SM+ question: 700x35c -or- 700x38c for Chicago year round commuting? [Archive]

Andre Jute

01-04-1970, 06:47 AM

On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> per year.
>
> Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> J.

I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
pricey tyres.

Andre Jute
http://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:47 AM

On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > per year.
>
> > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > J.
>
> The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> Joseph
>
Thanks Joseph,

That's what I will do.

J.

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:47 AM

On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > per year.
>
> > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > J.
>
> > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > Joseph
>
> Thanks Joseph,
>
> That's what I will do.
>
> J.

It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.

I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
choice is?

Joseph

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:47 AM

On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > per year.
>
> > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > Joseph
>
> > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > That's what I will do.
>
> > J.
>
> It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> choice is?
>
> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
Electra Royal 8.

More pics to follow, at this URL:

http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/

J.

Chalo

01-04-1970, 06:47 AM

Joseph Santaniello wrote:
>
> It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.

The Schwalbe Marathon Plus "700x38" is in fact a 622-40, and it says
so on the sidewall.

Chalo

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:48 AM

On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > J.
>
> > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > Joseph
>
> > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > J.
>
> > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > choice is?
>
> > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Electra Royal 8.
>
> More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> J.

Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?

Joseph

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:49 AM

On Apr 1, 1:56*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > choice is?
>
> > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > J.
>
> Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
That is the extended special order seat post, because I am 6'4", and I
insist on full extension, because I am an old fuddy-duddy at 54yrs of
age.

J.

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:49 AM

On Apr 1, 1:56*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > choice is?
>
> > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > J.
>
> Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
Oh, *&%#!!

You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!

Irate J...taking a deep breath to remain calm and collected.

landotter

01-04-1970, 06:49 AM

On Apr 1, 3:41*pm, Werehatrack <raul...@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 04:49:41 -0700 (PDT), Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> may
> have said:
>
> >RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> >(backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> >20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> >per year.
>
> >Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> 3mm isn't all that much, but in this case I'd simply swap to a
> different 38. *
>
A 35mm gumwall tire can take a heck of a load and abuse. I wouldn't
worry.

Werehatrack

01-04-1970, 06:49 AM

On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:19:37 -0700 (PDT), landotter
<landotter@gmail.com> may have said:

>On Apr 1, 3:41*pm, Werehatrack <raul...@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
>> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 04:49:41 -0700 (PDT), Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> may
>> have said:
>>
>> >RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
>> >(backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
>> >20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
>> >per year.
>>
>> >Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>>
>> 3mm isn't all that much, but in this case I'd simply swap to a
>> different 38. *
>>
>A 35mm gumwall tire can take a heck of a load and abuse. I wouldn't
>worry.

Yeah, back in the '60s, I delivered a paper route on a bike with EA3
rims, and 26 x 1 3/8 is about a 35mm tire equivalent. As long as I
didn't let the pressure sag, it didn't give me many problems with
pinch flats. Now, these damn 23mm tires on the current roadie are
another matter; I'm definitely swapping up to 28 this weekend. Two
pinch flats in one week is three too many.

--
My email address is antispammed; pull WEEDS if replying via e-mail.
Typoes are not a bug, they're a feature.
Words processed in a facility that contains nuts.

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:50 AM

On Apr 2, 1:17*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > per year.
>
> > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > J.
>
> I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> pricey tyres.
>
> Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do

What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
it should be?

Joseph

Michael Press

01-04-1970, 06:51 AM

In article <9866v3lqh1eg91llt7mdldt6ts42im93h2@4ax.com>,
Werehatrack <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:

> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:19:37 -0700 (PDT), landotter
> <landotter@gmail.com> may have said:
>
> >On Apr 1, 3:41*pm, Werehatrack <raul...@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
> >> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 04:49:41 -0700 (PDT), Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> may
> >> have said:
> >>
> >> >RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> >> >(backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> >> >20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> >> >per year.
> >>
> >> >Should I just go with the narrower tire?
> >>
> >> 3mm isn't all that much, but in this case I'd simply swap to a
> >> different 38. *
> >>
> >A 35mm gumwall tire can take a heck of a load and abuse. I wouldn't
> >worry.
>
> Yeah, back in the '60s, I delivered a paper route on a bike with EA3
> rims, and 26 x 1 3/8 is about a 35mm tire equivalent. As long as I
> didn't let the pressure sag, it didn't give me many problems with
> pinch flats. Now, these damn 23mm tires on the current roadie are
> another matter; I'm definitely swapping up to 28 this weekend. Two
> pinch flats in one week is three too many.

