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An overlooked bike upgrade...
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 2005-05-06 8:27 AM |
Pro 3903     Andover |  Subject: An overlooked bike upgrade...Last night when I was at the LBS, getting fit for my new Profile Design Carbon Stryke Aero Bars :D, I was looking at the tires that came on my bike, entry level Bontrager 700x25s. I was thinking that those 25's were probably giving me more rolling resistance that I wanted so I decided to get a pair of Michelin Pro Race 2 700x23s. These tires are much lighter, have a better tread pattern, and, since they are narrower, will have less resistance. Now, I'm not saying new tires will add 3 mph to your avg, but all things being equal, they can, in my unprofessional opinion, be a nice upgrade that is often overlooked. Cheers, Rob Edited by MountainBreeze 2005-05-06 8:31 AM |
| 2005-05-06 8:33 AM in reply to: #153516 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290  The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Good point, you can get down to 19s for your race and get an even bigger advantage. What bike is it, that comes equipped with 27mm tires? I know my wife's Specialized Sequoia did, but that's more of a "comfort road" bike. Seems like most entry level bikes come with 23s. |
| 2005-05-06 8:36 AM in reply to: #153517 |
| Pro 3903 Andover | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Sorry, Bear... I edited my post as my '05 LeMond Versailles came with 700x25s, not 27s. My bad.  I was considering the narrower Conti Grand Prix--used to ride em' back in the day--but I wanted a more durable sidewall. Those Contis are slick but you roll by some pollen and POP! Edited by MountainBreeze 2005-05-06 8:38 AM |
| 2005-05-06 8:46 AM in reply to: #153516 |
Extreme Veteran 434 Orangeville, Ontario | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Hey Bear! I just got a set of Spinergy rims for my birthday and I am not sure of what kind of rubber to put on. Can you help? I am a long course guy! Do you need more information? Thanks, Geoff |
| 2005-05-06 9:53 AM in reply to: #153516 |
Champion 4902 Ottawa, Ontario | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... I cannot afford a racing wheelset so I switch my tires to "Paribo Pro-Evolutions" when I tri. They do make a very big difference during the bike race. |
| 2005-05-06 10:04 AM in reply to: #153521 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... geoffs - 2005-05-06 7:46 AM Hey Bear! I just got a set of Spinergy rims for my birthday and I am not sure of what kind of rubber to put on. Can you help? I am a long course guy! Do you need more information? Thanks, Geoff Don't have a wide variety of experience with different tires, but (if you have clinchers) the Michelin ProRace tires that Rob's using work fine for me. |
| 2005-05-06 10:57 AM in reply to: #153516 |
Extreme Veteran 476 Denham Springs | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... What about those cool looking tires that are like one solid wheel? Are they really aero or what? Do they make that much of a difference? |
| 2005-05-06 11:02 AM in reply to: #153596 |
| Pro 3903 Andover | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Is there a "tire" like that or are you talking about disc wheels? Discs are aero but watch out for crosswinds!  In my opinion, unprofessional as it may be, there are some very nice non-disc wheels out there that are quite slippery and a lot safer. Check out Spinergy wheels! What do you think, Bear? Edited by MountainBreeze 2005-05-06 11:05 AM |
| 2005-05-06 11:03 AM in reply to: #153516 |
Extreme Veteran 434 Orangeville, Ontario | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... |
| 2005-05-06 11:10 AM in reply to: #153599 |
Resident Curmudgeon 25290 The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Oh, yeah, there are tons of nice wheels out there with various advantages/disadvantages. Again, not my area of expertise, but it seems like the tri-spoke front/disc rear combination is the most aerodynamic for calm conditions, but as Rob says not the best in the wind. Probably will be my next big investment, maybe some nice 404s. I expect to spend at least as much as the cost of my bike (just kidding, Angel). If you're interested in other (better) opinions, do a search. The topic of wheels comes up every other week |
| 2005-05-06 11:51 AM in reply to: #153516 |
