Tyre rolling resistance - fat beats skinny

Rolling resistance is the force that you have to overcome to get your tyres to roll fast. Ideally you want as little resistance as possible, so you want tyres with very low rolling resistance. 

But how do you know what affects rolling resistance and ultimately gives you the lowest rolling resistance possible? Well you need to consider the tyre compound used, spacing of the tread pattern, width of the tyre and the tyre pressure that you run. Tyre pressures are a closely guarded secret by pro MTB and downhill riders, they will hardly ever tell you what pressures they use. Team specialized makes an annual trip to South Africa every year and spends several weeks doing tyre testing with their pro riders on the trails in Stellenbosch.

Most of the views out there are just theories with little published information. However there is one very useful test on tyre rolling resistance published in a German MTB magazine and kindly translated by www.bicicletta.co.za. This useful test looks at wide vs narrow tyres, low vs high pressure and how tread patterns and surface conditions affect rolling resistance. Skinny and hard is for the roadies, if you are ride MTB off-road then you need fat and soft to go fast - don't believe me? - check out the full test

Previous tips

Online bike shopping

Online bike shopping is a controversial topic in SA, its loved by the customer and feared by the retailer. The internet has changed the world forever and local bike industry could only hide away for so long until they had to sit up and take notice.

First it was Chain Reaction Cycles CRC who have become a major supplier of bike parts to SA despite being located in Ireland. Their keen pricing and large range of stock make them a viable alternative to the LBS (local bike shop).

Then came the local equivalent Chris Willemse Cycles CWC cycles in Tygerberg who challenged the traditional supply chain and continue to source and supply popular brands and low cost. So now local bike shops and distributors have been forced to get online. Some will make it and some won't, it all depends on you the customer.

The online bike shop can't replace the LBS simply becuase they don't serve coffee. But you should be able to save some time and money if that is what you need from your bike shop.

Previous tips

Out with the old models and in with the new

Out with the old and in with the new, the annual cycle of new bike stuff that comes around at about this time of the year is getting underway. If you try to buy a new bike at about this time of the year you may be met with some blank stares and low stock levels.

What is left in the shops now is the left over 2010 stock before the arrival of the 2011 stock.

This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as you know what to expect.

If you are looking for a good deal on a bike and you are not fussy or brand conscious then now is a good time to buy. You may not find the colour you are looking for and will need to rely on some luck to get the right size but you should be able to get a good deal on clear out stock. Stores would like to get rid of old stock to make place for new ranges, so pounce now.

If you are looking for the latest and greatest then now is the time to be patient and do your research. Most manufacturers are launching the new 2011 ranges, and you can get your early order in to avoid disappointment. Also with the rand looking strong we should be in for some decent bike prices if it remains at these favourable exchange rate levels.

If you need help deciding what to buy then get some help.

How big is your saddle bag?

How much should you carry with you when you ride?

If you are like me you will err on the side of minimalism, if you listened to the "experts" you may end up looking like a pack mule crossing the desert for 3 months with a complete tool box.

I guess the answer really lies somewhere in between, but where? Well ask yourself 2 simple questions.

1. What is the likely hood that I will require this item
2. What is the worst that would happen if I did not have it.

That brings me to the pump and the chain breaker. Without these two items you are definitely in for a long walk because a flat wheel or a broken chain are your most likely mechanicals and definite show stoppers. Not to mention that you feel like a real idiot knowing that they are sitting on the shelf at home as you hobble home.