Tuesday 11 August 2009

Brompton Tyres 2009

As of now - these are the tyres recommended by Brompton for your Brompton folding bike.

This is the standard Brompton tyre.
It seems to be on it's third generation.
Originally it was a plain black tyre.
Then came the mark 2 with a reflective bead on the sidewall - to help you keep safer and be seen better at night.
And now, Brompton tyres are a two tone black and grey - still with the reflective bead on the side wall.

This is the same as the Yellow (Brompton standard tyre) but with the addition of a kevlar strip to help reduce the risk of punctures.
This increased puncture protection comes at a slightly increased cost. (I guess the stuff they make bullet proof vests from doesn't come cheap - as there must be a large demand at the moment)

This is a heaver tyre with more tread (so better for canal paths etc) than the Brompton Kevlar tyre.
Again it comes with a Kevlar belt to help reduce punctures - and a thicker sidewall.
Again - it has a reflective strip around the sidewall.

Schwalbe Stelvio 16" x 1 3/8" tyre - oh no - discontinued
This was the Brompton "racing" tyre - less tread, narrower and inflatable to higher pressures. More or less the Brompton equivalent of a racing road tyre.
However - it has been discontinued by Schwalbe in 2009.

According to Schwalbe - this is the replacement "racing" tyre for your Brompton.
It comes in 2 versions:
With a wire bead - and no reflective sidewall.
With a kevlar bead - meaning that it can be folded and comes delivered in a box, and is lighter. Again no reflective sidewall - so you should put reflectors on your spokes.
Note: Due to the thinner tyres - your dynamo will not function as expected with this option.

Kojak "slick" tyre for your Brompton.

Tuesday 4 August 2009

Dahon 2009 20 inch wheel folding bikes

So, you get a puncture on the way home from work, so the next day you get a lift to the office or to the station.

In the office you plan to order your new tyre - it's a bit worn out which could well be part of the reason for the puncture.

But - your brilliant plan to fix your bike hits a metaphorical pothole - what was the tyre you meant to get?

If you are riding a 2009 Dahon 20" folding bike - here's a list of the tyres shipped with the new bikes (please comment if you disagree or know better).

Dahon 2009 Vitesse D7 20" wheel seven speed

Dahon 2009 Vitesse D7HG 20" wheel seven speed (shown)
(by the way - HG in the model name = Hub gears)

Dahon 2009 Mu Uno 20" wheel single speed

Dahon 2009 Mu P8 20" wheel eight speed

Dahon 2009 Mu XL sport 20" wheel eight speed

Dahon 2009 Mu SL 20" wheel nine speed
Tyres - Schwalbe Kojak 20" x 1.5" (slicks)

Dahon 2009 Mu EX 20" wheel twenty speed (shown)
Tyres - Schwalbe Kojak 20" x 1.5" (slicks)