Hi Gang,
I'm looking for some input as far as what road tires to stock this year. In the last few years my sales volume has been so low that I have tried to just stock one make and model of tire that I think is cool.
Here is my thinking on choosing a tire: I think folding tires are too expensive. The reason for the kevlar bead is to save weight. In actual practice it doesn't add much weight at all. The problem is that most of the manufacturers only use wire beads on their heavy (cheap) tires. If they put wire beads in their better tires they would be very light but they wouldn't be able to charge ridiculous prices for them.
I like fat tires. Say 25 - 28mm. It has been proven they fat tires have LESS rolling resistance. They are far less prone to pinch flats. And they ride nice and smooth. I think they look cool too.
Speaking of aesthetics, I like a smooth or a very fine tread... Call me old fashioned, but I also like gum colored side walls. Herein lies my problem. My favorite tire in the past has been Avocet. I forget the model, maybe it is called a Fasgrip 20. Anyway, it is pretty light, it fulfills the other criteria and it comes in 25 and 28. And the best news is that I can sell them for about $25... The only problem is that they changed the side walls to black.
I've been snooping around looking for a good replacement but I haven't come up with one. I'm thinking of going over to the dark side unless somebody has a better idea. I'm looking for feedback on this and tire selection in general.
ALSO, I have a deal now where I can get almost any make and model of road tires, including sew ups, at very competetive prices and on short notice. So if anybody wants any of those rediculus kevlar beads let me know. I won't make fun of you.
Thanks, Jamie
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