~~
Wednesday 26th 60F, heavy overcast and windy. A heavy rain and cloudburst warning is in effect until tonight. Winds gusting to 20mph expected. The trees are already thrashing about.And soggy it was, as I walked to the lanes in rain and wind. I wore a light jacket with worn out proofing and lightweight trousers. It was mild and I knew I would only be gone for half an hour. So so could risk a drenching. The greatest danger of a thorough wetting was from the tyre spray of uncaring motorists. The damp clothing is now hanging up to dry and I was actually too warm. Is it really surprising that drivers don't understand tyre spray if they never walk?
I haven't mentioned how "quick" the new front wheel felt on a 5 mile ride. Perhaps a newer Schwalbe Durano Plus has a lower rolling resistance when compared to a tread flattened, worn one.? The old one was 23mm. I fitted a new 25mm. Tires on a trike soon develop flattened treads because they don't roll on corners. The tyres end up looking like narrow cartwheels or a racing steamroller.
The Durano Plus has a thick, puncture proof strip. It adds to the weight but may provide other benefits. Like lower rolling resistance when still covered in a thick, new tread. I can still remember when I was advised to try the Schwalbes after endless punctures as my triking mileages grew rapidly. The first ride seemed quite "quick" and strangely "rubbery" on rough surfaces compared to other tires. This was despite the increased weight. Which soon went unnoticed. I bought expensive, lightweight, sprint wheels and tubs in my youth and never noticed the difference back then either. Apart from the punctures. So it was back to the Milremo Sportivo training tubs and security against punctures.
The Schwalbes were far more comfortable than lighter tyres at exactly the same pressures. The Continental Grand Prix 4000s used to shake my teeth out on cobbles! Talk about harsh! They were absolutely awful as well as being puncture magnets!
The Schwalbes allowed much higher speeds on a local stretch of cobbles with far less jarring. I would actually sprint on the cobbles to have more fun. The GP4000s would drag me down to a shaky and very noisy crawl! I actually changed my route to avoid the cobbles despite the delightful, hilly lanes in the area. As soon as the Continentals were worn down and replaced, it was back to the cobbles.
The Duranos reduced punctures to rare events. Imagine saving five minutes riding on lighter tires. Then wasting time mending punctures beside the road. This is not remotely a fast tyre. It is infinitely slower than a steel shod, wooden wheel! A punctured tyre is easily the slowest tyre in the bike shop. Totally regardless of price and any supposed fame. How often have you seen a "peloton" of warmed up riders out on a training ride? As they wait and wait while freezing their wheels off for a punctured mate!
I blame the racers. They are allowed to simply swap a wheel when they puncture. They even invented the quick release mechanism to make it easier for the mechanic. The daftest idea ever invented. The price of that costly "Unobtainium" skewer goes infinite if your hideously expensive racing wheel is stolen by The Walking Scum.
The axle has to be massively increased in girth to make room for a large hole down the middle for a safe skewer diameter. Ludicrous! All because the millionaire racers are allowed to swap wheels. Just in case The Team Star breaks an expensively manicured nail. While fiddling with a tyre in front of the world's cameras beside the road.
The rider alone should be be made to repair the puncture, on the spot, or drop out of the race. Or carry a spare tubular to be fitted by the rider working alone. With carried tools and without any help. They used to have rules like this at the beginning of road racing. This soon improved the machines.
Think how rapidly tyre quality would improve if [say] Froome was leading the TdeF and punctured? Imagine the publicity when the tyre manufacture was named and shamed! Allowing a mechanic to change a wheel hides the piss poor tyre quality from the gullible, weekend warrior's gaze. It is ALL about the money!
Continental would go bust overnight if the whole field were required to ride only GP4000s. They would probably puncture on the start ramp of the time trial! So they would have to hire somebody specially to dust off the ramp between each rider leaving. They could use the decorative "podium" girls. Give them a feather duster each in case any pollen falls on the ramp and causes punctures. It will give them something to do. While they wait endlessly to snog some skinny, sweaty and blood-covered cyclist. The only one who, by sheer luck, didn't actually puncture on the day. 😉
~~
No comments:
Post a Comment