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Notes from 11-27-99 A weird experiment - How to get some low pressure riding experience with a traditional wheel, tire and tube Get some 26x1.90 or 26 x 2.0 tires with cheap butyl casings. These are tires that you would NEVER think to ride if you had a choice - cheap, heavy replacement tires, the kind that come on cheap bikes. I don't think the specifics of the tire tread are especially important to the result, though a reasonable tread pattern and compound are always good things. The tires should be cheap and easy to find locally no matter where you are. You can also ride fatter tires if you are interested in trying that, though they might be a little trickier to find. Use a heavy tube, a Hutchinson green one if you are a glutton for leg work on the flats and climbs (and we all know we need it, eh?), set it at 30 - 35 psi or so and let 'er rip. As long as the combination of tube and tire casing is strong enough to ride at 30 psi with- no major squirms or rolls on sideways landings or hard technical moves, and they don't pinch too easily (which is something the Hutchinson tubes are good for) it will work. It is a fun ride, as long as you can overlook the sluggish rolling properties and weight. And it's dirt cheap too. To me the performance actually was an improvement over a narrow 26 inch tire in some ways because I can ride over stuff that would normally bounce me off my line. Small tires are not a favorite of mine though, due to my weight (170lbs). I am not fond of the ride they give at pressure I have to run in them, very hectic in rough stuff. The riding performance of this set up mimics a tubeless setup in some ways. There is a weight penalty, but there is also a huge cost advantage, and you can try it out with very easy to get stuff too. The weight penalty is minor when you are in the saddle if you have the right attitude, though I am sure this adds up to doomed specifications for the set up as a real product from a marketing POV. The rolling losses show up whenever and wherever you would expect them to, but the set up is fun anyway, as long as aren't in a big hurry rolling along. You should try this, if only for the experience. It is too far removed from the fads for anyone to sell successfully, and it wouldn't be profitable if they tried. But it's pretty fun out on the trail. I am not claiming that this is an original idea or the first time anyone's done it. It is a good way to see what riding at low pressure is like without dropping a bunch of money first.
KB
Fine print: The opinions expressed herein by Keith Bontrager are in the nature of general observations and should not be relied upon in your specific situation. Your question, problem, bicycle or component, may be different than the one he is discussing. This Page (Web Site) is not a repair manual and is not a substitute for having your bicycle examined and repaired by a qualified bicycle mechanic. It is not intended as a tutorial or course in how to safely ride or use your bicycle. See your local library or bicycle store for publications regarding how to ride and repair your bicycle. Think of Keith like your Aunt Edna. You wouldn't really do what she tells you to do, now would you? Bontrager Cycles is a division of Trek Bicycle Corporation. Bontrager and Trek are registered Trademarks of Trek Bicycle Corporation. Copyright, Trek Bicycle Corporation. All rights reserved.
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