Tire size for 180 lb rider

"Rick Onanian" wrote in message

On Sat, 15 May 2004 15:25:37 GMT, maxo wrote:
On an amusing note, the most durable tires I've ever ridden have
been Chen Shins. Now before everyone starts laughing, which is pretty
understandable, once must understand that this company is the
largest bike tire maker in the world--so their quality spans the
spectrum!

Anybody who laughs at the statement that Cheng Shin (isn't there a
'g' in there?) tires last forever has never used them. Every one
I've ridden refuses to show any wear whatsoever no matter how much
riding nor how much abusing is done.

The only reason to change them is if you want tires that ride/feel
different. They're slightly tougher than cast iron, and slightly
lighter. I've never gotten a flat through one, nor worn one visibly.

Regulars may recall me pestering people for imformation about tyres a couple
of months back. It's taken longer than I planned but I finally got rid of
my Cheng Shins! The problem was I also needed other bits and pieces as
well so every pay I'd look at my tyres and think, well, it's not like
they're actually worn or anything so they can wait. The problem with Cheng
Shins is that by that philosophy I'd still be putting off replacing them
about three years from now. After much questioning and listening and
reading and pondering I bought some Avocet Fasgrips Duro-Plus K 700x32s from
the States. They arrived Wednesday and I put them on yesterday. (As an
aside, I was very proud of myself given I haven't replaced a bike tyre for
at least 25 years. At least now I know I could do it on the road if I had
to).

Talk about chalk and cheese. I only went for a short test ride because of
the foul weather but I swore the bike felt lighter and more lively. Then I
wondered if I wasn't just mentally justifying the expense, so I put one of
the Cheng Shins on the scales. Bike tyres aren't the easiest things to
weigh if you don't have hanging scales but by my estimate my old 700x40s
that came with the bike weigh around 680-690 grams each! The Avocets
nominally weigh 410 grams each, so I've just reduced the weight of my tyres
by over half a kilogram! No wonder they feel lighter and more responsive.
Going from 75psi to 90psi thus far doesn't seem to have changed the comfort.

The only thing now I'm a tad nervous about is that I used the existing
tubes. Because of the weather I couldn't be bothered walking up to the LBS
to get replacements. They're also Cheng Shin (they seem to retain pressure
OK) but the marking said 700x35-43 so they're a bit over-sized for the
700x32s. They seemed to go in OK but I'll get some new tubes as spares.
What are the odds of a pinch flat? Am I asking for trouble?

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In article ,
DRS wrote:


The only thing now I'm a tad nervous about is that I used the existing
tubes. Because of the weather I couldn't be bothered walking up to the LBS
to get replacements. They're also Cheng Shin (they seem to retain pressure
OK) but the marking said 700x35-43 so they're a bit over-sized for the
700x32s. They seemed to go in OK but I'll get some new tubes as spares.
What are the odds of a pinch flat? Am I asking for trouble?


_ Bike messengers commonly put in the next size up tube to
make the tires more flat proof. The only advantage to using the
smaller size tube is that it weighs less. If you got the
tire on without pinching the tube or catching it under the
bead you're all set.

_ Booker C. Bense

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On Thu, 27 May 2004 22:50:45 +0000, Booker C. Bense wrote:

_ Bike messengers commonly put in the next size up tube to
make the tires more flat proof.

I used to do that myself when messengering--it works great! The only thing
to watch out for is the tube folding or creasing upon itself--so make sure
you put a little air in it before you tuck it into the tire, then install
the second bead, put a few more pounds in the tire, and bounce it a bit to
seat everything before pumping up to full pressure.

BTW, Cheng Shin makes a whole range of tires and to be sure, some of the
"standard issue" ones can be a bit crapola--but I've found some real gems.
I've put close to 1500 miles on the Nashbar Prima Plus Kevlars I bought a
few months ago, and they're holding up great! One pinch flat--not the
tires' fault since I didn't check the pressure before one ride. The ride
is quite excellent and supple and you can't beat $10 for a utility tire!
When I have 20 bucks or so per wheel to blow, I'll of course look for some
Vredsteins or similar on sale, but at the lower price point, gimme Cheng
Shins!

"DRS" wrote in message
...

At least now I know I could do it on the road if I had to).

Isn't that illegal?

:-)

Cheers
Peter

"maxo" wrote in message
news
On Thu, 27 May 2004 22:50:45 +0000, Booker C. Bense wrote:

_ Bike messengers commonly put in the next size up tube to
make the tires more flat proof.

I used to do that myself when messengering--it works great! The only
thing to watch out for is the tube folding or creasing upon
itself--so make sure you put a little air in it before you tuck it
into the tire,

That's exactly what I did. Aren't I clever? :-) I put in just enough air
for the tube to hold its round shape rather than collapse like a dead worm
and fall out of the tyre before I got everything into place and it all came
together like I'd planned it.

then install the second bead, put a few more pounds in
the tire, and bounce it a bit to seat everything before pumping up to
full pressure.

BTW, Cheng Shin makes a whole range of tires and to be sure, some of
the "standard issue" ones can be a bit crapola--but I've found some
real gems. I've put close to 1500 miles on the Nashbar Prima Plus
Kevlars I bought a few months ago, and they're holding up great! One
pinch flat--not the tires' fault since I didn't check the pressure
before one ride. The ride is quite excellent and supple and you can't
beat $10 for a utility tire! When I have 20 bucks or so per wheel to
blow, I'll of course look for some Vredsteins or similar on sale, but
at the lower price point, gimme Cheng Shins!

I paid US$29 each for the Fasgrips and I'm more than happy even at this
early stage. If the tyres last me a year or more then I'm happy to pay a
little extra for seriously good tyres. I mean, $10 or $20 per year is not
exactly a deal buster in the greater scheme of things.

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"Peter Signorini" wrote in message

"DRS" wrote in message
...

At least now I know I could do it on the road if I had to).

Isn't that illegal?

:-)

Maybe where you live. But we're more liberal here. :-)

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DRS wrote:

If the tyres last me a year or more then I'm happy to pay a
little extra for seriously good tyres. I mean, $10 or $20 per year is not
exactly a deal buster in the greater scheme of things.

A year? I wish I could get a year out of a tire. On the rear, I'm
happy to get two months before it starts showing threads.
--
terry morse Palo Alto, CA http://bike.terrymorse.com/

On Fri, 28 May 2004 14:24:32 -0700, Terry Morse
wrote:
A year? I wish I could get a year out of a tire. On the rear, I'm
happy to get two months before it starts showing threads.

I wish I had the time and motivation to put in that kind of mileage.
--
Rick Onanian

"Rick Onanian" wrote in message

On Fri, 28 May 2004 14:24:32 -0700, Terry Morse
wrote:
A year? I wish I could get a year out of a tire. On the rear, I'm
happy to get two months before it starts showing threads.

I wish I had the time and motivation to put in that kind of mileage.

Heh. Me too. I estimate I've done about 1,000km in six months.

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