SquareDaff
Über Member
- Location
- Doncaster, South Yorkshire
I look on this forum for advice on what bits of kit to wear/buy - so as I use the site I figured I'd contribute too. Here are my thoughts on the SMG's after riding them for the 1st time today.
OK - for starters - I ride a Boardman Hybrid Pro which had 700x28 Continental Ultra Sports on it (puncture rate - about 1 per month based on 100miles per week - mixture of country lanes and town/city roads). I changed the tyres over last night to the SMG's (same size- 700x28's - reused the inner tubes) and pumped up to the recommended pressure. My reasons for changing - I thought a tyre with tread would be more suited to winter conditions than a slick.
1st thoughts this morning - the bike balance felt totally different - quite top heavy (which in reality it is) - almost twitchy. By the end of the ride I'd got used to it and was actually enjoying the responsiveness to the smallest change in balance/steering. It was just such a shock in the 1st place to notice such a huge difference.
The other thing I noticed was the speed. I was expecting to have to put more effort in to maintain the same speed I usually commute at given that I was moving from a slick tyre to one with quite a bit of tread (relatively). I actually found it easier!! I presume this was down to one (or more) of several things - 1) the 3mm of "greenguard" material make the tyre harder and therefore it rolls easier; 2) I'd unwittingly let the pressures on my Continentals drop recently and so noticed a difference when using tyres at the correct pressure; 3) the Ultra Sports are a naff tyre ?!? (I'll bow to others thoughts on this).
As for puncture rates - I'll have to come back on in a few weeks and update this topic about those. None this morning though. I want to minimise the number of times I have to repair a puncture in the middle of winter. Can't imagine much worse than having to take off a salt encrusted, dirty wet tyre in -5C temperatures in the normal dark windy January mornings/evenings.
Which brings me to fit - I've struggled recently with the Continentals when repairing punctures. Very difficult to get back on the rims, especially around the valve area and you have to be very careful to avoid pinch punctures. The SMG's are much easier to put on (I could push them on all round with my fingers ) and when I checked for pinch points there were none (on both tyres).
Finally - aesthetics! Mine and the bike. I went for the set with the fluorescent stripe around the side wall. Personally I love the look. It compliments the style of the Boardman and, as far as I'm concerned, anything that increases my side on visibility is a bonus. As for me - I was expecting more tread = more spray. I have mudguards fitted but still notice quite a bit of back spray from the front wheel. It appeared to be significantly reduced this morning (and yes - I did plow through some puddles just to check!!). I presume this means than water is being displaced to the sides of the tyre rather than being carried onto the frame by a smooth surface.
So in summary, love the tyre. If you're thinking of buying one I hope this quick review is helpful!.
OK - for starters - I ride a Boardman Hybrid Pro which had 700x28 Continental Ultra Sports on it (puncture rate - about 1 per month based on 100miles per week - mixture of country lanes and town/city roads). I changed the tyres over last night to the SMG's (same size- 700x28's - reused the inner tubes) and pumped up to the recommended pressure. My reasons for changing - I thought a tyre with tread would be more suited to winter conditions than a slick.
1st thoughts this morning - the bike balance felt totally different - quite top heavy (which in reality it is) - almost twitchy. By the end of the ride I'd got used to it and was actually enjoying the responsiveness to the smallest change in balance/steering. It was just such a shock in the 1st place to notice such a huge difference.
The other thing I noticed was the speed. I was expecting to have to put more effort in to maintain the same speed I usually commute at given that I was moving from a slick tyre to one with quite a bit of tread (relatively). I actually found it easier!! I presume this was down to one (or more) of several things - 1) the 3mm of "greenguard" material make the tyre harder and therefore it rolls easier; 2) I'd unwittingly let the pressures on my Continentals drop recently and so noticed a difference when using tyres at the correct pressure; 3) the Ultra Sports are a naff tyre ?!? (I'll bow to others thoughts on this).
As for puncture rates - I'll have to come back on in a few weeks and update this topic about those. None this morning though. I want to minimise the number of times I have to repair a puncture in the middle of winter. Can't imagine much worse than having to take off a salt encrusted, dirty wet tyre in -5C temperatures in the normal dark windy January mornings/evenings.
Which brings me to fit - I've struggled recently with the Continentals when repairing punctures. Very difficult to get back on the rims, especially around the valve area and you have to be very careful to avoid pinch punctures. The SMG's are much easier to put on (I could push them on all round with my fingers ) and when I checked for pinch points there were none (on both tyres).
Finally - aesthetics! Mine and the bike. I went for the set with the fluorescent stripe around the side wall. Personally I love the look. It compliments the style of the Boardman and, as far as I'm concerned, anything that increases my side on visibility is a bonus. As for me - I was expecting more tread = more spray. I have mudguards fitted but still notice quite a bit of back spray from the front wheel. It appeared to be significantly reduced this morning (and yes - I did plow through some puddles just to check!!). I presume this means than water is being displaced to the sides of the tyre rather than being carried onto the frame by a smooth surface.
So in summary, love the tyre. If you're thinking of buying one I hope this quick review is helpful!.
