Warchild
Benevolent Dictator
I am finding that for me, the Avon Storms are possibly the best tire I have ever mounted on any bike.
Just last night, I mounted up a fresh set of Storms (even though I had just done this 2 weeks before). I had approximately 6000 miles on the first set of Storms, and the rear still had a good 800-ish miles remaining. (I depart for another 3000-mile run tonight after sundown, so I had to mount new Storms before departing).
After running them for several months now, here are a few observations on the new Avon Storms:
- the tread pattern is measurably different from the Azaros; the classic low-speed "walking" sensation the Azaros afforded are a thing of the past.
- I didn't think Avon could improve much on the dry grip of the Azaros... but they did! The Storms are beyond awesome in grip and feedback.
- Still haven't found any rain to ride these Storms through yet, but I suspect the wet grip is at least as good as the Azaros, which was already outstanding.
- FRONT TIRE: now, here, I was a little surprised.... this is the first time I ever recall a front tire wearing in an absolutely, positively *even* rate. When I dismounted that front Storm with 6000 miles on it, the tire profile was as perfect as the new Storm I was about to mount. Not a hint of any scalloping, cupping, uneven wear, etc. And the tread was barely halfway to the wear indicators. Amazing.
- BALANCING: in the a number of folks have complained over the amount of weight it sometimes took to balance the Azaros (rears, in particular). I found these Storms (both sets, so far) to be pretty damned balanced right off the shelf. The first set took 5g and 15g (front & rear, respectively); the second set took 10g and 10g (front & rear, respectively). I don't think one can argue all that much against these numbers.
All the above having been said.... this doesn't mean you'll necessarily experience all the same things with these new Avons, because these were my observations under my riding conditions, my riding style, my bike set-up, etc, etc.
But it is another data point to consider.... B)
Just last night, I mounted up a fresh set of Storms (even though I had just done this 2 weeks before). I had approximately 6000 miles on the first set of Storms, and the rear still had a good 800-ish miles remaining. (I depart for another 3000-mile run tonight after sundown, so I had to mount new Storms before departing).
After running them for several months now, here are a few observations on the new Avon Storms:
- the tread pattern is measurably different from the Azaros; the classic low-speed "walking" sensation the Azaros afforded are a thing of the past.
- I didn't think Avon could improve much on the dry grip of the Azaros... but they did! The Storms are beyond awesome in grip and feedback.
- Still haven't found any rain to ride these Storms through yet, but I suspect the wet grip is at least as good as the Azaros, which was already outstanding.
- FRONT TIRE: now, here, I was a little surprised.... this is the first time I ever recall a front tire wearing in an absolutely, positively *even* rate. When I dismounted that front Storm with 6000 miles on it, the tire profile was as perfect as the new Storm I was about to mount. Not a hint of any scalloping, cupping, uneven wear, etc. And the tread was barely halfway to the wear indicators. Amazing.
- BALANCING: in the a number of folks have complained over the amount of weight it sometimes took to balance the Azaros (rears, in particular). I found these Storms (both sets, so far) to be pretty damned balanced right off the shelf. The first set took 5g and 15g (front & rear, respectively); the second set took 10g and 10g (front & rear, respectively). I don't think one can argue all that much against these numbers.
All the above having been said.... this doesn't mean you'll necessarily experience all the same things with these new Avons, because these were my observations under my riding conditions, my riding style, my bike set-up, etc, etc.
But it is another data point to consider.... B)
