Change of Tyres

[BSRU]

Had my first commute on Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres this morning, normally use Vittoria Randonneur Hyper City Folding tyres. Wanted something with better puncture protection during the autumn/winter, as it is not as easy to see road debris in the dark, as I found out last week when I did not see that one piece of glass, all on it's own, hiding in the gloomy morning rain. It was harder work especially up the only decent climb I have, which was into a strong headwind this morning.

The Schwalbe's are a lot heavier, twice the weight of the Vittoria's, the Vittoria's have less rolling resistance due to being virtually slick. The Schwalbe's obviously have superior puncture protection, would have survived last weeks encounter. The Schwalbe's also feel more substantial, more solid, the Vittoria's give nice comfy ride but are a little spongy.
Will save my Vittoria's for a new set of wheels, probably Mavic a319's, next February/March.

 

[Downward]

Commiserations, I have those tyres and there heavy going but I figure in the rain and winter when I use that bike I won't be going for the fastest commute record.

 

[BSRU]

Commiserations, I have those tyres and there heavy going but I figure in the rain and winter when I use that bike I won't be going for the fastest commute record.

<br><br>A good workout as well especially up any inclines or into any wind.<br><br>I did stop on my first ride with these tyres as I thought my brakes were rubbing and slowing me down but no, it was just the tyres.<br>

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

I've been using marathon plus for a couple of weeks now, can't say the weight difference has been noticeble to me. Loads more grip than my old tyres in the wet feel more brave with them on, and hopefully no more you know what's this winter!

 

[BSRU]

I've been using marathon plus for a couple of weeks now, can't say the weight difference has been noticeble to me. Loads more grip than my old tyres in the wet feel more brave with them on, and hopefully no more you know what's this winter!

The marathon plus's have added over 1Kg to the weight of my behemoth, plus my old tyres were slick so very low rolling resistance.

The marathon plus's do seem to be better in the rain and do give me more confidence in wet conditions, especially on bumpy pot hole repaired road surfaces. I am sure my legs will get used to the extra weight quickly.

 

[Unkraut]

Does the weight make that much difference? I have just put new Schwalbe tyres on the bike, ordinary at the front as deflationary incidents are very rare there, and plus on the back. This is the same combination I had before. Noticeably better ride now, though the old tyres were 4 years old and had done a good 30,000 km in all. Pretty worn out, but I'm not complaining!

 

[BSRU]

Does the weight make that much difference? I have just put new Schwalbe tyres on the bike, ordinary at the front as deflationary incidents are very rare there, and plus on the back. This is the same combination I had before. Noticeably better ride now, though the old tyres were 4 years old and had done a good 30,000 km in all. Pretty worn out, but I'm not complaining!

I think it is the rolling resistance that makes the real difference, it has reduced my average speed by 2 km/h, a small reduction and worthwhile for the added protection during my rides in the dark mornings.

The opposite happened when I put the Vittoria's on, suddenly I went noticeably faster and free wheeling down hills was considerably faster. Changing tyres gives me another excuse to buy some new decent wheels next year, nice to have something to put the Vittoria's on.

 

[Peter10]

I have those Vittoria's on my bike and I really like them in the rain. I used them yesterday (6th) in the REALLY heavy rain we had in West London from 8-10pm and I felt pretty comfortable that I wasn't going to slip or slide. I agree with you about the "spongy" ride though.

 

[Fab Foodie]

BTW...
Rolling resistance is not simply due to tread, but a function of flexibility of the tyre in particular the sidewall.
Adding P*ncture resistance via kevlar or other layering stiffens the rolling surface which raises rolling resistance and rotating weight, this also partly requires a heavier sidewall which will also be less flexible (as well as being needed for extra durability). Tread will then exacerbates weight and flixibility, particularly as it can be a bit squirmy compared to a rock-hard slick.

Whilst there are variations in the equation there is always a compromise to be made with tyres... you can have light and fast but poor protection or great P* resistance but heavier and slower. You pays your money and takes your choice!

Tyres are something that will dramatically affect how your bike rides and feels.

 

[Moodyman]

Agreed with Fab Foodie.

Though, you can always leave the SMP+ on the rear (where you really need the best protection) and stick a lighter mid-range puncture protection tyre at the front.

This improves your handling and you don't notice the weight of the SMP+ on the rear as you're sitting on it.

Works for me.

 

[BSRU]

BTW...
Rolling resistance is not simply due to tread, but a function of flexibility of the tyre in particular the sidewall.
Adding P*ncture resistance via kevlar or other layering stiffens the rolling surface which raises rolling resistance and rotating weight, this also partly requires a heavier sidewall which will also be less flexible (as well as being needed for extra durability). Tread will then exacerbates weight and flixibility, particularly as it can be a bit squirmy compared to a rock-hard slick.

Whilst there are variations in the equation there is always a compromise to be made with tyres... you can have light and fast but poor protection or great P* resistance but heavier and slower. You pays your money and takes your choice!

Tyres are something that will dramatically affect how your bike rides and feels.

I understand what you write. My comments on rolling resistance are purely based on my experience of the two types of tyres I have used recently, on a reasonable decent on my commute with the Vittoria's, I need to brake to stay within the speed limit, with the SMP's only at the very bottom of the hill do I need to brake. Plus during the past three days I can see my average had slowed by about 2 km/h, same route and very similar conditions. The Vittoria's have reasonably good puncture protection just my last puncture would not have happened with the SMP's, with the dark wet rides approaching I wanted to have some extra protection. Once my legs get used to them I am sure I will be back up to speed.

 

[Fab Foodie]

I understand what you write. My comments on rolling resistance are purely based on my experience of the two types of tyres I have used recently, on a reasonable decent on my commute with the Vittoria's, I need to brake to stay within the speed limit, with the SMP's only at the very bottom of the hill do I need to brake. Plus during the past three days I can see my average had slowed by about 2 km/h, same route and very similar conditions. The Vittoria's have reasonably good puncture protection just my last puncture would not have happened with the SMP's, with the dark wet rides approaching I wanted to have some extra protection. Once my legs get used to them I am sure I will be back up to speed.

Oh, I understood you fully
You may not know this but bicycles are not subject to regular speed limits (with the exception of say Richmond Park where there are seperate by-laws)... fab eh!

 

[BSRU]

Oh, I understood you fully
You may not know this but bicycles are not subject to regular speed limits (with the exception of say Richmond Park where there are seperate by-laws)... fab eh!

You can be done for "cycling furiously", I have never heard of anyone actually being done for "cycling furiously".