There is a big difference between 23 and 25.
Try the 25. 25's come in 128 threads per inch,
but 28's only 67 tpi. I had some 23's and immediately
went to the 25's; happy ever since. I run 32 nominal
28 actual on a utility bicycle where they are
functional, but not nearly the fun of the 25's.

--
Michael Press

Andre Jute

01-04-1970, 06:51 AM

On Apr 2, 7:47*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 1:17*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > per year.
>
> > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > J.
>
> > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > pricey tyres.
>
> > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> it should be?
>
> Joseph

Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of inflation pressures
for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
specification.

The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
inflated between 50 and 85psi. And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
middle of those ranges.

Andre Jute
http://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:51 AM

On Apr 2, 11:11*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 7:47*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
>
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 2, 1:17*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > per year.
>
> > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > > pricey tyres.
>
> > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> > > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> > What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> > it should be?
>
> > Joseph
>
> Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of *inflation pressures
> for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
> He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
> specification.
>
> The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
> inflated between 50 and 85psi. *And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
> like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
> inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
> middle of those ranges.
>
> Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html

The ranges printed on sidewalls are so huge as to be meaningless.
Useful pressures are dictated by the size of the tire and the load, as
you have found no doubt by experimentation.

http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure

Joseph

landotter

01-04-1970, 06:51 AM

On Apr 2, 4:45 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 11:11 am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Apr 2, 7:47 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 2, 1:17 am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 12:49 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > J.
>
> > > > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > > > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > > > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > > > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > > > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > > > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > > > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > > > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > > > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > > > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > > > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > > > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > > > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > > > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > > > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > > > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > > > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > > > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > > > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > > > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > > > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > > > pricey tyres.
>
> > > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> > > > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> > > What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> > > it should be?
>
> > > Joseph
>
> > Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of inflation pressures
> > for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
> > He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
> > specification.
>
> > The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
> > inflated between 50 and 85psi. And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
> > like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
> > inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
> > middle of those ranges.
>
> > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
>
> The ranges printed on sidewalls are so huge as to be meaningless.
> Useful pressures are dictated by the size of the tire and the load, as
> you have found no doubt by experimentation.
>
> http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure

Traditionally, north European utility bikes with gumwall tires should
have scandalously low pressure, and you'll be reminded to air them
whenever you hit a patch of cobble.

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:51 AM

On Apr 2, 4:45*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 11:11*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Apr 2, 7:47*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 2, 1:17*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > J.
>
> > > > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > > > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > > > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > > > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > > > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > > > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > > > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > > > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > > > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > > > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > > > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > > > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > > > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > > > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > > > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > > > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > > > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > > > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > > > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > > > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > > > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > > > pricey tyres.
>
> > > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING..html
> > > > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> > > What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> > > it should be?
>
> > > Joseph
>
> > Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of *inflation pressures
> > for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
> > He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
> > specification.
>
> > The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
> > inflated between 50 and 85psi. *And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
> > like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
> > inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
> > middle of those ranges.
>
> > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
>
> The ranges printed on sidewalls are so huge as to be meaningless.
> Useful pressures are dictated by the size of the tire and the load, as
> you have found no doubt by experimentation.
>
> http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure
>
> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
Yep. Tire pressure ranges (printed on the tire) are dictated by the
marketing and legal depts, as SB wrote. Not the engineers.

J.

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:52 AM

On Apr 2, 3:41*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 1:56*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > > J.
>
> > > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > > choice is?
>
> > > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> > >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > > J.
>
> > Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> That is the extended special order seat post, because I am 6'4", and I
> insist on full extension, because I am an old fuddy-duddy at 54yrs of
> age.
>
> J.

It appears to be bent. That's what I was wondering about.

Joseph

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:52 AM

On Apr 2, 4:42*pm, landotter <landot...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 4:45 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
>
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 2, 11:11 am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 2, 7:47 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > On Apr 2, 1:17 am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > On Apr 1, 12:49 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > > > > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > > > > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > > > > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > > > > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > > > > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > > > > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > > > > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > > > > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > > > > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > > > > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > > > > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > > > > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > > > > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > > > > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > > > > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > > > > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > > > > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > > > > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > > > > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > > > > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > > > > pricey tyres.
>
> > > > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> > > > > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> > > > What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> > > > it should be?
>
> > > > Joseph
>
> > > Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of *inflation pressures
> > > for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
> > > He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
> > > specification.
>
> > > The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
> > > inflated between 50 and 85psi. *And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
> > > like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
> > > inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
> > > middle of those ranges.
>
> > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
>
> > The ranges printed on sidewalls are so huge as to be meaningless.
> > Useful pressures are dictated by the size of the tire and the load, as
> > you have found no doubt by experimentation.
>
> >http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure
>
> Traditionally, north European utility bikes with gumwall tires should
> have scandalously low pressure, and you'll be reminded to air them
> whenever you hit a patch of cobble.

