So I've purchased new tires for my bike this season.  I've never actually bought new tires before, so this was an educational experience.

Introducing the Specialized Crossroads Armadillo

Come to think of it, I've never actually owned a new bike.  Everything I've ridden over the years has been purchased used.  So I guess I could splurge on some new tires, right?

I'm currently riding an early 1990s Giant Iguana mountain bike that I bought used from the adventure trip folks at Phantom Ranch back in 1996.  Over time I've probably replaced almost every element on the thing… crank, seat, handlebars, cables, etc.  (At one point, I fractured both my arms while riding it, but that's another story.)  Sure, I should probably get a new bike with a better fit, but other priorities always come up.

Steve and his bike last summer

As we finally put winter and cold weather behind us, one thing that really brings me joy is the ability to ride my bike.  Last year, Amy and I really hunkered down to eliminate our student loans and other outstanding debt, thus bike repair wasn't really in the cards.  But this season we got our bikes tuned up and repaired… and I shopped for new tires.

My old tires were bald!

Why did I need new tires?  Well, I had wore the tread off my rear tire… and the front tire didn't look that much better.  They were bald.  This pretty much provided zero traction, not to mention lost grip in wet conditions.  And don't even get me started on running on dirt or gravel.  It was time for something new!

Amy & I typically ride on paved paths here in the city, though last year we ventured into some off-road trail riding and really enjoyed that.  Ever since we purchased our condo, we've stored our bikes at my parent's house, about 15 minutes away.  They have more room and are closer to the Forest Preserve North Branch Trail, thus it makes practical sense.  However, this summer I'm experimenting with keeping my bike here at our condo so I can pull off quick "urban" rides over lunch or after work with frequency.

Multi-terrain tread for city streets & unpaved trails

If I was sticking with paved path riding, I probably would have gone with more of a slick, flat tire for less friction on the ground.  However, since I was thinking about riding 60% paved/40% dirt, I wanted a tire that could handle both rather well.

Based on reviews and other recommendations, my hunt pointed me to the Specialized Crossroads Armadillo tire.  It has a flat tread in the middle, but also traction nubs on the side for off-road grip.  It's still a pretty big tire with a 26 x 1.95 size, and it's not-entirely light.  However, it is Kevlar-reinforced for better puncture resistance, which is great for city environments.  These new tires also use a much higher air pressure at 75-100 p.s.i. vs. my old tires at 40-65 p.s.i.

Armadillo is Specialized's Kevlar-reinforced brand

Our local bike shop, Rudy's Cycle, turned me on to the Kevlar option.  In fact, Rudy himself explained the advantages/disadvantages, which was quite helpful.  Also, here's a unique piece of trivia… Rudy's is mentioned in the 2000's romantic comedy, Return to Me.  It's where David Duchovny buys a bike for Minnie Driver — although he mentions it's on Addison St. in the film, while it's really on Irving Park Road (Director Bonnie Hunt corrects this in the commentary).  And now you know!

Foursquare Check-In reveals it's time to ride again!

Anyway, since Specialized only sells their tires directly from the company online, or via authorized dealers, I tracked down a local shop that had them… Kozy's.  Even better, I bought a Groupon that saved me some bucks as well.

Got the tires put on my bike last week and I've taken a couple of test rides in our neighborhood.  I'm liking them quite a bit.  Hurray for traction!