More 'drag' on narrow tyres ... is it possible?

[Bearbonesnorm]

I know I'm not comparing like with like but my crosser running 38c Kenda Kwickers feels much more draggy and if I'm honest, much harder work on the climbs (both on and off road) than a mountain bike running 2.2 Race Kings / X Kings. The CX weighs at least 6lb less and both bikes are running similar gearing. I know it sounds mad but could a narrower tyre drag more? I'm thinking small contact patch = greater pressure exerted by tyre on road ... just a thought.

[johnnystorm]

http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/ ... resistance

[FLV]

http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/ ... resistance

Very interesting

[Dan_K]

Worth a read. The reason I use 25c tyres on my road bike:

http://janheine.wordpress.com/2014/01/0 ... -too-wide/

[Bearbonesnorm]

http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/ ... resistance

Good, I'm not going mad then

[Alpinum]

A difference can also be due to using different (or no) tubes, sidewalls etc.
When I changed from butyl to latex tubes on my DH bike I had to adjust the damping. That's how big the difference is...

[firedfromthecircus]

I think tyre construction is a massive part of rr. Sidewall flex and so on. I used to think that the expensive tyres were overkill but since running a pair of top flite schwalbe marathon mondials I am convinced they are worth the extra.
Also the compound can affect things massively. I've not run any back to back tests but I reckon the Nevegals I used to run on the 26er ran slower than bud and lou on the moonlander!

[Alpinum]

[quote="firedfromthecircus" I've not run any back to back tests but I reckon the Nevegals I used to run on the 26er ran slower than bud and lou on the moonlander![/quote]

I just had to reread this to be sure...

Very true, compound makes a big difference too.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Well I've just ordered a pair of On-One 'Gravel Road' tyres in 40c ... bigger than the present tyres with a less pronounced tread and 120tpi rather than 60. We'll see if they make a difference, fingers crossed.

[Solo]

[quote="firedfromthecircus" I've not run any back to back tests but I reckon the Nevegals I used to run on the 26er ran slower than bud and lou on the moonlander!

I just had to reread this to be sure...

Very true, compound makes a big difference too.[/quote]


Agreed. That quote about the Nevegals truly made me lol. I had a pair of them on a previous bike and they were unreal. They made the High Rollers my son ran at the time feel like slicks! I'm sure part of the bikes dullness came from them rather than its cheap no name steel I often attributed it too on reflection.

[chris n]

Well I've just ordered a pair of On-One 'Gravel Road' tyres in 40c ... bigger than the present tyres with a less pronounced tread and 120tpi rather than 60. We'll see if they make a difference, fingers crossed.

Hmm, they look interesting. Was contemplating some WTB Nano 40 tyres for my CX but I might give these ago instead. They must be better that the WTBs - after all, they're lighter, cheaper and more flexible.

[Bearbonesnorm]

So far, so good ... if you can't be arsed clicking here's a brief summary.

They're very good, roll well and have certainly made a difference to how the bike rides.

http://bearbonesbikepacking.blogspot.co.uk/

[Ian]

Are they easier to carry too?

[Bearbonesnorm]

Are they easier to carry too?

Much easier, I find the closely spaced tread in the centre doesn't dig into your hand quite as much and the dual compound softens the blow when the bars swing round and the wheel clatters you in the face