Intro

Let me start by saying this: the tire served me well for precisely a years worth of use and abuse. It was only after having a fall (and not understanding how it happened) that I decided maybe I had to do something about it. One fall a year is pretty good statistics if you ask me.

Review

This is the standard tire that comes on Bromptons (I think), and they are a damn good piece of rubber. I had not one puncture or flat in the year my bike was wearing them. Grip seemed good, not in the rain, but in dry conditions; you can’t fault them. They are fast, they inflate to high pressure and can take more abuse than you would expect- think curbs, gravel, mud, potholes and the like. These things stood up to it all and let me get to where I wanted to, which frequently was not always ‘on track’.

Some issues would knock my confidence on the bike, which at the time I didn’t directly relate to the tire itself – more that Bromptons are just notoriously well known for being a little bit terrible in wet conditions. I’m sure this is the case for most smaller wheeled bicycles—especially ones with calliper brakes as standard. The old fashioned brakes on the bike may, however, be an advantage for the average rider. It forces you to ride slowly in poor conditions, and as the brakes become so soft and weak at stopping the bike, this helps you avoid skidding or front-wheel lockup/sliding, which would be caused if the brakes were V or disc (more powerful).

I think after using them every day to commute 8km to work (and eight back), they had just lost their once acceptable wet riding prowess. It was like being on ice skates at times riding the bike, and there were often wobbly moments where I wondered how I didn’t fall off. It must be luck.

Would I buy?

I would happily own these tires again and keep them as spares if the replacements have any issues. I think they would serve me well for a few more km, but not in the rain!