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Schwalbe Big Apple Tires
November 18, 2009
I have never been to New York, but I imagine the Big Apple would be a nice tire to get me there and show me the sites. Schwalbe seems to be the one company that is constantly providing innovation for bicycle tires. No the Big Apple is not new, it has been around since 2001, but looking at this tire you may think what is the difference between this and the Marathon? The difference is BIG.
On the street the Schwalbe Big Apple roles over bumps like you have a front suspension with an inch of travel. The tire absorbs the bumps, while your rolling remains smooth. Even pumped to the maximum 70 PSI this tire felt plush. Taking it from the smooth asphalt to bumpy gravel roads this tire still performs. Even on simple single track the Big Apple feels nice. This would be my tire of choice for utilitarian commuter or world tour bike.
The Big Apple has the reflective sidewall that is typical of many Schwalbe commuter tires. I have gotten used to this, now that I have Schwalbes on all my bikes. It is a nice feature to have and I no longer have to have cheap plastic reflectors on my spokes.
The Big Apple is a strange mix as far as tires go. For a 2 inch wide tire it seems to offer a heck of a lot of cushioning. It has the feel of an old school cruiser tire. A little slow, but extremely comfortable. After riding it for 2 months on my commute that seems to take me past fresh broken glass every day, I have still not had a flat. They are not big on puncture protection, but you do not really have to worry about a small random piece working its way in.
All in all it is hard to say no to the Schwalbe Big Apple as tire. It works on so many levels that the slight draw back of rolling a little slow doesn't really matter. Unless you are looking for a purely fast tire, get the Big Apple. It is light weight, cushy and will get you where you need to go.
Price: $59 USD
Details: A great tire that can do double duty in the city, touring or even a little light trail
Pros: Great puncture protection, nice and wide
Cons: Slow, lots of resistance for a "slick" tire
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Schwalbe
Reviewed by: Ryan