|   Comp S Lite vs Conti Explorer Supersonic vs Hutch Python Air | Mycroft
Dec 7, 2002 4:10 AM | | Am currently riding Kenda Klimax Lite (340g) on my 2002 Truth with Romic.
I am thinking of changing tires - find the Klimaxes extremely light and fast - good for the times I go on the road, however, in the loose/gravel, I tend to wash out at the front. I am seeking your opinions/experiences on the 3 mentioned (Michelin Comp S Lite 2.0 - 460g, Continental Explorer Pro Supersonic - 440g, Hutchinson Python Airlights 2.0 - 485g). I am 170lbs, ride XC single track mostly, but will also go for mixed road/trail rides. No drops/hucks. Terrain is usually hard pack with some gravel runs, but little mud and occasional roots. Most rides are in the dry, but Singapore is a tropical island, so it rains all year round (worse at end of year).
As you can tell, I need very light tires, with low rolling resistance (for the road work). Here are some measurements that I made: Bead to bead measurements (approximately: Klimax - 11.5cm, Explorer SS - 12.3cm, Comp S Lite - 12.5cm, Python Airlights - 13.5cm). I find the Pythons a little tall compared to my current Klimaxes and this alters the gearing so that I can't climb as well, since the granny gear is now taller.
Pl let me have your inputs. Thanks. |
| Haven't tried all of them.... | pedalinbob
Dec 7, 2002 7:30 AM | | I currently have the comp-s light, python airlight, klimax lite and explorer pro's. I also have about 50 other tires.
I will give short positive/negatives of each in question.
Python airlight: +: light, roll pretty fast. high volume=lots of surface area=lots of traction--especially at lower pressures. they do quite well across the spectrum. gravel is tough on any tire, but the pythons have done well for me. also seem good in sand. climb remarkably well. inexpensive. very predictible tire.
-: probably not the best in wetter conditions/mud, dont brake as well as some others.
Comp-s light: +: light, roll quite fast on harder surfaces, shed mud/dirt well, brake ok. supple casing.
-: strange feel in hardpack cornering--feels unsure/slippery )perhaps flexy knobs?), expensive, "fast turning feel" (it feels like it is falling off center when you initiate a turn), low air volume compared to the python, feels like it slides sideways on roots.
explorer pro: +: light, roll well (never used on rear), good cornering--especially on harder-pack. good all around peformance.
-: expensive, low air volume=front feels "jumpy" over roots--even at low pressure, older german-made version seemed MUCH grippier than the newer tiawan version.
hope this helps: you have a tough choice. as a point of reference, I run these tires on a fisher hardtail with a 70mm fork. this seems to really give me a good "feel" of the tires' performance.
I prefer the pythons for southeast michigan. I have also ridden them all over the eastern US with no issues whatsoever--even through some pretty gnarly terrain. I think that if you run lower pressure, the tire may sag to a smaller diameter, and not affect your gearing so much.
also, I think that striking a balance is of utmost importance. I own some very fast tires, but they may actually slow me down! I am actually faster overall on my 480g pythons (with heavy michelin latex tubes!) than my 350g fast freds and lunar lites.
I can blast through sections full speed on the pythons...the freds require more caution.
and another thing: when fatigue is setting in, the higher volume (cushier ride and better grip) and more forgiving nature are very welcome attributes of the python.
Bob |
| Wow ... !! | Mycroft
Dec 7, 2002 2:12 PM | | Hey Bob,
You must have a tire warehouse!! What does your wife say (I need her to speak with my wife so that I can have the same privilege!!).
Thanks for the advise. Your input and thoughts have been very valuable. I guess I shall give the Pythons another try (only had it on the rear a couple of times to see if I wcould improve the rear grip).
Any other opinions out there, guys??
TC. |
| Shiggy has a LOT of tires! | pedalinbob
Dec 8, 2002 10:56 AM | | he has a lot more than I.
and I greatly value his opinion, because he has a great deal of experience. I also love his "unique" bikes/attitude!
I think you will not go wring trying the python if you already have one. If that doesnt work, the explorer might just be the ticket, as Shiggy mentions.
later,
Bob |
| I mostly agree with Bob | shiggy©®
Dec 7, 2002 8:44 PM | | Of the tires you are looking at I would use the Python or Explorer on the front. Leave the Kenda on the rear if it is working for you now.
The Explorer is the better cornering tire and will work better in the wet. The Python is faster rolling and more flat resistant.
I have used a Python AirLight front/ Schwalbe Fast Fred 2.0 rear combo to good effect at Sea Otter.
I have just started posting specs of my 90+ tires on my Mt. Bike Tire Site. |
| Thanks both ... | Mycroft
Dec 8, 2002 2:58 PM | | Shiggy,
I have been using your charts as reference for those tires that are on it and find them extremely helpful - thanks!
Can't wait till the rest of your site is up and going (esp the reviews!).
Now if you can only find your way to putting up the specs for the Conti Explorer Supersonics and the Comp S Lites ...
:-) But thanks for all your work. I want to tell you that at least 1 nut out there appreciates your labors!
TC |
| Thanks for the kudos | shiggy©®
Dec 8, 2002 3:25 PM | | Except for the weight the specs for the Exp. Supersonic should be the same. I will probably not get one because I already have pinch flat problems (on the rear) with the Pro version. |
| re: Comp S Lite vs Conti Explorer Supersonic vs Hutch Python Air | Warrguru
Dec 8, 2002 8:01 PM | | Like others here, and of the tires you've mentioned, I would choose the Python Air Lites. I've raced with them and they're a good tire. There's another tire that I like better and that's the Bontrager Revolt Super X. It rolls as fast or faster than the python and corners better on hardpack or slightly loose conditions. The Bontrager is also better in mud....it sheds it well. The only problem with the Bontrager tires are the cost.
Good Luck. |
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