Tires

[uforgot]

I have the Bontrager Hardcase. I have the 28c ones because my lbs told me that the 25s and 23s were hard to get a flat on, but also extremely hard to get on and off. He said the 28s were easier, but they are also bear to get on and off! I've done it 3 times (pinch flat on initial install) and can do it, but I hope I don't have to do it often. They also ride a little rough. If you google hardcase reviews, you will get other opinions on this and it seems that it's the big con to these tires. You may want to tell your lbs that you are freaked about changing the tire and see what they say. If you don't have a lot of experience changing tires you need to practice. Especially if you go with the Bontragers.

I also worry about chip and seal. It can get really rough. Let us know what you end up with. I'm also always looking for that perfect "do all" light tire.

[Miranda]

I have the Bontrager Hardcase. I have the 28c ones because my lbs told me that the 25s and 23s were hard to get a flat on, but also extremely hard to get on and off. He said the 28s were easier, but they are also bear to get on and off! I've done it 3 times (pinch flat on initial install) and can do it, but I hope I don't have to do it often. They also ride a little rough. If you google hardcase reviews, you will get other opinions on this and it seems that it's the big con to these tires. You may want to tell your lbs that you are freaked about changing the tire and see what they say. If you don't have a lot of experience changing tires you need to practice. Especially if you go with the Bontragers.

I also worry about chip and seal. It can get really rough. Let us know what you end up with. I'm also always looking for that perfect "do all" light tire.

Thx Claudia... I appreciate that.

I had read that for reviews that they were hard to change. The folks stated in their specs that the tire they owned was the 23. From what I can tell on the Bontrager web site for tech, it has some extra lip/something (besides the material) that probably makes it hard to do. Plus, the same stuff that makes it hard to flat.

I don't have great hand strength or the best dexterity of my fingers. I'm not sure if it's mild arthritis or what. Stuff like wrestling the tire on the rim are probably harder for me than the average lady with more nimble hands.

I have never done it by myself before. You've just given me some winter project inspiration. I think I do indeed need to practice, despite the hands. At home in my garage, without traffic stress, and worries about it being on right to make it home.

That's always been one of my bike dreams. To feel confident enough about some DIY.

[Miranda]

ATM, the lbs has my bike putting tires on her. I went with the Serfas Seca RS in a 23. My bike is white/silver/black, so I got the gray/black set. They should pop up in this link on Serfas' site....

http://www.serfas.com/product.asp?ProductID=248

I went to the shop and did a short test ride on a set of 23s on a used demo (just in a parking lot). Going straight was ok. Corning was... OMG ... compared to my current 26s.

Hope I will get used to that in time. The lbs owner said they have carried them for a few years and have not had any complaints. Hope that is true for me too.

She will be ready tomorrow. If the weather holds nice, I'll report back how a true road test went.

EDIT: *huge sigh* This is the first time my girl has been away from home overnight since I've had her. My formal dining (aka, 'the bike room') looks so empty! I feel like part of me is missing.

[Miranda]

My girl is home now with her new tires. Only had time for a very short spin close to home today. I can indeed feel the difference in the rolling resistance on the 23s. Things just seem like a bit less work to pedal. So far, I'd have to say I like the 23s. The shop said they pumped them to 130psi (the tire max). That I'll have to play with per suggestions.

[Andrea]

Glad to hear you're liking them so far...

I'd try running them around 105 psi and see how they feel.

[Miranda]

Glad to hear you're liking them so far...

I'd try running them around 105 psi and see how they feel.

Thx Andrea... I'll give it a whirl. Chip and seal is rough, ouch.

[Miranda]

Do you see the piece of glass in this picture?



Do you see it... NOW?!?!



Yea, OK... great ...the new tires have been home literally 24 hours and this is what I ran straight over. This was right in our sub, close to home.

There is a blind curve obstructed with the neighbor's heavy landscaping. Cars can't see around the curve until they are right in the apex (which they usually cut short). I could however hear the car coming. Thus, my focus was on the traffic...

But the car wasn't SO loud that I still heard this nasty *crunch* sound right under my girl's new tires. Since I was close to home, I rode back to look for the crunching object. Once ID-ed, I had to take a pic. Knock on wood... tires still holding air atm. GHEEZ...