Preparing for a Long Bike Ride
A few months ago, my friend Eric, an avid cyclist, was gearing up for his first 100-mile bike ride. He was worried about the soreness he might experience afterward and sought advice on how to make his ride more comfortable.
The Fat Tire Solution
As a dedicated advocate of fat tires, I was eager to share a tip I had picked up from other cyclists: Install the widest soft-sided tires that your bike can accommodate, and inflate them to a surprisingly low pressure.
Expert Advice on Tires
I’ve been a volunteer bike mechanic in Seattle for nearly a decade and have made subtle modifications to my own midrange bike. According to Russ Roca, who has 175,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel The Path Less Pedaled,
“Tires are probably the single most important component on your bike and the only part that touches the ground.”
Meeting with a Fellow Enthusiast
When we met at Lighthouse Roasters in Seattle, where Jan Heine is based, he was riding a modern carbon fiber bike. Heine, who promotes the use of fat tires, has the words “Fatties Fit Fine” emblazoned on his bike. However, he strongly encourages enhancing your current bike rather than buying a new one.
Ride What You Love
As Gadingan puts it,
“You don’t have to get a new bike. Ride what you’ve got … The best bike is the one you love.”
4 Comments
Fat tires are overrated!
Skinny tires scream speed and efficiency, though!
Extra traction is worth the slower ride, wouldn’t you agree?
DissentDebater: Who needs cushioning when speed is king!