Tire size. What size do you use and why?

[bikeelectric]

I am using these Kenda Kross Plus tires also. I found an almost new used one and just ordered another new one to match it.

I use 26" Kenda Kross Plus tires. They are fast as hell. I gained a full 4 mph in speed. Pressure at 60 PSI.

 

[azisme]

The best "patch" or amount of tire on the road should be a circle. If you run a 19mm wide tire at 120 PSI with 120 pounds of weight on it, the tire deforms to oval with heavy sidewall flex. This increases rolling resistance. Also, if the tire is basically so hard that it don't deform well when hitting imperfections on the road, it will "bounce" off them and that increases rolling resistance some more. The reason racing track bikes run a 19mm on the front and a 23 to 25mm on the back is due to aerodynamics coming into play on the front. The rear is wider due to lower rolling resistance and the frame covering it's increased width for aerodynamics. Weight also comes into play.
quote]

Interesting post EV. It seems like there should be some info out there somewhere on how to calculate the optimum width and tire pressure for a given load on the wheel.

My experience so far with electric bikes is:

• first on a mountain bike with 26x1.75 tires at ~70psi.
  
  I then switched to a comfort bike with 26x2.125 tires at ~45psi (generic comfort Kenda’s). I experienced a solid 2mph drop in speed with the same motor/battery setup; which I attributed to the increased wind resistance from a more upright riding posture.
  
  I then purchased for the comfort bike a 26x2.25 Marathon XR for my front (drive wheel) rated at 65psi, filled to 60psi; and a 26x2.0 Schwalbe Big Apple for my rear, rated at 70psi and filled to 65psi. I easily regained at least 1.5 to 2mph back. Wind resistance played less of a role than I originally thought, plus I believe I added additional efficiency with the higher quality tires.

I purchased the Big Apple in only a 2” because I read a posting somewhere about how huge the tires are. I was afraid a 2.15 would not fit my bike. I was dead wrong and very sorry for the purchase. The 2.15 and I am sure even the 2.35 would have fit fine. The downside to the narrower width is that the tire also has a smaller circumference which changes the pedaling gearing making it more difficult to pedal along with the motor. In other words, I have to pedal faster or more rmp than before to pedal along at the same speed as before.

 

[recumbent]

Schwalbe 26 X 1.95" Marathon plus, at 50 lbs pressure. Super comfy tires, 5,000 kms (3,000 mi) and still lots of tread for another season or two.

This turned out to be a very informational thread.

 

[Microbatman]

20 inch Kenda Kovert with flat resistant tube inside running at 70PSI

Choose Kovert based on weight. This is one of the heaviest 20 inch rear tires out there.
Did not want flats and wanted something capable of handling the extra weight ot the X5.

Very good on and off road tire. Top speed is 36mph 0-30 is very good.

Have an Oddesy path waiting to try out/put on next. Goal of next tire pick is to increase shock absorbing ability.


Any reccommendations for best 20 inch shock absorbing tire?

 

[wanders]

I use the Forte Versatrac/K from Performance. $11.98 per tire. 26x2.0. Excellent wear, low rolling resistance, Kevlar belt (very hard to find these days) and takes 80 PSI on my full-suspension bike. This tire is an incredible deal and well-liked by those who use it.

 

[Zoot Katz]

. . .
Have an Oddesy path waiting to try out/put on next. Goal of next tire pick is to increase shock absorbing ability.

Any reccommendations for best 20 inch shock absorbing tire?

The Schwalbe Big Apple is renown for its cushioned ride.

 

[needWheels]

I use 26 x 1.5 Nashbar Urban but strangely they are no faster @ 60psi than others with the same motor (BD36) who run wider tires.

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_175566_-1___

 

[monster]

i think my tyres are fnuked because of all the burn outs i have done, lifting the back wheel to show off.