
A sound plan.
Phil
Not really. Tyres age, even if you are not using them. Put the old front on the rear if it's really OK (take it off and flex it to check for cracking - IF 'Cracked' THEN 'Bin'😉.
If tyres are stored in cool dry dark conditions they generally age very little, and cracks usually aren't a problem unless they're in the bit of the tread that contacts the road (although cracks in cotton or silk tyres can make them vulnerable to water damage). In the good ol' days it was common to let tubular tyres mature for a while before use to make them harder wearing and more puncture-resistant, but with the newer polymers used in tyre contruction these days it probably doesn't have much effect.
I think the biggest problem wrt cracking has been the last year the bike has been housed outside overnight. I keep it dry(ish) most nights using a tarp, but its not ideal :-)
Ben
Rob Morley said:
In article <[email hidden]>
squeaker said:
Phil Armstrong said:
> Also, I'd replace both tyres and keep the remaining reasonable one as an > emergency spare.
A sound plan.
Phil
Not really. Tyres age, even if you are not using them. Put the old front on the rear if it's really OK (take it off and flex it to check for cracking - IF 'Cracked' THEN 'Bin'😉.
If tyres are stored in cool dry dark conditions they generally age very little, and cracks usually aren't a problem unless they're in the bit of the tread that contacts the road (although cracks in cotton or silk tyres can make them vulnerable to water damage). In the good ol' days it was common to let tubular tyres mature for a while before use to make them harder wearing and more puncture-resistant, but with the newer polymers used in tyre contruction these days it probably doesn't have much effect.
It seems that narrower = lower rolling resistance = faster
but
narrower also = more fragile, less cushioning
Currently I ride with 700*35, and they have been fine. It seems that I could use 32's or 28's, but is there any concensus on whether it would be worth it? All my riding is on roads or well prepared paths, mainly commuting or touring...
Not sure about them being more fragile, but narrower tyres definately have less rolling resistance and are lighter, making them easier to accelerate.
Having said that, if your cruising speed on the flat is around 15mph or less I'd be mildly surprised if you could notice the better performance. The comfort, on the other hand, will be noticeable. The narrower tyres may also handle better, but one man's responsive is another man's twitchy.
