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Leisure and commuter cyclists, tyre recommendations please

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Old 24 March 2010, 09:18 PM
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Snazy
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Default Leisure and commuter cyclists, tyre recommendations please

Im looking for some tyres for my new Hardrock Pro. Mainly gonna be path and packed trails for the time being, so what are you using on either?

So far I have Specialized Fast Trak LK Sport, 26x2.0" front and back, and was considering either Schwalbe Silento's or Schwalbe City Jet 26 x 1.95.

Open to suggestions of all kinds. Once I start back beating through the brush the knobbles will go back on lol. Just wanna get my riding legs back in shape first.

Oh and lights..... What lights are people running too. Some horrific prices lights out there, £700+ for HID's lol.
Set up will be small LED for any road use, and removable front for trail use.

Any suggestions welcomed.
Old 24 March 2010, 10:56 PM
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greatgonzo
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Check out Chain Reaction site has loads of tyres most with great reviews
Old 24 March 2010, 11:21 PM
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Diesel
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No big dilemma mate! Narrow = faster = less comfortable = more chance of falling off!

I have a Blackburn Mars 4 rear light. Brighter than the Beemer! Fronts are 2x 1 watt Cat Eyes. One on dip and one on main beam. cheap enough. d
Old 25 March 2010, 10:19 AM
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BlkKnight
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Snazy, i can help in the light department - how much do you have to spend & how long are you riding for?
Old 25 March 2010, 10:28 AM
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BlkKnight
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This is my front setup.

On High - which is like daylight (cars flash me to dim) burn time is about 45 minutes

On Low - which is like my old set up (2 x 10w cateye) burn time is about 100 minutes

The batteries are very light, so carrying 2 spares isn't a hardship.

From http://www.dealextreme.com/

2 x Universal Bicycle Mount for Flashlights and Gadgets (2cm~3cm Diameter Adjustable)
Item Number 15642

2 x Aurora AK-P7-4 Cree SSC-P7-C-SXO 2-Mode 900-Lumen LED Flashlight (1*18650)
Item Number 32590

2 x TrustFire Protected 18650 3.7V True 2400mAh Rechargeable Lithium Batteries (2-Pack)
Item Number 20392

1 x TrustFire All-in-One Charger (for 10430/10440/14500/16340 /17670/18650/CR123A)
Item Number 4151


They also do an all in one kit but I've seen very mixed reviews. With the two light solution, at least you have some redundancy. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30864

Last edited by BlkKnight; 25 March 2010 at 10:32 AM.
Old 25 March 2010, 02:03 PM
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Kieran_Burns
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Ahhhh.... the infamous Cree P7s

Like having a small sun on the front of your bike....

I personally use a Hope Vision 2 for the front backed up with a Cateye singleshot plus. It's like having a cars dipped beam in front.

I figure if people have to flash you, then they are set too high and you should dip to be able to see the road.
Old 25 March 2010, 02:35 PM
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ChrisB
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Tyre wise, you could look at something like the Conti Travel Contact

The P7s / MCE torches do offer great VFM.

I've got one of these for the rear - blinded myself the first time I turned it on. One of these also lives on my road bike as it's so small / light.

I have custom built lights for off-road

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Old 25 March 2010, 03:30 PM
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BlkKnight
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The P7's are certainly bright I've angled the beams down slightly to stop annoying drivers For about £80 for the set it's great VFM
Old 25 March 2010, 03:40 PM
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Snazy
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Cheers BlkKnight I will look into those recommendations.