I took a spin to town the other day on my race bike (110/130psi f/r on
23's) and as I blew past one after the other of folks on utility bikes
and department store MTB's all with at most 3psi, I couldn't help but
think that low pressure and seepage probably in no small part
contributes to some people's reluctance to ride more. Dealing with a
pump is apparently too big a hassle for the folks who actually do get
out to ride, I wonder how many it leaves at home?

Joseph

joseph.santaniello@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:52 AM

On Apr 2, 6:51*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 1, 1:56*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > > J.
>
> > > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > > choice is?
>
> > > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> > >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > > J.
>
> > Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Oh, *&%#!!
>
> You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> Irate J...taking a deep breath to remain calm and collected.

Look into a top-dollar MTB post. 210lbs, a backpack and that lax seat
tube angle might be too much for a lesser seatpost. I have an old
Control Tech (back from when that was USA made) seatpost that seems to
be extruded with a (|) profile looking at it from the bottom (except
round). I'm sure there are other similar posts available now.

Joseph

Chalo

01-04-1970, 06:52 AM

Jay wrote:
>
> You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!

Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.

Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
seatpost standards. I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that post
never failed.

Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
post. Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson posts,
but they are more than strong enough for your application.

Chalo

landotter

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Apr 2, 12:49 pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 6:51 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 1:56 pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 1, 6:06 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 10:11 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > On Apr 1, 4:19 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > On Apr 1, 7:05 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > > > choice is?
>
> > > > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > > > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > > > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> > > >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > Oh, *&%#!!
>
> > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> > Irate J...taking a deep breath to remain calm and collected.
>
> Look into a top-dollar MTB post. 210lbs, a backpack and that lax seat
> tube angle might be too much for a lesser seatpost.

Shame Electra decided to build nice Dutch style bikes, but not for
Dutch sized people. Hopefully a strong post will work, but that's a
hell of an extension combined with the lax angle.

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Apr 2, 12:49*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
<joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 6:51*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
>
>
> > On Apr 1, 1:56*pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > On Apr 1, 6:06*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > On Apr 1, 10:11*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > On Apr 1, 4:19*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > On Apr 1, 7:05*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > > > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > > > > On Apr 1, 1:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > > > The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>
> > > > > > > Joseph
>
> > > > > > Thanks Joseph,
>
> > > > > > That's what I will do.
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
> > > > > surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>
> > > > > I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
> > > > > choice is?
>
> > > > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > > > Electra Royal 8.
>
> > > > More pics to follow, at this URL:
>
> > > >http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>
> > > > J.
>
> > > Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>
> > > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -
>
> > Oh, *&%#!!
>
> > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> > Irate J...taking a deep breath to remain calm and collected.
>
> Look into a top-dollar MTB post. 210lbs, a backpack and that lax seat
> tube angle might be too much for a lesser seatpost. I have an old
> Control Tech (back from when that was USA made) seatpost that seems to
> be extruded with a *(|) profile looking at it from the bottom (except
> round). I'm sure there are other similar posts available now.
>
> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
I am so mad I could just spit on the floor.

RTC says they will, of course, make Electra's mistake good.

Can anyone post a URL to the best extended seat post on the market?
RTC wants this info from me, if possible.

J.

Matt O'Toole

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:49:43 -0700, joseph.santaniello@gmail.com wrote:

> Look into a top-dollar MTB post. 210lbs, a backpack and that lax seat tube
> angle might be too much for a lesser seatpost. I have an old Control Tech
> (back from when that was USA made) seatpost that seems to be extruded with
> a (|) profile looking at it from the bottom (except round). I'm sure
> there are other similar posts available now.

Actually, some of the cheaper ones are stronger, especially the steel
ones. However some of the high dollar ones are really strong too, like
the Syncros ones which are supposedly extra stout in the extra long
lengths.

I've been riding an extra long, well-extended Syncros on my MTB for years
with no problems, but I'm not 210 LB. However it was probably worth the
seemingly outrageous 80 bucks I paid over 10 years ago.

Matt O.

