Mileage: 22,624
Well the cupping on the front knobs got to be so severe I had to pull the trigger and buy new rubber.
Can you see the cupping on my front tire?
How about now?
The front had a Continental TKC-80 90/90/21 and I replaced it with just that. It seems like a great tire.
The rear had a Heidenau K60 Scout Rear 150/70-18 and while that would normally be the perfect tire for what I usually ride (mostly street and little dirt) it was almost $200! Looking at what Continental had, the TKC-80 in a 150 was also that expensive!
Then, I saw the same tire in a 140 width for just $100 and made the decision to go that way for this round. Such a deal! Especially since I’m leaving for a 4 day, all dirt exploration of North California in a few weeks.
While I was going to try to change the tires myself, with only the tools I carry on the bike I found out I didn’t have enough tire irons. I ordered new ones but in the meantime Tom Pinky graciously offered to mount and balance both using his excellent No Mar Tire Changer. I packed the tires up on the top box and headed over to Tom’s house.
A set of tires on top of my top box
I can’t say enough good things about this tool! They really did a great job designing it.
Balancing the front wheel
The 140 back is just slightly smaller than the 150 and the gnarlier tread will certainly make for more traction than the old worn out Heidenau K60.
He's an avid hockey fan, rides a mountain bike, sometimes rides a road bike, has a few motorcycles (he had a really fast one, had a big cool orange one, rode a really slow one, and is currently building a perfect "BDR Weapon"). If that isn't enough, he makes cheese and sourdough bread, loves strong beer and good red wine, and poorly plays the Mandolin.
- My Pre Nor Cal BDR Settings - September 15, 2024
- New Pump, No Pressure, What Did I Do? - September 9, 2024
- Studs > Bolts for the Rear Rack - September 5, 2024