Want to get trek Verve-45 or 38cc tires?
09-04-20, 01:29 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Want to get trek Verve-45 or 38cc tires?
I am 72 yrs old in good shape other than a lower back that can spasm and leave me crooked for about 5 days maybe 2x a year. I haven’t ridden a bike in 20 yrs other than a 15 minute test ride at a LBS of a trek FX as they were out of the verve model. I felt the very beginnings of soreness
about 2 hrs later in my lower back.
I really want a bike like that bike but realize I would be better off with a more upright Verve which is 5-6 lbs heavier with wider 45cc tires which will probably make the bike feel sluggish. The LBS said they would change the tires out from 45 to 38 at no cost.
i forgot to add that my riding will be on pavement.
My question is- am I defeating my purpose in getting a. back friendly verve by changing the tires to a smaller tire?
about 2 hrs later in my lower back.
I really want a bike like that bike but realize I would be better off with a more upright Verve which is 5-6 lbs heavier with wider 45cc tires which will probably make the bike feel sluggish. The LBS said they would change the tires out from 45 to 38 at no cost.
i forgot to add that my riding will be on pavement.
My question is- am I defeating my purpose in getting a. back friendly verve by changing the tires to a smaller tire?
Last edited by Tricyclekid; 09-04-20 at 01:35 PM. Reason: additional fact
09-04-20, 02:37 PM
#2
aka Phil Jungels
Switching to a 38, from a 45, will be slightly more harsh. Handling and stability will be greatly improved.
Which do you want?
Which do you want?
09-04-20, 02:45 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Northern Shenandoah Valley
Posts: 4,141
Bikes: More bikes than riders
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1446 Post(s)
Liked 762 Times
in
570 Posts
The size of tire won't make the bike feel sluggish -- it's more the tire construction and materials. The stock Bontrager H5 tires are very heavy, non-flexible, and will ride poorly. Changing to the same tire in a 38mm won't really improve the ride or feel of the bike much (in terms of making it feel quicker). Changing to supple 45mm tires will make a huge improvement, and will be better than a less flexible 38mm tire. In short -- it's really the tire, not the size, that is the bigger influencer over how the bike feels.
There are some inexpensive tires that will ride pretty well. I use and recommend the Continental Speed Ride tires. They're labeled 42mm but are really more like 38mm on the wheel inflated. These would ride a lot better than the H5 tires in any size and they won't break the bank.
There are some inexpensive tires that will ride pretty well. I use and recommend the Continental Speed Ride tires. They're labeled 42mm but are really more like 38mm on the wheel inflated. These would ride a lot better than the H5 tires in any size and they won't break the bank.
09-05-20, 09:44 AM
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
The size of tire won't make the bike feel sluggish -- it's more the tire construction and materials. The stock Bontrager H5 tires are very heavy, non-flexible, and will ride poorly. Changing to the same tire in a 38mm won't really improve the ride or feel of the bike much (in terms of making it feel quicker). Changing to supple 45mm tires will make a huge improvement, and will be better than a less flexible 38mm tire. In short -- it's really the tire, not the size, that is the bigger influencer over how the bike feels.
There are some inexpensive tires that will ride pretty well. I use and recommend the Continental Speed Ride tires. They're labeled 42mm but are really more like 38mm on the wheel inflated. These would ride a lot better than the H5 tires in any size and they won't break the bank.
There are some inexpensive tires that will ride pretty well. I use and recommend the Continental Speed Ride tires. They're labeled 42mm but are really more like 38mm on the wheel inflated. These would ride a lot better than the H5 tires in any size and they won't break the bank.
09-07-20, 10:37 AM
#6
aka Phil Jungels
09-20-20, 08:05 AM
#9
Senior Member
If the roads you ride are in reasonably good shape I would go with the 38mm tires. Good ones will ride as good or better then then cheap 45's. I have budget 50mm Kenda's and while a fine general purpose tire, They stil aren't great for comfort. I will likely go with more supple 38 - 42 mm when it's time for new ones.
As far as handling and stability goes, I would worry about it going down a steep soft gravel hill at 45+ kph. But for recreational cyclist it is not an issue, Except perhaps in the rain for commuters, Even then it depends on the tires construction as much as width at these sizes.
The main benefit I got from a wider tire, Like the cheap 60mm tires on an old mountain bike was riding through water logged grass and mud, or sand where a larger contact patch is important.
As far as handling and stability goes, I would worry about it going down a steep soft gravel hill at 45+ kph. But for recreational cyclist it is not an issue, Except perhaps in the rain for commuters, Even then it depends on the tires construction as much as width at these sizes.
The main benefit I got from a wider tire, Like the cheap 60mm tires on an old mountain bike was riding through water logged grass and mud, or sand where a larger contact patch is important.
Last edited by xroadcharlie; 09-21-20 at 08:46 AM.
