Easiest Rolling Tire For My Vado 3.0

[Extreme1]

My wife and I each have Vados and love them. We’ve started doing some longer organized rides where we need to be efficient with the battery by turning the power on and off during the ride to get the most mileage.

A couple weeks ago someone on here mentioned getting rid of the tiny knobby tires that came on the bikes, and getting an easier rolling smooth tire. Anyone know the name of them? I can’t find my earlier post.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What is the size of your existing tyre?

 

[Extreme1]

Hi Stefan, they are 700 x 47c. There isn’t much room inside the fenders for larger tires, so I’ll probably need the same size or smaller. Also, what does the “c” mean?

 

[Mr. Coffee]

That "47" is the width of the tire in mm, so those tires are just short of two inches wide.

 

[PSm]

Hi Stefan, they are 700 x 47c. There isn’t much room inside the fenders for larger tires, so I’ll probably need the same size or smaller. Also, what does the “c” mean?

Depends on your intended road conditions, but going to smoother tires can make a big difference in reducing your rolling resistance (making pedaling easier). My favorite site for tire comparisons, and an example of a possible better option for you is:

Continental Contact Urban Rolling Resistance Review

Rolling resistance and puncture resistance review of a Continental Contact Urban touring bike tire. Also includes detailed weight and size measurements

www.bicyclerollingresistance.com

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Hi Stefan, they are 700 x 47c. There isn’t much room inside the fenders for larger tires, so I’ll probably need the same size or smaller. Also, what does the “c” mean?

@Extreme1: 700x47c is 28x1.85". "c" is added in the French tire size system and has no practical meaning.

I ride a Vado 6.0. It has the same frame and the same wheels as your Vado 3.0, and it also has the same fenders. Specialized Electrak 2.0 (Armadillo with Gripton Compound) are designed for Vado 6.0. The size is 51-622, which is 700x51c or so-called 29x2". These tyres are the best thing ever designed for the Vado on 700c wheels. They are almost slick, grippy, supple and extremely fast rolling. They are also puncture resistant.

The problem is you might not trust me these tyres would fit your Vado I wouldn't believe it either if not the fact my 2017 Vado 5.0, the predecessor to Vado 6.0 came equipped with Electraks...

A wet Electrak in real life.

Electraks on my Vado, last Saturday, a forest & gravel ride.

Electraks on my Vado, yesterday (Sunday). A 105 km gravel group ride. They look tight but there's still clearance to the fenders!

 

[bobf]

You might also consider the Hatcher Pass tire from Rene Herse. Width is 48mm. Very supple tire.

 

[Extreme1]

Thanks for the advice guys!