Tyre choice and impact on gear selection

Posted on Wed 30th, May 2012

• #1

Hardenpeter

This morning I swapped out a heavy pair of halo twinrails for light 1.3 contis (26"). I immediately noticed how much less effort I had to put in using the same gear range as previous day which meant I changed up to the higher gear range off the large chainring. When I put the details into a gear calculator the gear ratio decreased with the smaller tyre so assuming that weight and tread were the main factors but interested in any other views. Tenuous link to this forum is that I will convert to ss but want to have option of swapping wheels - this will present an issue if my tyre choice impacts gear selection. Alternatively I could man up and get my legs stronger for the larger tyre!!
• #2

hippy

Going from a Rubino to a Marathon Plus felt like about a gear inch difference. Just ride it as it comes and change tyres for the conditions. Something durable for commuting and long miles, something fast if you're racing. #lifeisabigcompromise
• #3

BringMeMyFix

Continental tyres are notorious for sidewall failures and reducing gear inches.
• #4

hippy

Continental tyres are notorious for sidewall failures and reducing penis inches.

Best to avoid.
• #5

Hardenpeter

Oh dear - don't have any spare inches to lose - better think about changing brands....

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