When I first got my G-Line, it came fitted with the Brompton Schwalbe One tyres. Here is the lowdown on these:
Brompton Schwalbe One G-One Speed:
• ETRTO size 54-406 (20 x 2.10 inches)
• Maximum pressure: 55 psi
• Weight: about 493g each
• Price: around £60 a tyre
• No sidewall reflective strip (great for stealth, not so great for night riding)
I happily pedalled around, getting to know my G-Line better with these tyres fitted. The Schwalbe tyres were fantastic on rough terrain - ideal for dodging potholes and avoiding London’s infamous cobblestones. However, on the road, cycle paths, and compacted tracks, they felt a tad sluggish. I also found myself missing the reflective strip during my nocturnal escapades. Blending into the night isn’t always the best strategy!
So, I decided to swap them out for the Brompton Continental Contact Urban tyres, which I already had on my other Brompton bicycles. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Almost immediately, my G-Line transformed into a much more nimble beast. The rolling resistance improved, and I could venture off-road without feeling like I was riding on a marshmallow. The confidence they gave me over some of London’s dreadful roads was much the same but longer rides became easier. Plus, they felt grippier on the tarmac - bonus!
I kept the Continental tyres on until a few weeks ago. With winter knocking at the door, I thought it wise to switch back to the Schwalbe tyres. I intended to keep them on until the end of February, but alas, I missed the Continental tyres and their ability to glide over the streets of London.
• Maximum pressure: 55 psi
• Weight: about 493g each
• Price: around £60 a tyre
• No sidewall reflective strip (great for stealth, not so great for night riding)
• Foldable with a Kevlar bead
• Tubeless ready (for the adventurous souls out there)
• Tubeless ready (for the adventurous souls out there)
I happily pedalled around, getting to know my G-Line better with these tyres fitted. The Schwalbe tyres were fantastic on rough terrain - ideal for dodging potholes and avoiding London’s infamous cobblestones. However, on the road, cycle paths, and compacted tracks, they felt a tad sluggish. I also found myself missing the reflective strip during my nocturnal escapades. Blending into the night isn’t always the best strategy!
So, I decided to swap them out for the Brompton Continental Contact Urban tyres, which I already had on my other Brompton bicycles. Here’s what they bring to the table:
Brompton Continental Contact Urban:
• ETRTO size 50-406 (20 x 2.00 inches)
• Maximum pressure: 73 psi
• Weight: about 420g each (a bit lighter, but still not a feather)
• Price: around £35 a tyre (a bargain, if you will)
• Reflective sidewall strip (hello, safety!)
• Wire bead
• Maximum pressure: 73 psi
• Weight: about 420g each (a bit lighter, but still not a feather)
• Price: around £35 a tyre (a bargain, if you will)
• Reflective sidewall strip (hello, safety!)
• Wire bead
Almost immediately, my G-Line transformed into a much more nimble beast. The rolling resistance improved, and I could venture off-road without feeling like I was riding on a marshmallow. The confidence they gave me over some of London’s dreadful roads was much the same but longer rides became easier. Plus, they felt grippier on the tarmac - bonus!
I kept the Continental tyres on until a few weeks ago. With winter knocking at the door, I thought it wise to switch back to the Schwalbe tyres. I intended to keep them on until the end of February, but alas, I missed the Continental tyres and their ability to glide over the streets of London.
For most G-Line owners seeking a smoother ride over cobbles and potholes, with the occasional off-road jaunt, the Continentals are the way to go. Meanwhile, the Schwalbe tyres sit in a box, looking all pristine but neglected. I suspect they’ll remain there for the foreseeable future. If I were the bikepacking type, things might have turned out differently, but alas, I’m just a humble urban cyclist navigating the wilds of London! The Continental tyres are a much better option for me and they might be for you too.
Until next time, stay safe out there people!
Do you have issues with punctures on London streets? I've been riding a C-Line since August, and I've had two punctures so far (one in each tyre). I'm on whatever the off the rack default for Brompton is, and my local shop said I have the lightest thinnest tyres available.
ReplyDeleteLuckily very few. You might be on the Marathon Racer tyres? Schwalbe Marathon (no the plus version) might be a better bet or my favourite is made by Continental. Hope it helps.
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