on 8/5/11 2:57 PM, Solomander at [email protected] wrote: I have an AHH that's running 36 spoked Velocity wheels and 35 mm Panaracer Paselas. My original priorities were bombproof and plush riding. The ride is undeniably cushy, but there are times when I wouldn't mind it if the bike was a bit quicker- especially on hills. I have been contemplating running 32 mm Paselas and/or going to a somewhat lighter wheelset. I still wonder how much real world difference these changes would make. What do you think?
Joel It seems as though Paselas are more or less Paselas. Good, basic, reasonably tough tires that were absolute standard bearers for many years. Back in the early '90's, it was really the only "meaty" tire you could find almost anywhere. When the Jack Brown-Green came out, I was running 32 Paselas on the Quickbeam. I swapped over and the Paselas remained on my tire pile for another year or so, until I made myself wear them out so as not to waste them. I'm sure that a lot of the difference may have been psychosematic, but the JB's had a rounder profile that cornered and descended ridiculously well, and though they had lighter and seemingly more supple casing, they held up better for me. As has been observed - "Light. Strong. Inexpensive - pick two." A well-made, lighter wheelset is generally noticeable. And, I do find that larger tires at a more moderate pressure do protect the rim over most topography. But, to put a finer point on it, I'm talking about a 32 spoke rear, maybe a 28 front with nothing silly or stupid-light. You might also experiment or check your fore-aft saddle position. Depending upon your pedaling style, you might find a stronger position for climbing. I had felt myself a little pokey on the climbs and realized my saddle had slipped back a quarter inch or so. Hope that helps, - Jim -- Jim Edgar [email protected] Three T-shirts Now Available: "I've Got Downtube Shifters..." S/S T-shirt Cyclocross - "More Cowbell" L/S T-shirt "One Cog - Zero Excuses" L/S T-shirt http://www.cyclofiend.com/stuff Gallery updates now appear here - http://cyclofiend.blogspot.com Cyclofiend Bicycle Photo Galleries - http://www.cyclofiend.com Current Classics - Cross Bikes Singlespeed - Working Bikes -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch?hl=en.
