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Observation and Perspective
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| Ride Stats |
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Distance:
16.81 miles
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Time: 01:34:00
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Max Speed:
32.50 mph
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Avg Speed:
10.73 mph
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Temp:
Min: 37
Max: 39
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Category: general: errand -
solo
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Route:
east to Spencerport
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Weight:
228
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Altitude Gain:
0 ft
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Avg Power: 0 W
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Calories Burned: 1,000
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Avg HR: 0 bpm
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Terrain: Road: Hills
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Bike: Bianchi 32lb-Castro Valley Road
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Club: Bianchi Riders Club |
| Weather Conditions: Partly sunny but cool and breezy; SW winds gusting over 10mph; |
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What defines "quality"? For me it's price versus component characteristics. That would be my criteria for evaluating and defining quality anything. One can usually associate high price with high quality. But that is not always a reliable assumption.
Off-brand or generic items are generally better values than Name brands. Name brand items are generally premium priced (read over-priced). Sometimes the Name brand is the only way to get the features you desire in an item.
Attempts at defining quality must be prefaced with defining what is the functional need or want. In other words, to define what is best for your need you must define first your need.
In defining a need for tires on a bicycle for instance, you need to know what types of tires are appropriate for the bike. Appropriate Tires are determined by bike style and type of use of the bike. Frame styles and fork designs can limit tire widths. Tire sizes are determined by rim size. Generally a wheel rim can accommodate a range of tire widths. There are tire sizing charts available which can help one determine what range of widths will work on their wheel.
Wheel diameter is also a limiting factor on tire style. It can be confusing too. There is a difference between a 26x1-1/2" tire and a 26x1.5", they are not interchangeable! A 700mm diameter wheel must use a 700mm tire. The rule applies for every wheel diameter. Tire diameters are not interchangeable! Tire widths are interchangeable within limits. Specific tire widths can afford different riders the ability to enjoy similar performance characteristics in a specific tire. The heavier you are the wider your tire should be.
Once you are clear on what size wheel you have and what would be an appropriate tire width, the next step is to understand how you will use the tire. What kind of cycling are going to be doing on that tire? Touring, Racing, Commuting, Trail-riding, the type of cycling has specific tire styles and designs which optimize your bike for that function. Be it for speed, traction, puncture resistance, mileage, over-all reliability or a combination of some of those factors, there are inevitable trade-offs to the various tire styles. The proper tire will optimize your bikes performance based on what is your defined need.
The "best" tire for you may often be less appropriate for another person. Consider that a riders weight may limit how narrow a tire one can safely use on their bike. Narrow tires have less contact with the riding surface and will generally allow one to "go Faster". But narrow tires require higher pressures and are not appropriate for softer surfaces like dirt trails. The heavy rider(200 lbs+) should not be on a tire with a width narrower than 25mm (just my opinion). Be aware that most off the shelf bikes come with components which are designed and set-up for riders that weigh less than 200 pounds. A big rider can destroy a narrow tired wheel in less than 1000 miles of use(I've learned this from personal experience).
Shopping for tires can be a rewarding experience. Going to your LBS for tires can be a limiting experience. Most bike shops carry only a limited number of brands, sizes and styles. Shopping on-line is my personal preference and often where the best deals can be found.
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