Rich P.:
> Hi all,
> Is it just me, or do any of you feel the lower priced PASELA standard
> tires just feel so much nicer than the TourGuard versions (either wire
> or folding) ?? I tried the TG, but went back.
Yes and Me Too. In fact, I did a little experiment as I had front wheels with each type. A week's commute with one and another week's with the other, I rode over a series of pavement expansion cracks that have annoyed me for 20 years (I hold a grudge). These expansion cracks have sharp rises of 1-1 1/2" with gaping crevasses that are deeper. Using my Elbow Pound-O-Meter, I got a 37.5% increase in joint stress. I swear the non TG's were softer/gentler on the front end of the bike, a 1980 531 long-trailed Scottish built Wester Ross (for the classic element in this post). I much prefer the non-TG Pasela, the Gran Bois 30's, AND the Panaracer Urban Max. The Gran Bois is the best albeit the most delicate, but the others do offer cush without a too noticeable decrease in rolling resistance. Trust me.
On a sidenote, I've been flipping thru my Cycling magazines from the early 50's and noting the superlatives used in tire advertisements: "finest cords", "flexibility", "life and resiliency", "It is a really 'lively' tyre-with the fast tread and casing flexibility essential to effortless riding...". Tires aren't really advertised anymore out there, are they (you have to tell me, I only read BQ).
Craig Montgomery Tucson
Just finished a exquisitely cushy yet fast ride on my Gran Bois shod, round forked, '52 Viking R/P with 72" gear.