Tires (Change of Plan)

After last weeks race at Buck Hill, I made the decision to purchase a new set of tires that could handle a greater variety of conditions. I have been running a pair of Hutchinson Pythons NG tires 2.0 width. Although they roll extremely well, I always have the feeling that they are going to slide out in the turns. For example the long fast down hill section leading into the start/finish line I have to be exceptionally careful with or I would be sliding across the service road.

I have heard a lot of good things about both the Kenda Karma's and Small Block 8's. I checked the online retailers and the SB8's are very expensive due to the demand, but Pricepoint has the Karma's on sale for under $30. Originally I had placed an order with Blue Sky Cycling, but later cancelled because they were on back order. So Monday this week I placed the order and payed an additional $4 to have them shipped 2nd day air. After anticipating the tires the better part of the day, I was severely disappointed when I found out that they had shipped the wrong size. They send me 2.2's vs 2.0's. I looked carefully on the packaging and the only thing labeled as 2.0 was the bar code label that they apparently scan when filling the order. I quickly called customer service and with a bit of coaxing persuaded them to send me out the correct pair next day air so I have them in time for the race at Mt. Du Lac. Originally they wanted me to pay the difference for the next day air. My comment was, "So I have to pay an extra $6 to have the tires arrive 2 days later than I needed them" (I was hoping to have them for the Thursday Buck Hill Race). They did the right thing in the end and I will give them credit for that.

In the meantime I have set up my backup set of wheels with my Kenda Nevegals filled with Stan's. Although I know it is not recommended, I decided to not use the Stan's rim strips with the tubeless rims. From what I can tell the fit between the bead and the rim is very tight so as long as they hold air I don't feel that I will blow off a bead. I will give an update on how they perform. I do know that I will have much better traction, but with more rolling resistance. I think overall I will be able to push harder and conserve more energy in the loose sections. We will see how they work.