| Regular 106 Norwalk, CA | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... about wheels.. I ride a Hed Jet Deep 90(mm) front wheel and rear disc. I have ridden the combo in crosswinds. You would think that this combo would be horrible in a crosswind. In my experience it makes the push from the side softer and more gentle, (which is good, I think some of that "push" is used to propel the bike forward) I have noticed that when I use my training wheels, which are only 25mm deep, I shoved around a lot harder. One thing to note. I am only 5'6" and 138lbs. Here is something to think about: If you can get a friend or a shop, or rent some wheels. Try them out in various wind conditions and make your own judgement. I believe all the talk about deep wheels and wind stability is just internet "chatter" and rumor spreading. Edited by GasMunky 2005-05-06 11:52 AM (bakersfield bike 2.jpg) Attachments ---------------- bakersfield bike 2.jpg (91KB - 51 downloads) |
| 2005-05-06 12:55 PM in reply to: #153640 |
| Pro 3903 Andover | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... I must say that it has been YEARS since I have ridden a bike with a disc but I had basically the same type of setup as Gas--on a KESTEL 500 SCI, 650c--and my experience was that it was hairy in strong winds. I'm 5'7" and was 140 at the time. I agree with Gas though, the best thing is to give em' a try and see what you think. BTW: Kewl pic, Gas! Edited by MountainBreeze 2005-05-06 12:57 PM |
| 2005-05-06 1:06 PM in reply to: #153516 |
| Regular 106 Norwalk, CA | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Thanks mountain! I forgot to mention one thing, I commute by motorcycle to school (32 mile round trip) and I think that by riding a (motor)bike, when not riding my bicycle keeps my 2-wheeled handling skills pretty sharp...that may have something to do with my comfortability on the bicycle. One other thing.. my wheel size is 700c |
| 2005-05-06 1:26 PM in reply to: #153516 |
Extreme Veteran 494 Horse Country | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Well, we've pretty much hijacked this thread from its original TIRE question, but while we're on the subject of WHEELS, here's something I found over at Slowtwitch: http://www.racedaywheels.com Race ready (nearly?) brand new Zipp wheels shipped to and from your door for $125 a pop or so. And if you like them, you get the rental fee credited toward the purchase price... :) Edited by BGTwinDad 2005-05-06 1:27 PM |
| 2005-05-06 1:30 PM in reply to: #153516 |
| Regular 106 Norwalk, CA | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... sorry! ok, back to tires... somewhere I read that wider tires have lower rolling resistance, and thinner tires have lower aerodynamics.... so what I think the conclusion was, use a narrow front, and a wide rear for aero dynamics up front, and rolling resitance in the back (because of weight distribution biased to the rear) I know that continental tires sells a pair of tires with this concept. I think it's called the attack and force or something like that. and you can only get them in pairs. |
| 2005-05-06 5:27 PM in reply to: #153640 |
Elite Veteran 610 chicago area | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... GasMunky-"I have noticed that when I use my training wheels, which are only 25mm deep, I shoved around a lot harder." You use training wheels? That's what I'm doing wrong! Maybe it'll help keep me upright with my clipless pedals.  Edited by bmax 2005-05-06 5:28 PM |
| 2005-05-07 2:13 AM in reply to: #153516 |
| Regular 84 Henderson, Nv | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Rob, I also have an '05 Lemond Versailles. Same entry level Bontrager 700 x 25's. I will be very interested in your opinion on the new wheels you bought. Keep me posted please. |
| 2005-05-09 7:41 AM in reply to: #153516 |
| Pro 3903 Andover | Subject: RE: An overlooked bike upgrade... Hey Dave, Do you have a double or triple? Just wondering. I got this bike with a triple as I was really out-of-shape when I bought it and needed all the help I could get on the hills. Also, I want this bike to perform as a road bike, for longer rides, and the triple will come in handy. I have a double on my Cycloscross bike and will obviously have the same on the P2k when I get it. I'll let you know about the tires when I ride them. Cheers, Rob |
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