Hello everyone. I'm new and hoping for some expert information on tyres. I recently bought a second hand cycle made by peugeot. The first thing I noticed was that the ride was extrodinarily comfortable (I'm talking bliss here). The reason was the fatter than usual tyres. The makers name on these tyres is 'Hutchinson' size 26"x one and a half inches. That's only one eighth bigger than my old tyres on another bike. Which wouldent account for their fatness. Anyway I'm desperate to get hold of some more. Hutchinson appear to be out of business. Would anyone have any ideas where I can get 'fat' tyres?
I don't know if Hutchinson are out of business as I've seen some of the shops here selling a range of their MTB tyres. I also have a couple of their Mosquito Airlight off road tyres. Anyway, if you're after tyres from 1.5" or wider than just look at any of the main brands (Maxxis, Continental, GEAX, Syncros, Ritchey etc). For road use I have one MTB bike setup with Maxxis Overdrive 1.75" and another setup with GEAX Evolution 1.9". They're probably a little wide for some people but my commute is not too far and I like the comfort they provide (especially the GEAX).
I don't know if Hutchinson are out of business as I've seen some of the shops here selling a range of their MTB tyres. I also have a couple of their Mosquito Airlight off road tyres. Anyway, if you're after tyres from 1.5" or wider than just look at any of the main brands (Maxxis, Continental, GEAX, Syncros, Ritchey etc). For road use I have one MTB bike setup with Maxxis Overdrive 1.75" and another setup with GEAX Evolution 1.9". They're probably a little wide for some people but my commute is not too far and I like the comfort they provide (especially the GEAX).
Thanks 1id10t. I'll give those a try. If you come across a contact for Huchinson perhaps you would let me know. I've searched the web without result. Thanks again.
The good news is that Hutchinson is a huge French rubber products company; they aren't going out of business anytime soon. Their bike tyre website is here (click).
One point to note; there are different kinds of "26 inch" tyre; you can tell the difference by noting how the width of the tyre is marked. If it's in decimal (e.g. 26x1.5) it's a modern 559mm-diameter tyre, as used by most mountain bikes. If it's listed as a fraction (e.g. 26x1 1/2) then it's the older measurement style where things can get a bit hairy. Sheldon Brown goes into this topic in detail on his tyre sizing page (click).
The comfort of a tyre is determined by its size/width (which influences the recommended tyre pressure) and their construction. Wider tyres typically need less air pressure to get their optimum contact patch on the road. The lower pressure means that the tyre absorbs more of the road irregularities, making the ride smoother.
A tyre's casing is made up of a number of threads; generally speaking, "high-tpi" (threads per inch) casings tend to be more supple, leading to a nicer ride. Other things like the stiffness of the tyre sidewalls and rubber compound also have an effect. As do the wheels themselves -- stiffer wheels tend to transmit more of the road vibrations back to the rider.
The good news is that Hutchinson is a huge French rubber products company; they aren't going out of business anytime soon. Their bike tyre website is here (click).
One point to note; there are different kinds of "26 inch" tyre; you can tell the difference by noting how the width of the tyre is marked. If it's in decimal (e.g. 26x1.5) it's a modern 559mm-diameter tyre, as used by most mountain bikes. If it's listed as a fraction (e.g. 26x1 1/2) then it's the older measurement style where things can get a bit hairy. Sheldon Brown goes into this topic in detail on his tyre sizing page (click).
The comfort of a tyre is determined by its size/width (which influences the recommended tyre pressure) and their construction. Wider tyres typically need less air pressure to get their optimum contact patch on the road. The lower pressure means that the tyre absorbs more of the road irregularities, making the ride smoother.
A tyre's casing is made up of a number of threads; generally speaking, "high-tpi" (threads per inch) casings tend to be more supple, leading to a nicer ride. Other things like the stiffness of the tyre sidewalls and rubber compound also have an effect. As do the wheels themselves -- stiffer wheels tend to transmit more of the road vibrations back to the rider.
Wow rek. Thanks a bunch dude. I couldnt have asked for more than that. I'm forever in your debt mate. I've been looking for over a year. No kidding.
