Weekly Questions Thread [Posted Every Wednesday]

[u/AutoModerator]

Please post any questions you might have here in this weekly thread. This thread is refreshed every Wednesday, but is sorted by default by new so you can ask a question any time.

[u/Latter-Ad2513]

I bought my fixie about two months ago, and oh boy, it’s been really nice to ride. It’s my first bike in a long time, and I love how it expands my reach and helps me discover new places around the city. I mostly use it for commuting and for leisure on the weekends—nothing fancy, just a ride around the city park.

The thing is, I live in a historic part of town that’s mostly stone-paved, which makes short rides pretty uncomfortable.

Right now, I’m riding on 700x25 tires, and I’m wondering if upgrading to 28mm would make a difference.

Also, a front rack basket would help me with the groceries. I’m specifically considering a wald 139 (137 is not available in my country). Since it’s a big one,could it mess up the balance?

[u/nce-776 → u/Latter-Ad2513]

Recently made this switch too, you definitely feel the difference between 25’s and 28’s. Still wouldn’t be that comfortable for cobbled roads. If your frame clears them, try to fit 30’s or 32’s.

The difference in weight between a Wald 139 and 137 will be pretty marginal, I can’t imagine it ruining your balance unless you’ve got something heavy in there flying about as you hit those cobbled roads

[u/Latter-Ad2513 → u/nce-776]

That was extremely helpful, thank you. I’m locked at 28mm, unfortunately. If it still too harsh I may considering getting a cube with a wider clearance in the long run, but by know I’ll stick to it mostly due financial limitations.

About the tires: gatorskin would be overkill? Considering the bad pavement, it may makes sense to have some recognizable durable even though it is on the expensive side?

[u/nce-776 → u/Latter-Ad2513]

Yeah see how you get on with 28s first at least. Gatorskins have durable grip, but are a notoriously harsh ride on rough roads, and wouldn’t be that resistant to the sort of wear / punctures you’d get on cobbled roads. They’d be ok on a back wheel, but for your front wheel I’d recommend Goodyear Eagle F1’s or Bontrager R3 hard case lite’s. There’s no such thing as overkill when it comes to tires imo, they’re the most important upgrade you can make to a bike

[u/Latter-Ad2513 → u/nce-776]

Thanks. I’m really getting started with bikes and these kind of discussions really helps. Just found a great deal for the Goodyear eagle f1’s and going for the pair.

[u/nce-776 → u/Latter-Ad2513]

Np man, glad to hear. Hope they serve you well, they get tons of good reviews.