Reviews and/or photos of Big Ben 700c X 55 tires?

[iamkeith]

Is anybody in a position to share experiences with these tires?   I'm able to find photos and comments for the 50mm version, but nothing about the 55mm version. Photos of them mounted on a bike would be fantastic! 

On the surface, it looks like it might provide a good compromise of the traits I'm seeking, but it kind of falls at the absolute skinniest end of the size range I'd want. If it runs true to size, it could work. But, if it runs small, then I don't know.   I believe (hope) that all of the photos on the website are of the 50mm version, so there's no way to even judge.  I'm slightly worried about it being too stiff too, but that's only because I've been spoiled by increasingly supple tires over the past few years.

I know that this group tends to gravitate that direction as well - like the new Big One which is a great size, but I think that might be too fragile.   I'm a little skeptical even of the Super Moto which, as far as I can tell, is a level up from the Big One in terms of both traction and durability.  Or could that the best choice? 

I'm thinking about putting these on my Clem which I bought with the intention of setting up more as an off-pavement dirt/trail bike but, because of the fit,  now think will be better suited as a pathway/town bike.   I'll still need to use it on some rough, rocky.. but level.. surfaces though.   All academic until the snow melts, but I'm dying to ride this bike and want to be ready to roll.

Thanks for whatever info you've got

[Tim Gavin]

Super Motos are excellent tires.  They have tons of grip on pavement, gravel, and dirt.  They will slide on loose dirt and mud, though.   

The tread of the Big Ben would be a bit more secure in the slop than the Super Moto's, but they're a heavier, less supple tire.  I think you'd be giving up some of the cushion and speed possibilities of a large, supple tire by going with Big Bens.

However, I think Super Motos are out of production now (replaced by the Big One).

Thunder Burts are even lighter than any of the discussed tires (besides the Big One), and knobbier as well.  They're pretty fantastic, and come in 2.1" and 2.25" widths in 650b and 700c (2.1" only for 26").  

I swapped out the Super Motos on my bike for Thunder Burts.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Michael Cinibulk]

Has anyone taken calipers to the TBs? Are most MTB tires their stated width?

Mike C

[Tim Gavin]

On Sat, Feb 13, 2016 at 8:32 AM, Michael Cinibulk <mkcin...@gmail.com> wrote:

Has anyone taken calipers to the TBs? Are most MTB tires their stated width?

Mike C

My 26 x 2.1" TBs measure 51 mm on Mavic 319 rims (23 mm external).  I think most modern MTB tires measure their stated width on a modern, wide rim (>25 mm external).  I.e., their stated width is more like a "maximum" width on the widest rims, and a narrower rim will limit the size a slight amount.

At least, this is my experience with Schwalbe, Continental, and WTB tires.  They seem to be a couple mm narrower than their stated width on classic 23 mm MTB rims.

[Mike Shaljian]

I've put on probably 400 miles on my Big Ones (all urban commuting) and they seem stout enough to me, at least when run as tubeless. I had ridden Super Motos before and while a quality, serviceable tire, the Big One is much more supple and easy rolling, even with the Snakeskin sidewall. It does seem like the tread compound is a bit less grippy and also they seem to be more finicky with pressure. They handle a bit oddly if underinflated. All in all, they seem like a great choice to me for a reasonably durable tire that is actually really fun to ride. They key to it all is running it tubeless, I'm pretty sure.I wish that Compass would make the Rat Trap Pass in 700C because I'm sure it'd be even better, but it seems like the best of the lot right now, if you can fit it.

[adam leibow]

here are mine mounted underneath a SKS P65 fender