Need help with tire selection for cafe inspired minimallist carver.....

[xstwin]

I'm working on a cafe inspired minimalist bike although everything has been cut, reworked, machined, or custom built, etc...... Need some real world input on tires. Looking for tires that fit the riding style. Very curvy 1 lane tree lined road, 45mph max, casual 45 min trip in each direction. Rarely above 50mph. The wheels are 19" WM1.85 front and 18" WM2.15 rear. I was planing on using the Avon AM26 3.25fr & 110/90rr based on size recommendation from Avon. Considering my riding conditions and the wheel widths, are there other options that might work? Bridgestone BT45's, maybe a Firestone version? Something not as modern looking as AM26 but would still offer the same or similar grip. I can even go with race compound since I'm not riding that often or far.

Thanks for the assistance.
-xstwin

 

[Big R]

Firestone = waste of money.

If you want to actually ride your bike, don't get them. Avon tyres are highly recommended.

 

[jpmobius]

Avon RoadRider 90/90 - 19 and 110/80 - 18. Have these same sizes on a customer's Rd - same rim widths and diameters as you are using. He is THRILLED. I recommend them to everyone. Been using the RoadRiders exclusively for my own bikes for a while now. Exceptional all around tires. Nice wheels. Yam 650?

 

[Big R]

Just wanted to add: forget about what your tires looked like when the bike is parked. They all look the same when you're at speed, so you really want tires that perform well. And Avon has a pretty good reputation for that.

 

[xstwin]

Yep. xs650 based machine, although the only thing that came off original is the frame and motor. Wheels are xs650 73+ hubs mated to Akron rims and Buchanan spokes.

Agreed, I need performance within my relm of usage. Pirelli Sport Demon seem to get high marks for grip at expense of mileage (again something I'm not worried about). I looked at the Conti Classic Attack which seemed well received and intended for my usage. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Would be nice to have a source that did real world testing on the same bike back to back like they do for car tires.

 

[VonYinzer]

Don't ever buy tires (or any other safety related parts/gear) for a speed you "think" you'll be riding. Assume you'll always be pushing the bike to it's limits, and buy accordingly. Or you can buy based on looks and deal with the consequences.

 

[xstwin]

VonYinzer,
Agreed on the safety gear, etc.... I was thinking from the perspective of getting the tires to optimal temp. I will not track the bike so a tire that withstands high heat cycles is not beneficial to me but one that has peak adhesion with minimal heat input would be great.

 

[xb33bsa]

how much grip/lean angle will you be using on a narrow tight tree-lined one lane road ?
what king of surface is it

 

[xstwin]

No idea. I won't be dragging my knee!!! It asphalt. Nothing special.

 

[Steve F]

Get the best you can afford then it won't matter I'd you decide to ride a different road I like the sport demons personally.

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