Schwalbe Blizzard

Price Paid:  $0.00 at Friends Garage

Favorite Ride:
Any when I am on my bike

Bike Setup:
2007 Schwinn Fastback Comp
Ritchey WCS seatpost & stem upgrades

Summary:
When I bought my bike the Schwalbe Blizzard tire was already installed. I road for about 150 miles on it and the tire itself had maybe another 100 miles previous to my purchasing of the bike. After the 250 miles however, I have had 3 flat tubes in a matter of 3 weeks. There is plenty of tread left on the tire itself however on normal street conditions, this tire does not hold up to the normal wear and tear. It may be a fluke, I don't know. I weigh about 200 lbs and am very mindful of broken glass and other sharp objects that may make up end up changing you tube or walking home. All in all, not too impressed. How is that for honesty?

Strengths:
There is rubber between your rim and the road.

Weaknesses:
Performance, longevity, reliability.

Similar Products Used:
Continental Ultra Race (hold up very well)

Price Paid:  $22.00 at Fietsen Vandenberge

Bike Setup:
Giacomelli Titanos with Dura Ace
Easton Circuit wheels

Summary:
Schwalbe Blizzard is a basic sport racing tyre. You can choose amongst different colors. It's structure contains a Kevlar layer to prevent puncture. I used it for several months, in several weather conditions. The Schwalbe Blizzard tyre can handle pressure up to 8 bar. That's not a lie: my inner tube ánd Schwalbe Blizzard tyre both exploded at 8.5 bar. So be careful! It's grip in dry weather conditions is quite good, as good as you expect from a basic tyre at least. It's puncture resistance and lifetime are very good. Glass, sharp stones,... nothing this tyre can't handle... So far, I would recommend it as a training tyre. However, in rainy conditions, on wet roads the grip decreases extremely. The tyre starts slipping during cornering or braking, even at low speeds (10~15 mph). During a descent of a small hill, it became very dangerous! While taking a turn, I noticed I couldn't take the turn sharp enough due to extremely low grip! I had to brake, but I couldn't because my tyre hadn't enough grip so I would start slipping and smash on the ground. I had to ride straight forward in a land to come to a halt..

Strengths:
Good (basic) grip in dry conditions
Roll resistance is not too bad
Very good puncture resistance
Long lifetime
Not expensive

Weaknesses:
Extremely bad grip in rainy conditions!
Don't exceed the pressure limit (8bar) or the tyre will explode

Similar Products Used:
Continental Grand Prix 3000