New Tires for Bruiser

It took me about 30 minutes to change both tires. 

(I've done this before)

The handy dandy tire tool for prying the tire on and off the rim

Once you get the old tire off the bike, the next step is to remove the tube. I opted to keep the tubes I had, rather than replace them. They aren't real old, never been patched, and I keep new tubes on the bike at all times. If it fails, then I just replace the tube. 

(Again, may take just a few minutes, you know, done it before)

Insertion of the tube in the new tire

You see, the tires on this old mountain bike were the original tires that came with the bike. And I can't even tell you how old the bike is, for sure. But, I'm thinking it's about 20 years old, early 90's era. It was time to replace the tires. 

New tires are a Specialized Crossroads (puncture resistant, too)

These new tires have a less aggressive tread pattern. A little better for road and light trail riding because there is less "rolling resistance". 

(Love that term)

The other advantage for road riding is that these tires are capable of higher psi's, up to 80 psi. I had been running 40-45 psi, even a little less if I was on a trail. I can still dial down the psi for a trail, but the higher psi will be an advantage for the road. Again, less "rolling resistance".

Side by side, old and new

It was almost dark when I finished up, so I just did a quick spin down the street and back to check out the ride. Felt good!  Will do a longer ride this next weekend, and hopefully some longer rides next week. Tax season is almost over and I'm hoping to do some riding (motorized and non-motorized) next week after the 15th of April.
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Ride On and carpe diem, my good friends!
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