cachagua
08-09-2016, 01:54 AM
I wish there were a way to compare the size of tires without having to actually buy them, and put 'em on your wheels, and pump 'em up. A way you could know in advance if a given tire was the size you want.
Imagine if there were, like, a numerical scale. Some common measuring unit -- say, millimeters. I know, I know, this sounds wild and far-fetched, but hear me out: they could put numbers on the side of the tire, can you dig it? Saying how big, and if you knew the numbers, you'd know if the tire was bigger or smaller than some other tire, and if you could use it on your bike. Wouldn't that be a fantastic innovation? Wouldn't it be useful?
Here's a Compass 700x35 and a Challenge 700x38 next to each other. The former measures 37.8mm wide; the latter, 36.4mm.
https://67.media.tumblr.com/452ad8c10bcf22c9cfa244ea6c736fb3/tumblr_obmpiiQ0hk1tg04h3o1_540.jpg
The difference is subtle in the photo (although it's readily visible in person), and after all it's only 1.2mm. That's less than half of the difference the manufacturers say there should be. Except it's the opposite way -- the tire that's supposed to be larger, is smaller. Have another look:
https://66.media.tumblr.com/1a7b3a2de61192c2345d5564efe46d03/tumblr_obmpjhZtVe1tg04h3o1_540.jpg
Neither one's a bad tire. Neither one doesn't fit. I'll probably use them both. But I would really like to buy tires with a little more confidence! I feel like I'm playing tire piñata -- blindfold me, give me a stick, and I'll spin around three times and buy whichever tire I whack. "Fit, Schmitt!" the manufacturers seem to say, "They're all rubber, what's the big deal?" Well, if you're really trying to craft your bike, maybe you get to be a little particular. Maybe your bike is a place to put your obsessive-compulsive tendencies, a place to be maniacal about details, so that you can take it gracefully when, in so many other situations in life, you don't get to control things. Would a little help, a little understanding from the manufacturers, on whom we depend for so much, be completely out of line?
Actually, it's okay. It just means I can keep on looking for more tires. I've searched and shopped for tires for so long now, it's become such a habit, that if I stopped doing it -- what would I do with the time? Geez, I might find myself so idle that I'd have to... ride my bike.
Unthinkable.
Imagine if there were, like, a numerical scale. Some common measuring unit -- say, millimeters. I know, I know, this sounds wild and far-fetched, but hear me out: they could put numbers on the side of the tire, can you dig it? Saying how big, and if you knew the numbers, you'd know if the tire was bigger or smaller than some other tire, and if you could use it on your bike. Wouldn't that be a fantastic innovation? Wouldn't it be useful?
Here's a Compass 700x35 and a Challenge 700x38 next to each other. The former measures 37.8mm wide; the latter, 36.4mm.
https://67.media.tumblr.com/452ad8c10bcf22c9cfa244ea6c736fb3/tumblr_obmpiiQ0hk1tg04h3o1_540.jpg
The difference is subtle in the photo (although it's readily visible in person), and after all it's only 1.2mm. That's less than half of the difference the manufacturers say there should be. Except it's the opposite way -- the tire that's supposed to be larger, is smaller. Have another look:
https://66.media.tumblr.com/1a7b3a2de61192c2345d5564efe46d03/tumblr_obmpjhZtVe1tg04h3o1_540.jpg
Neither one's a bad tire. Neither one doesn't fit. I'll probably use them both. But I would really like to buy tires with a little more confidence! I feel like I'm playing tire piñata -- blindfold me, give me a stick, and I'll spin around three times and buy whichever tire I whack. "Fit, Schmitt!" the manufacturers seem to say, "They're all rubber, what's the big deal?" Well, if you're really trying to craft your bike, maybe you get to be a little particular. Maybe your bike is a place to put your obsessive-compulsive tendencies, a place to be maniacal about details, so that you can take it gracefully when, in so many other situations in life, you don't get to control things. Would a little help, a little understanding from the manufacturers, on whom we depend for so much, be completely out of line?
Actually, it's okay. It just means I can keep on looking for more tires. I've searched and shopped for tires for so long now, it's become such a habit, that if I stopped doing it -- what would I do with the time? Geez, I might find myself so idle that I'd have to... ride my bike.
Unthinkable.