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Apr 2, 1:25*pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Jay wrote:
>
> > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.
>
> Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
> seatpost standards. *I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
> 27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that post
> never failed.
>
> Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
> price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
> post. *Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson posts,
> but they are more than strong enough for your application.
>
> Chalo
>
>
How does a seat post fail in one month of use? Bad steel? Bad match
with the frame? Both?

Curious J.

Dan Burkhart

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

Chalo Wrote:
> Jay wrote:
> >
> > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.
>
> Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
> seatpost standards. I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
> 27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that post
> never failed.
>
> Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
> price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
> post. Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson posts,
> but they are more than strong enough for your application.
>
> Chalo
Pretty sure he needs a 400mm, but the Kalloy cro-mo is available in
that length too.

--
Dan Burkhart

Lou Holtman

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

Jay wrote:
> On Apr 2, 12:49 pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On Apr 2, 6:51 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>> On Apr 1, 1:56 pm, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>>> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> On Apr 1, 6:06 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>> On Apr 1, 10:11 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>>>>> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> On Apr 1, 4:19 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>> On Apr 1, 7:05 am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>>>>>>> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>> On Apr 1, 1:49 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>>> RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
>>>>>>>>> (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
>>>>>>>>> 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
>>>>>>>>> per year.
>>>>>>>>> Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>>>>>>>>> J.
>>>>>>>> The difference is going to be imperceptible. Go with the stock tire.
>>>>>>>> Joseph
>>>>>>> Thanks Joseph,
>>>>>>> That's what I will do.
>>>>>>> J.
>>>>>> It's only because Schwalbe makes a huge array of sizes that I am not
>>>>>> surprised that tires in those 2 such close sizes are available at all.
>>>>>> I haven't been following lately, have you posted what your new bike
>>>>>> choice is?
>>>>>> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>>>>>> - Show quoted text -
>>>>> Electra Royal 8.
>>>>> More pics to follow, at this URL:
>>>>> http://orion.neiu.edu/~jbollyn/bike/electra/
>>>>> J.
>>>> Looks good. Is the seatpost supposed to be like that?
>>>> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>>>> - Show quoted text -
>>> Oh, *&%#!!
>>> You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>>> Irate J...taking a deep breath to remain calm and collected.
>> Look into a top-dollar MTB post. 210lbs, a backpack and that lax seat
>> tube angle might be too much for a lesser seatpost. I have an old
>> Control Tech (back from when that was USA made) seatpost that seems to
>> be extruded with a (|) profile looking at it from the bottom (except
>> round). I'm sure there are other similar posts available now.
>>
>> Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>>
>>
> I am so mad I could just spit on the floor.
>
> RTC says they will, of course, make Electra's mistake good.
>
> Can anyone post a URL to the best extended seat post on the market?
> RTC wants this info from me, if possible.
>
> J.
>

Like Chalo said Thomson Elite.

http://www.lhthomson.com/elite_sizes.asp

They come in bent versions.

http://home.planet.nl/~holtm072/plaatjes/Singlespeed_01.jpg

Lou

landotter

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Apr 2, 1:30 pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 1:25 pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Jay wrote:
>
> > > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> > Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.
>
> > Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
> > seatpost standards. I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
> > 27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that post
> > never failed.
>
> > Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
> > price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
> > post. Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson posts,
> > but they are more than strong enough for your application.
>
> > Chalo
>
> How does a seat post fail in one month of use? Bad steel? Bad match
> with the frame? Both?

Long extension with a laid back seat angle plus a good sized rider.
It's basic lever physics. In a perfect world Electra would sell a 24"
version of this bike, but as it's a one size fits all deal, you're
going to have to find a post that's stronger as you're out of the
expected "range" that it's supposed to fit.

The Kalloy should work--provided it's long enough.

bigjimpack@gmail.com

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

6'4" isnt that tall. They must make a frame that fitswith normal
seatpost extension!!!!

On Apr 2, 2:30*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 1:25*pm, Chalo <chalo.col...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Jay wrote:
>
> > > You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!
>
> > Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.
>
> > Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
> > seatpost standards. *I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
> > 27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that post
> > never failed.
>
> > Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
> > price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
> > post. *Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson posts,
> > but they are more than strong enough for your application.
>
> > Chalo
>
> How does a seat post fail in one month of use? Bad steel? Bad match
> with the frame? Both?
>
> Curious J.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

jobst.brandt@stanfordalumni.org

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

someone wrote:

>>>> You are absolutely right, Sir! It IS bent!!

>>> Bent seatposts are a sad fact of my cycling life.

