Have I made a boo boo?

peat
peat Posts: 1,242
edited June 2014 in MTB general
So, I get a nice new 29'er which came fitted with some Schwalbe Rocket Rons. Luverly stuff.

Anyway, I shredded the rear one last week on a flint so needed a replacement. I wanted a Schwalbe (boy, aren't they pricey) again so that the tyrewall-art matched (pretty essential to the bike tart).

I started looking at the other Schwalbes and thought i'd mix it up a little and buy one of the different models. I settled on the Hans Dampf because it received alot of praise.

It arrived, I started fitting it and thought "Hmm, this is chunky", before inflating it and putting it back the bike.

It's bluddy massive......

I never thought 0.1 of an inch would make such a visual difference. My bike now looks like a racey XC hardtail crossed with a fat bike. The clearance could be an issue in the mud, but it rides really nice. It just looks a little pony.

Have i committed cardinal sin #101 or something? I feel so ashamed.

Comments

  • Chunkers1980
    Chunkers1980 Posts: 8,035
    It looks like a pony as it's got stupid size wheels anyway.

    Tyre widths even if equal are not equal. But yes it's annoying when they're the same brand!
  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    usual way is to put the fatty on the front (more grip) and the narrower one on the rear (better rolling)
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,594
    It looks like a pony as it's got stupid size wheels anyway.
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    It looks like a pony as it's got stupid size wheels anyway.

    Wheeeeeeeeey etc.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    What sizes are they? 2.25" Ron and 2.35" HD?

    Stick the HD on the front, enjoy the extra grip and don't worry. It'll weigh about 50% more than a Ron if you're bothered by such things.
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    I was under the impression that RR's only came in 2.25, but mine are/were 2.1. So the difference is actually 0.25.

    It's such a big tyre that I think it'll be veeeery tight getting it past the brace. We'll give it a go though, however, it sort of defeats the point as it's a Snakeskin sidewall that i wanted specifically for the back.

    Ah well, if it all goes to pot, is there a market for barely used 2nd hand tyres? ;)
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Rons used to come in 1.8 and 2.4" too, in 26" guise at least, I know Schwalbe have trimmed some models from the line.

    Can you not just send it back? If you've not ridden it.
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    It's been ridden.

    It's fine, just looks a bit funky. What's done is done.

    I was in a bit of a bind as i'm leaving for a long weekend in Brecon tomorrow and my LBS had very limited stock. I wanted to have a tyre on the bike before i left.
  • benpinnick
    benpinnick Posts: 4,148
    Dont worry, soon you can buy a proper tyre to replace the mincing 2.1 on the back too ;)
    A Flock of Birds
    + some other bikes.
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Hans Dampfs are massive for a 2.35
    I tried them and found them way too draggy. Compared to the Rocket Rons you're going to find it heavy going.
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    They certainly are.
  • ddraver
    ddraver Posts: 26,348
    This is the place to get Schwalbe tyres - http://www.bike-discount.de/en/info/sta ... discount-1 - and anything else german tbh.

    Usually German tyres from there are almost half price
    We're in danger of confusing passion with incompetence
    - @ddraver
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    They're cheaper here currently, but yes, Germany is the place to buy.
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    Good intel. Cheers!
  • peat
    peat Posts: 1,242
    Just as an update -

    I ended up swapping the Hans to the front and RR vice versa. Nice combo.

    Got another Rocket Ron on the way as they are seriously fast for XC.

    Cheers all.
  • YIMan
    YIMan Posts: 576
    Peat wrote:
    So, I get a nice new 29'er

    I got this far and didn't read any further. The answer is yes.

    Pennyfarthing-1886.jpg
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Head angles look a bit steep, and very narrow bars. OK for XC but that's about it.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • Angus Young
    Angus Young Posts: 3,063
    YIMan wrote:
    Peat wrote:
    So, I get a nice new 29'er

    I got this far and didn't read any further. The answer is yes.

    Pennyfarthing-1886.jpg

    How do you get on and off of one of those?
    All the gear, no idea and loving the smell of jealousy in the morning.
    Kona Process 134 viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=12994607
  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Look just above the back wheel - there's a little step.
    I don't do smileys.

    There is no secret ingredient - Kung Fu Panda

    London Calling on Facebook

    Parktools
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Fixies are all right for hippy's riding the streets but I'd want a freewheel before taking that off road!

    Cockpit's a bit short as well!
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.