Compass 26 × 1.75 Feedback requested

[hsmitham]

Hi Bunch,

Has anyone had experience with the above tires? If yes how do they compare to the Big Ben's? The compass weigh in at 440g which are light and I presume would roll fast. I wonder how they'd handle mixed terrain? How they hold up over time? In advance thanks for your thoughts.

Cheers,

~Hugh

[Mike Schiller]

Hugh, another option is the 26 x 1.75 Pasela.  The 1.75" model has beefier tread than the thinner Pasela's and would do great for mixed terrain.  The TG model would be a great touring tire.

 I've done quite a bit of off-road on the 700 x 37 version that has the same heavier tread.

~mike

Carlsbad Ca.

[WETH]

Dear Hugh,
I bought a pair in March of 2014 for my Atlantis. They replaced a set of Big Apples 26x 2.1(?). The Compass "seem" faster but I have no data to confirm that. The compass ride as nicely as the Big Apples. I have about a 1000 miles on them and have not gotten one flat. (I really hate writing that...fate and all) I ride suburban/urban streets, paved bike paths, and some gravel trails. They handled those surfaces fine, perhaps a bit more sure footed on the dirt than the Big Apples. I rode them today and was pleased not to see any sidewall cracking yet. They do measure I believe closer to 1.60 than 1.75; someone else will verify/revise that I am sure. All in all nice tires that are well suited for how and where I ride. I will buy another pair when these wear out. I did buy the tubes that Compass recommends along with the tires. Purchasing through Compass was fast and painless.
Hope that helps,
Erl

[Rod Holland]

I run Compass 1.75" on one bike, 2.15" Big Ben's on another (how I ended up with two 26 inch bikes is a long story). I run both on mixed terrain, with good results. The Compass tires spin up faster, and I use them for day-long rides (75+ miles) with a mix of pavement and trails. The Big Bens will pretty much roll over anything, and I tend to use them where that will be helpful: think monster truck.

rod

[Aaron Young]

I've just replaced some Big Bens  on an older mountain-y bike with the Compass tires.  Only limited riding on them so far, but they've been great.  Maybe a bit quicker feeling then the BB's.  Just eyeballing, but they seem to be almost as poofy as the Hetres (not 26", I know) I have on my Sam, which I just love.  The Compass have a bit more tread (Pasela style), but so far they make me happy even though they are less-poofy than the BB's.  Wish I could give you a long term report on each, but I don't have enough miles on either to do that yet.

-Aaron Young

The Dalles, OR

On Tue, Jan 20, 2015 at 8:41 PM, Rod Holland <rholla...@gmail.com> wrote:

I run Compass 1.75" on one bike, 2.15" Big Ben's on another (how I ended up with two 26 inch bikes is a long story). I run both on mixed terrain, with good results. The Compass tires spin up faster, and I use them for day-long rides (75+ miles) with a mix of pavement and trails. The Big Bens will pretty much roll over anything, and I tend to use them where that will be helpful: think monster truck.

rod

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[Pondero]

Great question, Hugh.  If I ever decide my Holy Rollers are overkill for my Atlantis (for longer rides), the Compass tires are what I have in the back of my mind.  Sounds like good reports so far.

Chris Johnson

Sanger, Texas

[Hugh Smitham]

MIke, Erl, Rod, Aaron and Chris, thanks so far for the feedback. 

I'm leaning towards the Compass as I'll be doing a long tour this Summer. I originally figured the WTB "All Terrains" would be fine for mixed terrain riding and they are but I'm rethinking the whole weight penalty thing these days.Yeah I'm thinking like a weight weenie, and my truth is the lighter the load along with less tire rolling resistance the happier I'll be. 

Again thanks for the feedback and others please let me know your experiences with this tire.

Cheers

~Hugh

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” ― Albert Einstein

http://velocipedemusings.blogspot.com/

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[Shoji Takahashi]

Hi Hugh,

I've used Compass 26x1.75 and Big Bens on my Hunqapillar. The Compass tires are noticeably faster-- 40-min commute goes down to 35-min. (I have to stop at lots of traffic lights, so maybe it's due to faster acceleration?)

I've used Compass and Big Bens about a year each in Boston-area roads (potholes, debris) and packed dirt trails. No problems with either. 

The Big Bens are larger volume. Their sidewalls "seem" to-be sturdier than the Compass. I can't say whether that translates to fewer flats or reduced chance of sidewall cuts compared to the Compass.

I highly recommend either tire for these road and trail conditions. I do wish the Compass were wider... and I know others feel that way from a previous thread. That might make a difference for you on your journey. Also, the Compass folds nicely for a spare.

I've been using the Schwalbe extralight inner tubes, and they've been fine. If you're going to embrace your inner weight weenie, I'd add them to the list, too.

Happy riding!

