Slick tires

While road bike style tires create less friction as they move across the pavement, it is worth remembering that they perform poorly in some situations. For instance, when a crowd has gathered atop a bike path in order to watch a Blues Festival show for free, prompting you to try riding beside the path instead. It is then that you might get a rude reminder that 110 psi + slick tires + any surface that is loose or slippery + tires not perpendicular to the ground = spectacular deviations from the normal arrangement of bike, rider, and pavement.

Miraculously, while my digicam managed to tear through my pocket as it abraded across the pavement, it seems to be only cosmetically damaged. The flow of daily photos should continue.

P.S. Incidentally, it seems my front wheel and/or front v-brake is bolloxed. As such, cycling shall be discontinued until repairs are complete.

[Update: 7 July 2008] The good people at G.M. Bertrand repaired my brake and tire for free, further deepening my conviction that they are the best bike shop in town. They also adjusted my shifters, gratis.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.

6 thoughts on “Slick tires”

  1. You can ride my tiny bike until yours is fixed…

    I’m sorry about your fall. :(

  2. Go with a commuter tire… Lower recommended PSI (I run mine at 75PSI), still the 700cc size, but thicker and a slightly more aggressive tread. You do have more rolling resistance, but not much, and since you aren’t doing time trials for the Tour de France…

    I have these on my road bike (which is really more for touring than racing). Bonus is there are fewer flats as well.

    http://www.rei.com/product/709112

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