>From: "Daniel Artley" <dartley@baltimorecountymd.gov>
>
>> I just came across the 700 x 26 mm wide Grand Bois tires on the Bicycle
>> Quarterly's home page. Has anyone tried these tires yet and can they
>> provide some kind of report on them? What to expect as true size? The
>> 700 x 28's measure closer to 29 mm. and I can't speak highly enough about
> > them. I've been looking for a great 25-26 mm. tire.
> >
> > Dan Artley in Parkton, MD
The 26 mm Grand Bois tires measure exactly 25 mm on a Mavic MA-2 rim. Of course, these measurements vary between rims, and these tires grow a bit over time. They weigh 222 grams, lighter than most currently available tires of comparable width.
You are correct that the 28 mm and 30 mm Grand Bois tires usually are about 1 mm wider than their stated width, whereas the new 26 mm tires are a tad narrower than their stated width.
For those with older French machines, we now also have true "Demi-Ballons" in stock. They measure a true 650B x 42 mm wide, and come with red tread. (Grand Bois 650B tires also are available in 32 mm and 35 mm widths.)
Jan Heine
Editor
Bicycle Quarterly
140 Lakeside Ave #C
Seattle WA 98122
http://www.bikequarterly.com