So in my obsession with design, I'm stuck on my intention to try 24 x 3 tire on my Schwinn Spitfire. From the talk on this list, I knew that actual measured dims were different (less) than the spec'd numbers in some cases. In order not to have to pay for the wheel build (I want a 3-speed hub) and other parts just to find out that it wont fit, I decided to invest backwards to test some tires. There are already numbers for a Kenda on this forum, and it sounded like (from this list and my mechanic) that Felt tires are very thick. So I decided to purchase and measure/test two other tires that I liked aesthetically. They are the Nirve FattAss and the Electra Fatti-O. Both were mounted on the same rim (unbuilt),with the same tube, and inflated to the same pressure. Here's the data... I hope it helps others make educated decisions, saves headaches, and results in some very slick rides.
Test conditions:
Rim: Weinmann AS7X, in the catalog as 24 x 1.75, but the sticker actually reads "24 x 1.75 - 2.125" so I dont know if that is really an "acceptable tire width" rather than a rim width like we thought. Actual measured rim width (outside) 1.125".
Tube: Kenda 24 x 3.0 AV, inflated to 33 lbs.
Nirve ****:
Rated: 24 x 3
Total diameter (unweighted): 25.625"
Radius to widest point of tire: 12.1875"
Width at widest point: 2.75"
Electra Fatti-O:
Rated: 24 x 3
Total diameter: 25.5"
Radius to widest point: 12.125"
Width at widest point: 2.6875"
Sorry for the decimals, fractions are a pain to type, and no I'm not measuring to 4 significant digits, these convert to standard "16ths". The measurements should be pretty accurate as they were done with two rulers, and the wheel laying flat on the wood floor. But I don't guarantee anything.
Subjectively: I expected the Nirve to be a lot bigger than the Electra. I just looks fatter. Perhaps it's because of the lip at its widest point making the tread profile look flatter and thus wider. If you want a "fat" look and the numbers work then this would be a good one. However, I think I'm going to go with the Electra for a few reasons: the slightly smaller profile just might reduce stress during the build; the tire's rounder profile looks a bit more retro/classic; and I like how the white wall extends all the way to the tire beat (disappearing behind the black rim).
I think that's a pretty good overview. But ask if you have any questions.
Ben