Shoji 

[Chris Lampe 2]

Jan's article on what he dubbed a "90% bicycle" or something like that led me to believe that he at least sees the need for a wider version of this tire.  I don't know if the demand is there for him to justify doing it though.   

[Rod Holland]

I'd certainly welcome (read, buy) a wider version of these tires. I'd also go for an Extralight version (that might require a change to the tread, however).

rod

[Joe Bunik]

Tangent: how about the Maxxis DTH?

Spotted locally here on a Riv'd-up MB-1:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/joe_bunik/15154563141/

=- Joe Bunik
Walnut Creek, CA

>>>> moving." -- Albert Einstein

>>>>
>>>> http://velocipedemusings.blogspot.com/
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Jan 21, 2015 at 9:49 AM, Pondero <cj.sp...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Great question, Hugh. If I ever decide my Holy Rollers are overkill
>>>>> for my Atlantis (for longer rides), the Compass tires are what I have
>>>>> in
>>>>> the back of my mind. Sounds like good reports so far.
>>>>>
>>>>> Chris Johnson
>>>>> Sanger, Texas
>>>>>
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>>>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the
>>>>>
>>>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
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>>>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/Pudi1V7GSxw/unsubscribe
>>>>> .
>>>>> To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to
>>>>> rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
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>>>>>
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>>>>
>
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[Eric Daume]

I had a pair last summer, and I thought they were on about the same level as a Pasela (non-TG), maybe the Pasela was a bit better. Overall, I wasn't that impressed by them. No science to back this up, just my riding impression.

Still, I ponied up for some Loup Loup pass tires for my Trek 650B conversion, and those are amazing. Cushy and fast, together at last. Now, unfortunately, I feel the need to get some Barlow Pass tires for my 700c bikes. At $130 a set, it adds up. Quickly.

Eric

[Bill Lindsay]

I'm trying to decide what's worse, having the dollars stack up at $130 a pair for really incredible tires, or feeling like you are obligated to wear out your existing tires to justify treating yourself to new tires

Bill whose-tire-bin-overflow-eth Lindsay

[Allingham II, Thomas J]

Choice B. 

 

Which is why I have so many surplus tires.

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[Hugh Smitham]

I feel ya Bill. Thinking of unloading some rafter hanging rubber. Maybe post the 26x2.0 Big Ben's and  the 650b x 41 Fatty Rumkins to name a couple.

~Hugh

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[Bill Lindsay]

I've forced myself to run my absolute least favorite tires on my singlespeed, forcing myself to wear them out before buying any more.  It's super neurotic when you are a minimalist packrat.  Minimalist tendencies make me love getting rid of stuff.  Packrat tendencies make me want to keep stuff until it has no more value left.  So I keep and ride my least favorite tires, praying they will wear out fast.  What a weirdo I see in the mirror!

[Neil]

I like 'em. I have them on my LHT, and they are very good in mixed terrain. Not flat-proof by any means, but are a comfier tire than the Marathon Supremes they replaced. Seem to be reasonably long-wearing, as well. Overall a very nice high-volume tire, but maybe not that much better than Paselas considering the price difference between the two.

[Mike Schiller]

Hugh, if I come along on the tour this summer ( hopefully) I'm planning on running the new Pasela 650B tires. While I love the Hetres, I prefer something slightly sturdier for loaded touring, but prob. not as heavy as the Schwalbes.  The Pasela's with the thicker tread ( 700x37, 650Bx42, and 26 x 1.75) is a nice in-between tire.

~mike

Carlsbad Ca.

[Hugh Smitham]

Mike,

I agree with you on the merits of a tire like the Pasela.

So your still in the if column? Was my description not enticing enough? I suppose I could have added more flourishing descriptions. By the way there will be logging roads up the West side of the Island.

~Hugh

[Eric Daume]

Ha! You're not along Bill, I have the same tendencies... using something more that I don't like, so I can justify getting rid of it.

Being a wannabe minimalist bikie is tough... every time I clean the garage and downsize, I later end up buying a good chunk of the stuff again.

[dougP]

My wife's Atlantis has a Compass 1.5" on the rear, and while she likes the ride, does get the odd flat, but not often enough to be a worry.  I picked up a Pasela TG when her front was worn & it seems pretty much the same tire as far as the sidewalls & ride.  Having the belt it's heavier but it's half the money too.  She's not an off-roader so no info on that service.  I've been very careful off-road with the Soma C-lines on my Atlantis as I sorta abused the stock Paselas.  Light sidewalls are more supple & ride better, but give up some protection from rock cuts.  No free lunch or silver bullets there.