>>> Thomson Elite posts are a sure cure, though they are expensive by
>>> seatpost standards. I have used an almost 12" exposed section of
>>> 27.2mm Thomson post when my weight exceeded 400 lbs., and that
>>> post never failed.

>>> Another option that should work fine for you (at a more appealing
>>> price point) is the Kalloy 350mm 4130 heat-treated chromoly steel
>>> post. Oddly, these are not as resistant to bending as Thomson
>>> posts, but they are more than strong enough for your application.

>> How does a seat post fail in one month of use? Bad steel? Bad
>> match with the frame? Both?

> Long extension with a laid back seat angle plus a good sized rider.
> It's basic lever physics. In a perfect world Electra would sell a
> 24" version of this bike, but as it's a one size fits all deal,
> you're going to have to find a post that's stronger as you're out of
> the expected "range" that it's supposed to fit.

Bending is not failure as I see it. However, operating at yield
stress (the stress that leaves permanent bends) leads to fracture,
which is a significant failure because it generally causes serious
injury. With todays sloping toptubes, seat posts must be excessively
long and are operating at stress levels not incurred with "old
fashioned" frames with horizontal toptubes at reasonable height with
which thin walled aluminum seatposts worked well without fail.

> The Kalloy should work--provided it's long enough.

Jobst Brandt

landotter

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Apr 2, 2:38 pm, bigjimp...@gmail.com wrote:
> 6'4" isnt that tall. They must make a frame that fitswith normal
> seatpost extension!!!!

They must? I'd email them with a few of those exclamation points and
let them know. As it stands the Royal 8 comes in one size. With
compact frame sizing, modern strong posts, long headtube, and an
adjustable quill, it can fit a big range of people--but 6'4" is on the
tall end. I can understand why Electra would try to make a one-size-
fits-most with this bike, as a $1K city bike is an unusual thing to
risk stocking on the sales floor in the US--much less in 4-5 sizes.

Matt O'Toole

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:50:33 -0700, landotter wrote:

> On Apr 2, 2:38 pm, bigjimp...@gmail.com wrote:
>> 6'4" isnt that tall. They must make a frame that fitswith normal
>> seatpost extension!!!!
>
> They must? I'd email them with a few of those exclamation points and let
> them know. As it stands the Royal 8 comes in one size. With compact frame
> sizing, modern strong posts, long headtube, and an adjustable quill, it
> can fit a big range of people--but 6'4" is on the tall end. I can
> understand why Electra would try to make a one-size- fits-most with this
> bike, as a $1K city bike is an unusual thing to risk stocking on the sales
> floor in the US--much less in 4-5 sizes.

6'4" is definitely on the tall end of things, as far as bikes are
concerned. There are not a lot of mainstream bikes with frames available
to fit riders that tall very well.

Even at 6' I find the front ends of most bikes too low as they come from
the factory. Even with tall stems on my bikes, my bars are lower than
most people's (~4" drop from the saddle).

I don't think the bike industry does a very good job accommodating
tall or short riders. It's actually worse with short riders. Tall riders
are usually accommodated well with tall stems and seatposts, but it
requires spending extra money.

Matt O.

Matt O'Toole

01-04-1970, 06:53 AM

On Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:48:06 -0700, Michael Press wrote:

> In article <9866v3lqh1eg91llt7mdldt6ts42im93h2@4ax.com>,
> Werehatrack <rault00@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
>
>> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 13:19:37 -0700 (PDT), landotter <landotter@gmail.com>
>> may have said:
>>
>> >On Apr 1, 3:41*pm, Werehatrack <raul...@earthWEEDSlink.net> wrote:
>> >> On Tue, 1 Apr 2008 04:49:41 -0700 (PDT), Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> may
>> >> have said:
>> >>
>> >> >RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
>> >> >(backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
>> >> >20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road
>> >> >miles per year.
>> >>
>> >> >Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>> >>
>> >> 3mm isn't all that much, but in this case I'd simply swap to a
>> >> different 38. *
>> >>
>> >A 35mm gumwall tire can take a heck of a load and abuse. I wouldn't
>> >worry.
>>
>> Yeah, back in the '60s, I delivered a paper route on a bike with EA3
>> rims, and 26 x 1 3/8 is about a 35mm tire equivalent. As long as I
>> didn't let the pressure sag, it didn't give me many problems with pinch
>> flats. Now, these damn 23mm tires on the current roadie are another
>> matter; I'm definitely swapping up to 28 this weekend. Two pinch flats
>> in one week is three too many.
>
> There is a big difference between 23 and 25. Try the 25. 25's come in 128
> threads per inch, but 28's only 67 tpi. I had some 23's and immediately
> went to the 25's; happy ever since. I run 32 nominal 28 actual on a
> utility bicycle where they are functional, but not nearly the fun of the
> 25's.

