So Matt and I are hearing some semi-encouraging things. Don't get too excited, there are a lot of hurdles remaining to jump through - but I want to take a minute to assess interest.
How many of you would buy a set (or more) of 36er tires that fit this rough profile?
-900-1000g weight
-*Probably* sealant-ready for tubeless use
-A tread pattern in the small-knob (think Kenda Small Block 8) or medium knob (think Maxxis Ignitor) range.
-2.2 or 2.3" size
-Cost of somewhere around $100/tire. That might come down some depending on interest, but it's probably not going to end up much below the cost of the Nimbus. If there's enough interest for a second run (or more) of tires, that cost will drop dramatically, of course.
Please pass on the link to this poll to your unicyclist and 36er cyclist friends and have them come express their opinion.
FWIW, we'd love to hear your opinions about what specific tread patterns/sizes you want as well, but our selection will be limited to already-existing patterns from the company (who I won't name, and you have most likely never heard of).
I'll take maybe two sets, my builder might take two sets more as he's building another 36er for a taller dude than me.
thread thoughts : mine will be a randonneur, so 50% road/50% fire road, so a cyclocross type (small knob ok, not too aggressive) will be fine.
Thanks Walt !
I'd definitely be in for a set of two and perhaps a second set if it looked like a one shot run. Don't currently have a 36er but is on my must have list.
Thanks to Todwil for getting this rolling BTW. I am optimistic we can get this done.
I'd take a couple pair and like David mentioned, Nightriders are 82 so I'd pay more for half the weight and better traction. I'll take whatever tread, would lean towards knobbier for eventual wet and loose conditions but could make a small block 8 work for 90% of what I ride.
Matt
Looks like 40ish so far, not bad. If a couple builders picked up a few pair it would go a long way too. I'll get in touch with James to gauge what he'd use in a year.
I do not have an answer to that question, but my assumption as of now is that these would be the same as any other mountain bike-type tire and have a max PSI in the 45-60 range somewhere.
No idea on the durability minus knobs. This is not intended to be a road tire, really - more of an all-arounder capable of being used for riding offroad on most terrain.
-Walt
Originally Posted by uniphil
Road unicyclist here:
Any ideas on max pressure? Would it be pretty rough as-is on the road? Would I be able to cut off the knobs and get at least 1500km out of one?
I would go for one for sure, preferably with the smaller knobs for a more versatile/road friendly tread.
Props to saskatchewanian for sharing this thread on unicyclistdotcom. The consensus over on RecSportUnicycle (RSU) seems to be similar to what Eric said looking for smaller knobs on paved roads with intermittent camber. Even then we might end up shaving some knobs off to save even more weight. I have already reduced the weight in my tube by 30% with the Nimbus FOSS tube. The most important weight to reduce is rotational weight and my Nimbus NightRider tire alone weighs 4 lbs! I would definitely purchase two. One for my Nimbus (disc brake) Impulse unicycle and another for my new Kris Holm (geared hub) Schlumpf unicycle. Check out what they are saying over on RSU. If you build it, they will come.
I'm definitely interested in 36er tires, but Small Block 8? Is that the "go-to" tread pattern for 29er's? I was thinking of something like the Mountain King....
"I can only assume chan slap is what happens when you get assaulted by Jackie Chan. I don't think anybody can prevent that."
For a "first tire", we have to aim for the widest possible appeal. You may or may not remember the Nanoraptor (the "first tire" for 29ers) - it's essentially a semi-knob/semislick. It's not the perfect tire for everyone, or even most people, but it's acceptable to most riders on most terrain. That's what we're going for here. If in a few years everyone is riding a 36er, tire selection will probably improve.
-Walt
Originally Posted by thesenator
I'm definitely interested in 36er tires, but Small Block 8? Is that the "go-to" tread pattern for 29er's? I was thinking of something like the Mountain King....
I'm definitely interested in 36er tires, but Small Block 8? Is that the "go-to" tread pattern for 29er's? I was thinking of something like the Mountain King....
Depends on what you ride. Ideally I would run a Nevegal up front and SB8 in the rear for 98% of the rides I do but no way there is enough demand for 2 separate tires yet. Only in mud have I ever not wanted the SB8 on back. Your terrain/skill/style may very well dictate something different.
This is the choice we are discussing here (sorry for fuzzy pics), but all input is welcome:
Pretty good showing so far if everyone is voting seriously, if we can double production numbers price would potentially drop 25% which would make these a bargain compared to Nightriders for a much better tire.