View From The Top

The view from the top of Hwy 46. 

Central Coast, CA

Central Coast Winter

A ranch on the west of Hwy 1 by Harmony

Estero Bay

East side of Hwy 1

Tires, Speed and Roads

Keeping a log for the last 6 years has given me good feedback as to how my tire selection is working for me. Especially in 2016 riding along the Central Coast has given me information that makes it easy to compare rides. No traffic signals to factor in and consistent weather. 

I like my rides to be as fast , light and as comfortable as possible on my old bones. Some roads are to rough for skinny tires and beg me to use a little larger and lower pressure tire. The following is a quick look at how different tires are working for me.

Option 1, When roads are generally in good condition.

Rear tire - Schwalbe One 28/622,  95psi

Front tires- Schwalbe One 23/406, 95psi

Option 2. When roads are good to fair.

Rear Tire - Schwalbe Kojak 35/622, 65psi

Front tires - Schwalbe One 23/406, 95psi

Option 3, When roads are rough, like riding chip seal for extended periods.

Rear Tire - Schwalbe Kojak 35/622, 65psi

Front Tires - Schwalbe Kojak 35/406, 65psi

Summary

I'm going to keep this simple.

First let me say that changing rear tires is easy, I have two complete wheelsets. The front tires take a little more time as I have to actually make a tire change on the rim.

My maximum speed so far this year is 46mph. To my surprise all three tire options give me maximum speeds that are so close I can't say any one option is faster then the other when going down a hill.

My average speed is the number that changes with tire selection. Option 3 is about 7% slower then Option 1. With Option 2 my average speed is slightly slower then Option 1. It's almost to the point where sometimes it seems like there is no difference in average speed between Option 1 and Option 2. There may be other factors playing into this but I'm going to leave well enough alone and not over think it.

In the end I usually ride with Option 2. I get a little softer ride and minimal speed loss.

Option1

Rear tire - Schwalbe One 28/622,  95psi

Front tires- Schwalbe One 23/406, 95psi

Option 3

Rear Tire - Schwalbe Kojak 35/622, 65psi

Front Tires - Schwalbe Kojaks 35/406, 65psi