I agree, 25s are better and most people should be riding them instead of
23s. The problem is finding them at a good price when you need them, and
being able to get them through the brakes when removing the wheels.

Tires bigger than 25 would be better still, but road frames and brakes
don't accommodate them these days. Some frames, like the Scott carbon
ones, won't even take 25s.

I could probably put 28s in my Klein frame, but they wouldn't fit through
the brakes. Even 25s are a tight squeeze.

Matt O.

Jay

01-04-1970, 06:56 AM

On Apr 3, 8:12*am, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 2, 4:45*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
>
>
> <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > On Apr 2, 11:11*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > On Apr 2, 7:47*am, "joseph.santanie...@gmail.com"
>
> > > <joseph.santanie...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > > > On Apr 2, 1:17*am, Andre Jute <fiult...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > On Apr 1, 12:49*pm, Jay <jbol...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > RTC is having trouble getting my spec'ed 700x38c SM+ tires
> > > > > > (backordered). They do have the same tire in 700x35c. I am 210lbs,
> > > > > > 20lbs cargo (pack on the rear rack + small backpack), 5000 road miles
> > > > > > per year.
>
> > > > > > Should I just go with the narrower tire?
>
> > > > > > J.
>
> > > > > I weigh the same as you. I have 35mm Schwalbe Marathon Plus on my
> > > > > Gazelle Toulouse and 38mm Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase tyres,
> > > > > very similar to the SM+, on my Trek "Smover". I can't tell the
> > > > > difference between the tyres in service in comfort or longevity; I
> > > > > don't even see that they vary in responsiveness; I see no reason the
> > > > > 35mm (1 3/8 inch) Marathon Plus won't suit you as well as the so-
> > > > > called 38mm (it's probably 40mm). I can tell you though that, having
> > > > > seen the pictures of the SM+ construction and then felt the stiffness
> > > > > and weight of the tyre as I was fitting it to the rim, I was very
> > > > > surprised that the ride wasn't harsh when inflated as highly as the
> > > > > manufacturer suggests. I see Chalo has noted this as "softened" ride
> > > > > in his last post; I'm a hedonist with a sprung seat and fork on all
> > > > > his bikes who pines for something as soft as Big Apples with the low
> > > > > rolling resistance and quick response of the SM+, so I won't go quite
> > > > > as far as Chalo; I'll just say that all the tyres I ever had on my
> > > > > mountain bikes were a lot harsher than SM+. And the height of the
> > > > > sidewall is good too, for the puncture mode on the Contis I had before
> > > > > was double pinch flats picked up in riding too hard through the
> > > > > ubiquitous potholes. Not a single flat in 5100km between the Marathon
> > > > > Plus and the Bontrager Hardcase, so those tall sidewalls and those
> > > > > rubber belts work for their living, and so they should for these are
> > > > > pricey tyres.
>
> > > > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
> > > > > All cyclists should ride in dignity as we do
>
> > > > What's the manufacturer's recommended pressure? How can they know what
> > > > it should be?
>
> > > > Joseph
>
> > > Eh? Every tyre manufacturer recommends a range of *inflation pressures
> > > for his tyres. It is usually embossed in the rubber of the sidewall.
> > > He knows how much it should be by empirical tests to meet the design
> > > specification.
>
> > > The Bontrager Satellite Elite Hardcase on my Trek "Smover" should be
> > > inflated between 50 and 85psi. *And the Schwalbe Marathon 700x35c/x40c
> > > like Jay is getting and I have on my Gazelle Toulouse should be
> > > inflated between 3.5 and 6 bar. I keep mine a fraction above the
> > > middle of those ranges.
>
> > > Andre Jutehttp://members.lycos.co.uk/fiultra/BICYCLE%20%26%20CYCLING.html
>
> > The ranges printed on sidewalls are so huge as to be meaningless.
> > Useful pressures are dictated by the size of the tire and the load, as
> > you have found no doubt by experimentation.
>
> >http://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#pressure
>
> > Joseph- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> Yep. Tire pressure ranges (printed on the tire) are dictated by the
> marketing and legal depts, as SB wrote. Not the engineers.
>
> J.- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -
>
>
QED.

J.