Schwalbe Ultremo R

I've had a chance to put about 500 miles on my Schwalbe Ultremo R tire. It has been a really good tire so far. A part from one pinch-flat, I haven't had any problems with it. It has excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. I put it though a good test a few weeks ago when I raced 40 miles (with some fast descents) in the rain on it. Not once did it ever feel loose.


One interesting thing about this tire is that... get this... it actually weighs what the claimed weight says. I know there is always variation in tire weights, but mine weighed exactly what was printed on the box (180 grams). I'll post an update in the future after I put more miles it so see how long of a life I get out of it, but so far it looks to be wearing at an average rate.

Salsa Ala Carte

Here is my new Salsa Ala Carte. Alan down at Velomech helped be put together a really nice build for it. I'm not sure how I am going to adjust to the full-rigid setup after coming from a cushy full-suspension, so we'll see how long it lasts this way. Salsa makes some really nice frames and this one is no exception. Using temper platinum tubing, this steel ride should feel nice. I went with the ZTR Flow wheels because they are nice and wide and will work well with the big tires I like.