26" Tan/Amber Wall Tires?

[Tootyred]

No, why would they! Its all part of the global manufacturing "26" is dead" sales pitch.

The fact that millions of them are out there means nothing.....nobody builds 26" and thats their target market, not you or I. The fact that they feel the amberwall market is swamped, shows they are a popular choice.....but mention 26".....ooooooh, god, no, nobody wants that.......apparently.

Its like Surly getting rid of the cantilever mounts on long haul truckers..... discs .....really....who the hell will have those particular parts from a myriad of options in remote south america or asia....or how will you fix your bent disc / fluid loss / piston failure / pad disintegration at the roadside?

I wrote to them and tried to explain this, but got much the same BS back....."nobody wants cantilevers....every bike has discs"......yes, dorcus, but your selling World travel bikes, not a fashion accessory.....

Sorry.

 

[Tootyred]

As for the cheap tyres, i rode them for a bit, my considerations are on page 2 of the above link.....for what they are worth.

Fantastic for the price, but they are a cheap tyre so don't expect miracles.

 

[Dr Dremel]

Well that was a fast answer, if not the right one. Worth a try though.

 

[Canuckbiker]

I have this old set of MegaBites from a 1990 bike that were barely used but the amber sidewalls clearly show their age (see picture below).

Is there any DYI solution to treat them, refurbish? Something that would improve the look a bit? I feel safe riding them but the tired look of the side walls let them down aesthetically

 

[Dr Dremel]

I´ve heard some people wanted to use Latex milk, but never saw anyone really try it. More for a test than anything else I used Plastidip "Phoenician Yellow" after thoroughly cleaning and masking a very haggard looking set of tires.

https://www.plastidip.co.uk/product/classic-muscle-colors-aerosol-spray-400ml




Worked well in retaining loose strands, albeit the colour is a little light for my taste (Camo beige may be a bit darker?). I´ve not mounted these so far, but the Plastidip bonded very well and appears to have "become one" with the sidewall.

So yes. I´ve painted my tires. This was already discussed with my therapist, so you lot can mock me all you want

 

[Canuckbiker]

Very creative! I like the idea. I'd assume Plastidip being flexible would survive to a degree. Another plus with Plastidip is I think you can add more at a later date to touch it up.

Maybe I'll give it a shot too

 

[Taiphun]

These look lovely, but potentially too wide for a lot of old frames:
https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop/components/tires/26-inch/26-x-2-3-humptulips-ridge-tc-tire/Plus punchy price! Guess they don’t make them in huge numbers to enable a lower price point. The profile on these seems more suited to 80s MTB’s where they were more rounded with less aggressive side treads, but at 2.3” they may struggle to fit!

I can confirm that these fit between triple butted Kona P2 blades as well as 95 and 96 Hei Hei frames, with ample space.

It´s really a shame, I wish Ritchey would make a skinwall Megabite or Specialized a Ground Control again.

You can still find "Spesh Ground Control Sport 26" at LBS, depending on where in Canuckistan you are in, @Canuckbiker. For example, in Calgary at the Bike Shop, if you're interested.
https://www.thebikeshop.com/product/specialized-ground-control-sport-26-inch-394462-1.htm
I don't know how faithful these are to original GC's, but hey, worth a shot.

Also, if these are your thing, WTB still makes 26" x 2.1 Velociraptors.

 

[27motorhead]

I can confirm that these fit between triple butted Kona P2 blades as well as 95 and 96 Hei Hei frames, with ample space.

That’s good to know!

 

[benjabbi]

I've been using these Continental Race Kings for a little while now and have been quite impressed. 2.2", pretty light at 540g and roll nicely. I like the slightly darker wall although appreciate it's not for everyone. They're not particularly cheap at around £50 per tyre, but it's quite a lot cheaper than Rene Herse. They also don't seem to be the easiest thing to get hold of, got these from Germany via Ebay, but it is another option.

 

[Dr Dremel]

I've been using these Continental Race Kings for a little while now and have been quite impressed. 2.2", pretty light at 540g and roll nicely. I like the slightly darker wall although appreciate it's not for everyone. They're not particularly cheap at around £50 per tyre, but it's quite a lot cheaper than Rene Herse. They also don't seem to be the easiest thing to get hold of, got these from Germany via Ebay, but it is another option. View attachment 675211

Very good tires these, would suit my my riding profile perfectly. It´s just that they decided "If we´re making a skinwall tire, let´s make it a SKINWALL" (circumcised skinwall below)