Tire Shortage?
03-04-21, 11:15 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Tire Shortage?
The back tire on my folder is worn out. I mean down to the casing, rubber completely gone worn out.
But I can't find a tire anywhere. I tried the local bike shop first, of course. Then Nashbar, and BikeTiresDirect, and anything else I could find online (not Amazon, but that's just a thing with me).
I wouldn't think the size is that weird for a folder -- 40/406, 20x1.50. Isn't that pretty much the default for folding bikes?
I guess everyone, at least in cities, is biking these days rather than using public transportation. That's my story -- I've been biking so much I'm wearing stuff out at a phenomenal rate. The seat needs to be replaced, I had to replace the grip shifter a while back, the tubes have about half a dozen patches, the bottom bracket is feeling a bit rough, and now the back tire.
Any good tire sources anyone knows about?
But I can't find a tire anywhere. I tried the local bike shop first, of course. Then Nashbar, and BikeTiresDirect, and anything else I could find online (not Amazon, but that's just a thing with me).
I wouldn't think the size is that weird for a folder -- 40/406, 20x1.50. Isn't that pretty much the default for folding bikes?
I guess everyone, at least in cities, is biking these days rather than using public transportation. That's my story -- I've been biking so much I'm wearing stuff out at a phenomenal rate. The seat needs to be replaced, I had to replace the grip shifter a while back, the tubes have about half a dozen patches, the bottom bracket is feeling a bit rough, and now the back tire.
Any good tire sources anyone knows about?
Last edited by Inisfallen; 03-04-21 at 11:20 AM.
03-04-21, 12:55 PM
#2
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Yeah, Amazon's got 'em. Walmart's got 'em.
Sounds like this common tire is not in stock anywhere you would not deign to do business. C'est la vie.
Sounds like this common tire is not in stock anywhere you would not deign to do business. C'est la vie.
03-04-21, 01:09 PM
#3
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These guys have 'em: https://www.utahtrikes.com/UTCAT-960.html I've ordered from the before, legit.
03-04-21, 01:58 PM
#4
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Thread Starter
Anywhere I would not "deign" to do business? 
I checked a bunch of places online, and a couple of local brick-and-mortar places. I've had a couple of bad experiences with Amazon and Amazon retailers, so I don't buy there.
Fortunately, another poster has a useful suggestion.
I checked a bunch of places online, and a couple of local brick-and-mortar places. I've had a couple of bad experiences with Amazon and Amazon retailers, so I don't buy there.
Fortunately, another poster has a useful suggestion.
03-04-21, 02:00 PM
#5
Newbie
https://thorusa.com/accessories/tires.htm has a Kenda tire and a Schwalbe tire in that size. $30 each plus $10 per order shipping for orders under $200.
03-04-21, 02:08 PM
#7
Schwinnasaur
The back tire on my folder is worn out. I mean down to the casing, rubber completely gone worn out.
But I can't find a tire anywhere. I tried the local bike shop first, of course. Then Nashbar, and BikeTiresDirect, and anything else I could find online (not Amazon, but that's just a thing with me).
I wouldn't think the size is that weird for a folder -- 40/406, 20x1.50. Isn't that pretty much the default for folding bikes?
I guess everyone, at least in cities, is biking these days rather than using public transportation. That's my story -- I've been biking so much I'm wearing stuff out at a phenomenal rate. The seat needs to be replaced, I had to replace the grip shifter a while back, the tubes have about half a dozen patches, the bottom bracket is feeling a bit rough, and now the back tire.
Any good tire sources anyone knows about?
But I can't find a tire anywhere. I tried the local bike shop first, of course. Then Nashbar, and BikeTiresDirect, and anything else I could find online (not Amazon, but that's just a thing with me).
I wouldn't think the size is that weird for a folder -- 40/406, 20x1.50. Isn't that pretty much the default for folding bikes?
I guess everyone, at least in cities, is biking these days rather than using public transportation. That's my story -- I've been biking so much I'm wearing stuff out at a phenomenal rate. The seat needs to be replaced, I had to replace the grip shifter a while back, the tubes have about half a dozen patches, the bottom bracket is feeling a bit rough, and now the back tire.
Any good tire sources anyone knows about?
03-04-21, 02:43 PM
#8
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There is a shortage in tires from a manufacturer's perspective. We are having trouble getting exactly what we want, and having to be more open-minded toward different suppliers.
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Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
Paul Pinigis
Owner of Origami Bicycle Company
03-04-21, 07:57 PM
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I got my tires from decathalon (Canada). some 20" btwin tires... they are not schwalbes but they are quit nice...
anything like that around you??
anything like that around you??
03-05-21, 09:41 AM
#10
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Thread Starter
I bought Schwalbe tires (two, even though I really needed only one). We'll see if they live up to their flat-resistant claims. It would be nice if they did -- commuting everywhere in NYC involves lots of broken glass, bits of metal, who knows what else. I've had more than enough flats.
03-05-21, 09:45 AM
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I bought them from the online retailer sslonkosky suggested. I'd never thought of checking out recumbent sellers, but I should have, plenty of small wheels there.
I bought Schwalbe tires (two, even though I really needed only one). We'll see if they live up to their flat-resistant claims. It would be nice if they did -- commuting everywhere in NYC involves lots of broken glass, bits of metal, who knows what else. I've had more than enough flats.
I bought Schwalbe tires (two, even though I really needed only one). We'll see if they live up to their flat-resistant claims. It would be nice if they did -- commuting everywhere in NYC involves lots of broken glass, bits of metal, who knows what else. I've had more than enough flats.
03-06-21, 03:23 PM
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I bought Schwalbe 20x2 Big Apples last December at an online bike shop They were around $60 shipped for two, a lot less than what amazon charged, even with prime shipping. We don't have thorns here in NE Illinois, so flats not an issue.
I had worn out my 20x1.5 Kenda KWests, and wanted to try the Big Apples. We already have them on my wife's bike, and when coasting downhill she always overtakes and passes me. Haven't had a chance to really ride them til now. They do roll easier. They're also taller, My kickstand (yes, I use one) is now too short. Had to adjust my fenders..
.
I had worn out my 20x1.5 Kenda KWests, and wanted to try the Big Apples. We already have them on my wife's bike, and when coasting downhill she always overtakes and passes me. Haven't had a chance to really ride them til now. They do roll easier. They're also taller, My kickstand (yes, I use one) is now too short. Had to adjust my fenders..
.
