byankou
New Member
I've had my LECTRIC XP for almost a year now and it has been awesome. After 1600 miles, the back tire (stock Kendas) have noticeable wear on the treads, especially down the middle of the tire. They still protrude slightly, and I don't think I'm at the point where a flat is just around the corner, but there's a big difference between the wear on the front and back tires. I'm 190 lbs and often have a decent amount of cargo weight on the back so this is to be expected.
I live in the Bronx, NY and use my bike primarily to commute to locations all over the NYC area but I also love having the ability to off-road on hiking trails, through grassy fields, etc. I'd say that about 85% of my riding is on streets, bike paths or gravely/hard-pack trails but sometimes even street riding in the city can suddenly feel more like off-roading with potholes, etc.
The only times I've ever really had traction issues have been in wet conditions. I had two minor spills last winter trying to stop short in rain so if I could get more grip in those conditions, it might be a life-saver.
In researching tires, I do find the prospect of a flatter, lower drag tire appealing to increase speed, range and road grip but I don't want to lose much versatility. Interestingly, the kinds of tires that might best suit my needs are flatter in the middle with more traction on the side for turns which kind of resembles what my rear tire is naturally becoming through wear! Maybe???
So here are my options, as I see them:
1) Swap the front and rear tires. Rear tire is now closer to what I had 6-8 months ago. (Zero cost, no surprises, not too difficult)
2) Buy a new tire that better suits my needs. I've seen people on this forum recommend Vee Roadsters to pure road commuters but do they stink off-road? Would something like a Vee Mission Command be a better all-around option? Anyone have any other cheaper suggestions? (Some cost, maybe better, not too difficult)
3) Do nothing and leave the worn treads to allow for more surface area grip. Is this crazy talk? Am I kidding myself in thinking that the tire is maybe getting BETTER? I'm no expert so I defer to you fine folks. (Zero cost, zero effort, livin' the dream)
Thanks, everyone!
-Brian
P.S. I know some people might say that the LECTRIC XP was probably not the ideal choice considering what I primarily use it for and I wasn't really tempted by 4" wheels the first time I saw them but it has served me well and I've got ZERO buyer's remorse for dropping $900 for it! I may eventually upgrade to a DOST KOPE or something similar in the future.
I live in the Bronx, NY and use my bike primarily to commute to locations all over the NYC area but I also love having the ability to off-road on hiking trails, through grassy fields, etc. I'd say that about 85% of my riding is on streets, bike paths or gravely/hard-pack trails but sometimes even street riding in the city can suddenly feel more like off-roading with potholes, etc.
The only times I've ever really had traction issues have been in wet conditions. I had two minor spills last winter trying to stop short in rain so if I could get more grip in those conditions, it might be a life-saver.
In researching tires, I do find the prospect of a flatter, lower drag tire appealing to increase speed, range and road grip but I don't want to lose much versatility. Interestingly, the kinds of tires that might best suit my needs are flatter in the middle with more traction on the side for turns which kind of resembles what my rear tire is naturally becoming through wear! Maybe???
So here are my options, as I see them:
1) Swap the front and rear tires. Rear tire is now closer to what I had 6-8 months ago. (Zero cost, no surprises, not too difficult)
2) Buy a new tire that better suits my needs. I've seen people on this forum recommend Vee Roadsters to pure road commuters but do they stink off-road? Would something like a Vee Mission Command be a better all-around option? Anyone have any other cheaper suggestions? (Some cost, maybe better, not too difficult)
3) Do nothing and leave the worn treads to allow for more surface area grip. Is this crazy talk? Am I kidding myself in thinking that the tire is maybe getting BETTER? I'm no expert so I defer to you fine folks. (Zero cost, zero effort, livin' the dream)
Thanks, everyone!
-Brian
P.S. I know some people might say that the LECTRIC XP was probably not the ideal choice considering what I primarily use it for and I wasn't really tempted by 4" wheels the first time I saw them but it has served me well and I've got ZERO buyer's remorse for dropping $900 for it! I may eventually upgrade to a DOST KOPE or something similar in the future.