As for tyres, im currently planning to pick up some DMR Moto RT's, good reviews, and seem to be suitable for all uses.
Will take a look at those Chris, cheers

Cheers too Kieran, will be looking at all things suggested
Old 25 March 2010, 04:00 PM
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austinwrx
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I think tyres, is whatever is on offer at the shop to be honest.

keeping them well inflated stops punctures, as does steering a good course through crap !!

lights- you can spend a fortune...... I use light and motion, but I need lights that will work for up to 4 hours in a go at least.

pays yr money takes yr choice !!!!!!!

if anyone has some recommendations for decent, serious off road lights, that would do 3-4 hours (not necesarily on the highest setting) please tell me.

one of our group needs some and can't afford to be spending a fortune.
Old 25 March 2010, 04:05 PM
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Snazy
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Thats all I really want, something that can last a couple of hours at night for trail riding. Had Cateye ones before, 5w and 10w ones, should have kept them lol
Old 25 March 2010, 04:07 PM
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BlkKnight
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You can buy mine off me if you want I'm not going back to em!


Last edited by BlkKnight; 25 March 2010 at 04:11 PM.
Old 25 March 2010, 05:25 PM
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Snazy
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Originally Posted by BlkKnight
You can buy mine off me if you want I'm not going back to em!

lol thats the set I had. How much you want for them? I might be tempted.
Everytime I go to the bike show I think "oooh HID's" then shy away again.
Definatly want something as compact and fuss free as possible.
Old 25 March 2010, 05:40 PM
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ChrisB
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IMHO, HIDs have had their day now, everything is LED. This is my helmet light:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36823018@N00/3404312042/
Old 25 March 2010, 05:55 PM
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My Hardrock's still currently wearing Specialized Nimbus Armadillo's - not a single puncture yet, but they are a pig to fit over the rims.

Mate of mine has the Crossroads Armadillo's for slightly looser terrain.
Old 25 March 2010, 06:45 PM
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Snazy
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Cheers guys taking all on board.
Any tips on good LED lights?
Old 25 March 2010, 07:57 PM
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BlkKnight
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For sheer brightness get a P7 (as above)

For burn time - get a LED based light.
Old 28 March 2010, 05:43 PM
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OK im back
Found the P7 with charger and 2 batteries for £55, anyone know any better deals (willing to buy it, but just in case eh lol)

And also, any P7 users. Have you replaced the 18650 batteries at any point, and if so, with what? Still 2800mah batteries? Or lower?

I think its the best all round solution for me tbh, not planning on using it on road anyway, so with a spare battery I should get from it what I need.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/P7-CREE-LED-fl...item2eac0a61ca

Last edited by Snazy; 28 March 2010 at 05:47 PM.
Old 28 March 2010, 05:44 PM
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Snazy
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Doh just re-read the reply from BlkKnight, will check out the links and item numbers now.

Just looked at the pricing etc, with the shipping and hassle its prob easier to get from the UK if the ebay one is genuine.

Also just read about using 2400mah batteries, so that answers that one too lol. Just hope they hold a charge for a while so they are worth carrying as spares.

Last edited by Snazy; 28 March 2010 at 05:49 PM.
Old 28 March 2010, 06:23 PM
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Hope |Vision 2 here as well, dont augment it with the Singleshot as I had two and the brackets disintegrated, I leave mine on all year round as I reckon even in bright sun you can go through trees or the sun can go in,


Tyre wise, currently going through a few punctures with the Standard fit Specialized Mondo Sports, great tyre for grip and speed but I cant stand the puncture, 3 in 500 miles, I had some Rubino Pros spare so have swapped the puncture prone rear for one of those seeing as I had them in, will see I suppose, its a 25 rather than a 23, cant see it being any slower, managed to drift the other night, wet roundabout, a rather courteous Vectra Driver slowed from massive speed to let me across when I was waiting, smile of his face, I gave him a little wave to acknowledge my appreciation and gave it plenty to get myself across quickly, managed a great "Vast and the Furious" drift for his amusement

To be honest Snaz, this time of year, lights arent a big deal, its October to Feb when you need proper lights.
Old 28 March 2010, 06:34 PM
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Snazy
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Cheers J4CKO, like I say the lights are more off road use, as its usually dark by the time I am able to get home and ride.

Im quite suprised by the standard Specialized ones myself, and will see how they hold out, but want something that is ok on path and trail, then will just throw on another set of tyres when the going gets muddy lol.
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