Now thats an analogy I understand....I suppose I should have realized that it was a weight issue, if racers are prepared to spend money on carbon and titanium to save weight, then why would they stick, what to them would be a tractor tyre, on their rims. I've never weighed my bike but what sort of weight would a whole road race bike be at the sort of level used profesionally ? Anyone have any idea ?? Theres an idea for a new thread !you are more likely to puncture in the wet, that's true. Racing cyclists tend not to use Schwalbe Marathons for the same reason that Formula 1 teams tend not to use BF Goodrich T/As...
the UCI minimum weight limit is 15lbs, so most are built to weigh in there or thereabouts - although it's possible to build a bike well under that limit....
This, AIUI, is the principle advantage of tubulars - they're much lighter than clinchers.
Following on from last nights bit of discussion regarding bike weight.....I have just weighed my leisure beast and found that its bang on 14kg. I think that means that when I am riding , I am carrying an extra bike on my back compared to these road race guys. Not much of a wonder that I cant hold a candle to the average, or is it adverage ??? speed that these guys pump along at. Considering that my weight includes a suspension seat post, suspension front forks, tool kit, side stand,bell,computer and spare tubes, I'm very pleased with that figure. Trouble is that its now gonna niggle away at me as to how much all these extras add to the bottom weight that I could reduce my beast down to. Something to look at on a wet weekend over the winter I think.the UCI minimum weight limit is 15lbs, so most are built to weigh in there or thereabouts - although it's possible to build a bike well under that limit....
One day you will see the lightCall it 'cycling' a TANK There should be a law against those tyres IMHO.
One day you will see the light
Interesting to compare the weights of various tyres -
Marathon Plus 590gm
Lightweights, mine are 800 eachSmall elephant !
Interesting to compare the weights of various tyres -
Marathon Plus 590gm
Gatorskins (folding) 250gm
GP4000s 230gm
- all above 25c, manufacturers figures