What Tires for High performace E-Bikes?

[LI-ghtcycle]

This question is for all you record setting over-volting masters of the E-Bike! 8)

I am wanting to cover my bases and not break the bank, however, I believe in buying something once and not having to worry rather than go too cheap and have to replace things and spend more money in the end.

SOOO .... I am most likely going to have my E-Bike traveling at 30MPH or less, but if in the future I might want to go to somewhere in the neighborhood of 45MPH with more of what I like to call an Ultra Light-weight Super Killa-Bike (Yes, I borrowed from Dr. Bass )

I want to know what tires can handle the power needed to hit 45mph that are designed for bicycles?

To further qualify this question, I am talking 90% of the time riding on the street, so low rolling resistance tires is a plus, but mainly I want to be able to have traction kinda like an "all season" tire, mainly occasional light gravel, and traction in the rain, and good durability. 8)

I will be using them on my hard tail Nishiki for now, but if later I go hog wild on power, I will be getting a full suspension frame for the job.

Right now, I have these:

I hear a lot of good things about Schwalbe tires, but I'm not sure they are in my price range ... I'm hoping to stay $50 ea. or lower for tires?

I know these aren't the most expensive tires, but I have used this brand with good results on my motorcycles in the past.

 

[Russell]

I too didn't want to shell out big bucks for tires but buying the Schwalbe Supremes was something I've never regretted, the ride is much improved over the stock Continental City Contacts and they handle great too. I paid $90/pair plus shipping (700x50) and they are worth every penny, they aren't for off-road however.



-R

 

[docnjoj]

Um........Speed costs! I have Marathons with Kevlar that came with my trike but I sure don't go 45 MPH! That is motorcycle/scooter territory. I don't know if bike tires are fully able to cope with that speed in a sustained manner. I believe that John in CR does sustained high speeds and he would be a good person to check with.
otherDoc

 

[deardancer3]

Maxxis, Schwalbe, Contentinal is where I think the speedy tires are.

d

 

[gestalt]

In the rickshaw business we use maxxis hookworms, they are pretty speedy and tough as all hell. Considering we cart sometimes almost a ton of human flesh around on those two tires on the city streets is a good testament to their durability.

 

[Lyen]

My preferred high performance ebike tire in the Continential Ultra Gatorskin 700c/25. It has got the least rolling resistance & durable. 700c/23 also works if you have an ultra light ebike and do not mind the stiffness. I have been using it for 2 years and no flat on them ever since.

 

[northernmike]

I've found most Contis to be stiff, maybe the Germans can't help it.

I've loved every Schwalbe I've rode, they're beautiful tires. Worth the money.

Vittoria are nice quality, as are Panaracer.

If you're building from scratch, consider moped rims + tires.

You can get speed rated 17" lightweights (for 50cc racing classes) good for 100mph, IIRC. My SAVA MC2s were about $35 each, I think.

Why so worried about the low cost? Plan on doing burn-outs?

Have a job? Wait a paycheque.

 

[John in CR]

16" motorcycle/moped tires apparently fit on 20" bike rims. Then you get cheaper, better, and are tested and rated for speed and weight. The 17" inch motorcycle tires I have are essentially 24" diameter wheels, though they do require a motorcycle rim.

 

[LI-ghtcycle]

16" motorcycle/moped tires apparently fit on 20" bike rims. Then you get cheaper, better, and are tested and rated for speed and weight. The 17" inch motorcycle tires I have are essentially 24" diameter wheels, though they do require a motorcycle rim.

Kewl! I like the idea of the 17" wheels, but how much does that affect my clearance? Would I have to start with a 24" bike or could I get away with it on a 26" bike frame? Mainly concerned about cornering clearance at speed while pedaling :?