greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

I am doing the London to Brighton bike in two weeks and I want to change my off road tyres to road tyres anyone got any ideas of what type or brand , can I use slicks

Alg

I have these on my MTB for the same reason. No problems what so ever.
Decathlon - cycling tyre VITTORIA - Randonneur 26 x 1.50 VITTORIA - city riding and cycling on paths in all weather conditions. Reflective sidewalls for extra safety.

phil_wrx

iTrader: (2)

Continental City Ride | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I used Maxxis High Roller Semi Slick for my road rides on my MB. Nice rolling surface but can still handle a bit of grit and dirt.
They clear small amounts of sludge well and grip to the road pretty well.

ScoTTyB

These discussions make me laugh becuase for some reason everybody always thinks their tyre is the best one.

Personally I know that specialized nimbus armadillos are the best, and I will continue to laugh at everyone else's feeble attempts hahahahhahaha

dpb

hire a road bike lol

CrisPDuk

I use these:

Schwalbe UK

And, as they say, I may not know about tyres, but I do know what I like

skid11

iTrader: (1)

Get a road bike mate loads easier.Designed for the job

BOB.T

I have these

Continental Sport Contact | Buy Online | ChainReactionCycles.com

The difference, as with any slick I'm sure, is incredible! You can feel every pedal stroke ripping into the tarmac! I got sick of switching between those and the nobblys though...so I bought a new bike!

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Where I live is mainly off road so its not really the right thing to do (get a road bike) probably cheaper and easer to change the tyres now and again

greatgonzo

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the suggestions I will now look at all the options and make a decision !
Cheers Gonzo!

wrx-ian

Whilst we are on the subject of bikes.
Anyone use clipless shoes and pedals??? What ae the like to use?? How easy is it to get you foot in and out???

As for a bikes anyone use a cyclo-cross bike??? Thinking about getting on as it should be good on road and could handle a bit of rough stuff.

Matteeboy

Ian - clipless pedals (SPDs) are a bit like Marmite.
I'm not a fan but they do have power benefits - but aren't good when it gets really technical.
They take some getting used to (Mrs Matt has just started using them on her MTB) and you need the right shoes but they are useful in the ride isn't too "gnarley" - I found (used them for 2 years then gave up) that they turn a minor off into a major crash!
You unclip by twisting your foot outwards. It's pretty easy and the pedals help with rear end (of the bike) control too.

Cyclo cross bikes are getting really popular - Specialized Tricross is getting rave reviews all over the place. I was very tempted to get one but reckon my MTB does all I need it to for now.

I'd use SPDs on a road or cyclo cross bike without question.

As for tyres - there is no definite answer EVER. But Continental make good slicks as do Schwalbe.

Timwinner

iTrader: (3)

I use shimano SPD's with DX shoes, Love em. I use for the downhill, free ride and normal town rides.
Most modern ones (crank bros, shimano etc) have a fail safe, When you go down any movement of your heel will disconnect you from the bike.

After I used spd's for a couple of weeks I didnt even think about it anymore, Its just something you do when your riding. I feel safer, I have more bike control, I have cleaner shins, I can hop the bike around plus its made me a better rider as I have to commit to things, No "if it looks bad I will kick the bike away".

I couldnt ride with flats anymore, It feels like its me v's the bike with flats. When im clipped in it feels like (excuse the hippy talk) I am one piece with the bike.

I have my Alpine trail for sale in the general section at the minute just thought I would say.

Matteeboy

Tim - well I do mostly XC riding and favour flats - but the lightest flats you can buy.
Having raced and done well, I can't say flats are any worse than SPDs and I think they can encourage bad discipline - bunny hopping with SPDs for example is usually done "wrongly" but a good bunny hop with flats has to be done right and with proper form and control.

But each to their own - many do prefer SPDs. I might try Mrs Matt's (Shimano 540s) at some stage - I ride SPD shoes (Spesh Tahos) but without cleats at the moment.

ChrisB

I've got SPDs on all my bikes (road and MTB). I don't like the feeling of not being clipped in on technical stuff. As Tim says, I feel happier feeling the bike is coming with me.

You can even unclip mid-air as you go over the bars when you **** things up big-time - ask SJ_Skyline as he had a grandstand view of me doing just that in the Brecon Beacons last weekend

Matteeboy

Chris - I once didn't manage to unclip in mid air (a while back - SPDs have got better now) - I landed upside down in a nettle filled ditch and could NOT get out - I was hanging from my bike (above me) wriggling around trying to get free but all I did was just get more and more stung. That was one of many crashes that put me off them for life!

I prefer stuff to be thrown clear - I've had my surfboard slice me up/bust my nose/ribs, I've had wakeboards almost break my legs, snowboards twist my hips, etc yet stuff that can be thrown clear (skis, waterskis, non SPD bikes) never seems to hurt me!

Each to their own though - there is no right or wrong.

Puff The Magic Wagon!

iTrader: (2)

If you're using a mtb to do road, even if you put road tyres on, you may find your bike undergeared - ie lots of pedaling and little forward motion!

As for spds - loads of embarrasing moments but find them better for pushing on...

davyboy

Slighlty off topic.

But can you recommend me some shoes, clips, and an indoor trainer?

I only use toe strap things which have been fine, but I fancy stepping things up a little and getting a proper racing bike. Probably a Giant Defy 4. Currently riding a Giant FCR.

BlkKnight

I did have a comedy moment when wearing spds'.

Had them for about a day. . .

A woman pulls out turning right without looking / seeing me. I scream to a halt. . . . slowly & gracefully topple over to the left.


You can get some spd pedals which work with & without spd shoes - so rather than being a little stump, they are more like a traditional pedal with the SPD centre.

Scoobydiid

I've had SPD's for about 5 years now and hate riding without, gives you more control, I have only had one off, in the pub car park, came out, swung right leg over bike, clipped in and straight over. I have had quite a few off's where I have gone over the bars, or flipped off sideways and managed to land on my feet and run it out.
It's a bit like when you drive with a 4 point harness, you become part of the bike an can feel what is going on beneath you.