If these are for your Atlantis, I'd just go for it & enjoy the Compass for pavement & light off-road, and figure on using the ones you have been running (WTB?) when we do expeditions with David, Mike, Jim, etc.  Come to think of it, Jim's had the Big Bens on his Hunqapillar for a long time & lots of types of riding.  Hope he chimes in here.

dougP

On Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 6:40:21 PM UTC-8, hsmitham wrote:

[stonehog]

Hugh!  I have had them on my Miyata for a year and change.  https://flic.kr/p/g6AE6C  

I recall when I received them feeling let down initially (before riding) as the tread seemed thick and very much like a normal Pasela.  However, after a few rides, I realized this took nothing away from the comfort and speed of the tires.  It also gives them a bit more stickiness.  I've only used them for commuting, but they go well.  My average ride times on this bike are within a minute of my Homer with Stampede Pass tires.  They are as fast, and more importantly, as comfortable as the Hetres, and actually remind me of these tires most of all.  Or maybe it's the bike?  :)

Like!!

Brian Hanson

Seattle, WA

On Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 6:40:21 PM UTC-8, hsmitham wrote:

[true]

 

 

 

Regarding the question on the Maxxis DTH:

 

I am tempted by the Compass 26" tires as well but on this vintage Univega MTB rebuild bike's (Pic attached) application

I wanted at least a 2" wide tire that wasn't too heavy.

After looking around quite a bit on line

and reading way too many tire threads

 I settled on a pair of the Maxxis DTH tires in the black sidewall folding bead

in a 26x2.15 and they weigh about 550 g's each. (One of the best weight wise if not the best I found for this width)

 

I have been overall pleased. They seem to be a well made tire and the rolling resistance is fine

for my mostly city riding.

 

I have done some gravel roads on them including Chris' (Pondero) terrific ride (Thanks Chris) a few months ago.

They did great on those gravel roads in the Sanger, TX area.

 

At any rate after about 500 miles I would not hesitate to buy another pair.

The only thing I do care for is that yellow lettering but that is not a huge deal to me.

 

I liked the look of the tan sidewall DTH but they show to weigh 100g more each. Who would have thought it?

I was trying to save weight on this build and went with the black sidewall version.

 

Hope that helps for folks looking for a fatter 26" tire.

 

Also hope Compass does offer at least a 2"  26" tire in the future.

These fatter tires do it for me. I am not sure I will be riding anything these days that is not a least 35 to 38mm wide and preferrably

wider if I can fit them on the particular bike.

 

Paul in Dallas

 

 

"[RBW] Re: Compass 26 × 1.75 Feedback requested

[Clayton]

Whenever a tire thread comes up, I have to chime in on the Intense cycles micro knobby. My favorite tire ever for the touring I do. It is very light, wide (2.10 or so), and rolls like silk. Pump 'em up and they go zoomy. Make 'em soft and they are very comfy off road. I like 'em more than the Compass. I should probably sell my pair of compass tires.. I never run them...Matter of fact, writing this just made me think I should order more micro knobbies, before they go away... Fear purchase...lol.

The Clayton in Bend Oregon

On Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 6:40:21 PM UTC-8, hsmitham wrote:

[Tim Gavin]

I'm also a huge fan of the ITS micro knobby on a 26" "country bike" for gravel, dirt, pavement, etc.  The reverse tread in the center lets them roll very fast.  I like mine around 25-30 psi for gravel, and 30-35 psi for pavement.

It looks like you can still get the MK3 in 26 x 2.25 but no longer in 26 x 2.1.  For that size, it looks like the Speedster is their option--which seems like a very similar tire, but a hair less tread.

This bums me out, because the chainstay U-brake on my KOM won't clear a 2.25 tire.  I guess I'll use a 2.1 Speedster on the rear when I wear out the MK2.  No risk of that any time soon, though.  I have about 1000 miles on my MK2s, with no flats and I can't see any wear.

Clayton, if you have a line on 26 x 2.1" MKs, please order at least 1 pair for me as well!  Shoot, make that 2 or 3 pair; they're a great tire for MTB-to-townie conversions because they're fast, light, and still sure-footed on most surfaces.

-Tim

--

[dougP]

" I should order more micro knobbies, before they go away... Fear purchase...lo"

The proper term is "defensive parts purchase".  Been known to dabble in this myself.

dougP

[Clayton]

Ok, I found it... Expensive though... They make a fatbike tire too in the same pattern...

[Clayton]

Dammit. I can't find them anywhere...sniff....Bwwaaaa! I might have to try the 2.25's... Or just say screw it and get some Maxxis crossmarks. .. Seriously sad... How come it always goes like that? You finally find something that works real well, and they discontinue it? Like the original paperwall Fisher Fat Track and Specialized Hard pack tires... Great tires with vulnerable sidewalls, but they rode so nice...

On Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 11:02:24 AM UTC-8, Tim Gavin wrote:

[lungimsam]

Hard Rock tires, you mean?
I think my sister has them on her Hard Rock bike that's only been ridden twice or so, I think.