Specialized 02 Nimbus Armadillo Tire

Price Paid:  $30.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
My bike(s)

Bike Setup:
Commuter:
Specialized Sirrus Comp
Race Face cranks (46T/34T)
XTR levers and brakes
Mavic Open Pro/Ultegra wheels
Richey SPD's
Terry Fly seat
XT front and rear derailers
SRAM Grip Shift 9.0 shifters

Summary:
These actually came on my commuter bike, a Specialzied Sirrus. When they wore out, I bought another pair. They seemed to do ok, not fantastic. VERY stiff tire, and pretty heavy. I have a pair of Michelin Trans City on my bike now (700x32 vs 700x28 for the Nimbus), and they are faster rolling, better cornering, and a much smoother ride. These tires do have a tread pattern, but at 80psi or above, they absolutely suck in the rain. I have wrecked several times just making very, VERY casual turns, and had the tires just 'swick' right out from under me with no warning at all.

Strengths:
Good flat protection, tread seems to last a decent amount of time.

Weaknesses:
Not as fast as they should be for as stiff as they are. About as useful as a slick in the rain at any sort of PSI. Harsh ride.

Similar Products Used:
Michelin Trans City

Price Paid:  $25.00 at ski & bike (?) Dulut

Bike Setup:
Marin Hybrid

Summary:
This product is for loaded and unloaded touring, and commuting. It works very well every day and does not have to be tended to (supervised). It is not for events where speed or fashion are a requirement, but then neither am I.

While soloing across N.America, I ended up at a bike store in Duluth, Minnesota. My CONTNENTALS ("the gold standard of touring tires") failed me with (1)tread degredation and (1)a bulge in the sidewall. They had provided a comfortable ride but many flats.

I am a fairly large man and I was fully loaded, so the mechanic suggested that I try these Nimbus Armadillos. No, repeat no, flats for the last 2000 miles. I rode some rail trail, lots of trans Canada concrete and deteriorating shoulder, as well as normal commuter stuff. I will be buying a wider pair for my tour in Alaska this summer (some gravel hwy).

I do not relish fixing a flat in bear country or when I could be in camp, fishing, or taking pictures. There are two kinds of adventures, I prefer the second.

Strengths:
wears very well, puncture resistance, handles wet surfaces just fine, functions well at varying range of tire pressures, smooth ride.

Weaknesses:
It is a stiff tire and some riders would prefer a softer ride. There are "faster" tires, though at 100 psi, it rolls along pretty good.

Similar Products Used:
Contintal touring, Vitoria Randanours, Vitoria Couriers

Price Paid:  $30.00 at The Bike Shop Aiea

Favorite Ride:
Commute to Pearl Harbor

Bike Setup:
2005 Gary Fisher 292 29" MTB. Eggbeater pedals, god forsaken creaky Bontrager crankset.

Summary:
I ride to work everyday, rain or shine. You could look for stuff to run over with these tires. Today I had a half inch thorn in the tire. I pulled it out and listened for air escaping. None. I submerged the hole in a puddle, no leaks.

Strengths:
Bulletproof
Confident grip
Will handle the occasional fireroad

Weaknesses:
Rough ride

Similar Products Used:
Continental Gatorskins

Price Paid:  $20.00 at Action Bikes

Favorite Ride:
Down by the Thames

Bike Setup:
Ridgeback Nemesis

Summary:
Cost 20GBP Each

Tyres are excellent. Swapped them out for a pair of Maxxis Xenith's which gave me two flats in just over 100 miles. The ride on these at 90psi (max is 100psi) is harder than the Maxxis, but just as fast.

I do a 20mile round trip around Heathrow every day, and these tyres are the mutt's cluster. I actually ride all the way now without being forced to crouch by the roadside.

Strengths:
Bullet proof. I am pulling the sort of crap out of them that would kill any other tyre I've had. Excellent water displacement.

Weaknesses:
None yet.

Price Paid:  $29.00 at The Rest Stop, Sacra

Favorite Ride:
Oregon coastline, Hwy. 101

Bike Setup:
Bridgestone MB-1 with rear rack and fenders. 8-speed.

Summary:
The Specialized Nimbus tires on my commuter/touring bike are fantastic. Just had a nail go into top. Couldn't penetrate due to Kevlar belt, so it went out the side without any loss of air. I have removed numerous pieces of glass before they've punctured the tube.

Strengths:
Excellent casing on top and sides.
Near perfect puncture protection.
Very good rolling resistance.

Weaknesses:
Higher price than hoped.

Similar Products Used:
Vittoria 26x1.5
Specialized Fatboy 1.5