Big Apple HS 338

Suspension included. The Big Apple began the Balloonbike trend back in 2001. Comfortable cycling without the need for expensive technology. At the time it was a revolutionary idea. Today it is a growing trend and there are now a large selection of Balloonbikes with everything designed around the Big Apple.

BIG APPLE LITESKIN. Feather light Balloonbike comfort. Depending upon size the LiteSkin version is ca. 150 to 200 g lighter than a conventional Big Apple tire. The weight reduction has been made possible using folding tire technology and the specially light LiteSkin side wall. There is no reduction in puncture protection!

Folding Bead LiteSkin

Art.No. ETRTO SIZE Performance Colour Compound PSI Weight EPI Load Tube Price Add
11617338 55-406

20 x 2.15

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 20-55 505 g 67 100 kg 7 $52.85
11632239 50-559

26 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 30-70 630 g 67 125 kg 13, 14 $58.35
11632339 55-559

26 x 2.15

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 20-55 675 g 67 145 kg 13, 14 $58.35
11633439 60-559

26 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 20-55 710 g 67 150 kg 13, 14 $58.35
11652338 50-622

29 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 30-70 700 g 67 150 kg 19, 19A $64.15
11653939 60-622

29 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex SpeedGrip 20-55 790 g 67 160 kg 19, 19A $69.95

Wire Bead

Art.No. ETRTO SIZE Performance Colour Compound PSI Weight EPI Load Tube Price Add
11103538 50-203

12 x 2.00

Puncture Protection Reflex SBC 20-55 325 g 24 70 kg 1 $27.15
11105538 50-254

14 x 2.00

Puncture Protection Reflex SBC 20-55 360 g 24 70 kg 2A $27.15
11107838 50-305

16 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 30-70 405 g 67 80 kg 3 $38.85
11111338 50-355

18 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 50-85 495 g 67 80 kg 5 $38.85
11117838 50-406

20 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 30-70 530 g 67 85 kg 7 $38.85
11118839 60-406

20 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 20-55 650 g 67 110 kg 7 $38.85
11126838 50-507

24 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 30-70 705 g 67 100 kg 10 $40.75
11127338 60-507

24 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 20-55 825 g 67 135 kg 10, 10D $40.75
11132838 50-559

26 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 30-70 790 g 67 125 kg 13, 14 $44.65
11133038 55-559

26 x 2.15

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 20-55 850 g 67 145 kg 13,, 14 $44.65
11133838 60-559

26 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 20-55 895 g 67 150 kg 13, 14 $44.65
11152838 50-622

29 x 2.00

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 30-70 885 g 67 150 kg 19 $44.65
11154838 60-622

29 x 2.35

KevlarGuard Reflex Allround 20-55 995 g 67 160 kg 19 $44.65

50/406

I recently built a custom 76 schwinn 20''stingray. The tire rides great, smooth, soft, grips on the wet asphalt well and looks great. Peopele realy notice the tread on that tire and that reflective strip realy adds to look of the bike. Thinking about a set for the 559's going on the 3spd build.

Big Apple 26 x 2.50?

Will there be a Big Apple available in a 2.50 width?

55 - 622

When will 700 x 55 Big Apples tires be available ?
You have the 3 sizes in 559 : 26 x 2 / 26 x 2.15 / 26 x 2.35 .
Let's have the 700 x 2.15 in both wire bead & Lite skin.
The 700 x 2.3 doesn't fit the ATLANTIS bike rear wheel without rubbing the chainstay.
And the 700 x 2.0 is too small & doesn't have enough air-volume for the suspension effect.
My bike calls for 700 x 55 max , from the Rivendell manufacturer.
Hope to get this size this summer !
Thanks for the super job on the best Tubes !

Availability time for 55-406 Liteskins

Schwalbe support, any idea when this one will be available? Ready to order new tires for my recumbent tandem, but would love to order this one at the same time.... it's the only Liteskin showing as Not available

New B.A. size needed.

Those riding Rivendell ATLANTIS bikes find the 700 x 50 too small & the 700 x 60 too wide, as it sometimes rubs the chainstay.
700 x 55 is the Manufactures max recommendation & 60mm fenders would fit better also.

650b

Would love to see a 650b Big Apple! Is one coming?

Scary tires ... (?)

The 26 x 2 Big Apple tires came stock on my Koga Miyata Vector. In two occasions I fell totally unexpectedly. I attribute this to the slick tire:
-1- Black ice: not even that slippery, but there was no warning. All of a sudden the bike just slipped.
-2- Mudd on the road: Same totally 'out of the blue' complete loss of traction, even when going straight.

The puncture performance also needs improvement. After about 3000 km, the rear tire has several large slots from sharp stones / glass. I've had numerous flats already. My commute is about 60% road, 40% off-road (sand with some gravel).

Treads

The Schwalbe info states that the Big Apples have maximum grip on pavement.
The Marathon tires are your perfect answer for 3000kms use on sand /gravel / & pavement.

scary?

sounds like you need to improve your handling skills! people depend on their machines too much. you have a responsibility to control yourself in life. don't leave common sense to the tires.

Skill bypass?

Riding a bicycle does take a certain degree of skill and balance regardless of tire choice. Perhaps a recumbent tricycle might be more appropriate for your skill/balance capabilities.

Your running a "slick tire"!!!!

These tires are great! I've run them on my commuter bike for the last 2 years with out a single problem or flat. Sounds like you need a tire with a little tread or you are expecting a slick to somehow grip like a tire with tread.

Big Apple 2.15 LiteSkin - New and great.Spread the word!

I installed the 2.15 Big Apple's LiteSkin version on my folding bike (20 inch wheels). I used to have 2.0's on it before, which were OK, but nothing special.

So how does it feel to go from 2.0 to 2.15? Well, in short, it feels like riding a new bike. I never understood what all the hoopla surrounding the BA's was all about, although I was riding the 2.0's that came with my folding bike from the start and experimented with various pressures to find that sweet spot. Yes, the ride was definitely smoother than on Kojak's or Stelvio's, but not so amazing that it was worth drooling over. I still felt every bump and pothole that NYC is littered with and was a bit skeptical of the whole balloon bike idea.

The 2.15's have converted me! I rode home from work last night and paid special attention to the now familiar pot holes and other road imperfections that made my commute a pain. The ride is really, noticeably, significantly better than on the 2.0's. So good in fact, that I didn't notice some of the old trouble spots I rode over in the past and the more significant ones, were greatly smoothed out. Anyone living in a city with crappy roads and commuting over less than perfect road conditions, should have these. It's worth the investment! At $52.85 a piece, they are not cheap, but again, it really transforms the ride, so if you are on the fence about buying these...fall off it and do it!

I stumbled across these 2.15's pretty much by coincidence, while checking over the choices on Schwalbe's website. They only come in LiteSkin version, which is a fair bit lighter than the "regular", non-folding tire. The claim is that the LiteSkins retain the same puncture protection...let's hope it's true! At least the Kevlar is still in them, so I am hopeful. I basically went from a 50mm to a 55mm tire and saved 50 grams. Not bad! Ok the weight saving is irrelevant at this level, even for weight weenies I should think, but going to a bigger tire and not adding weight is great.

I put a call in to Schwalbe before ordering these and they confirmed that they are a new addition to their line-up and were introduced, since the jump from 2.0 to 2.35 was too big and people were asking for an option in between. Good job! At least in the US, the 2.15's are only available in the LiteSkin version, although on the international site, they show regular wire bead's in 2.15 as well, although I don't know why anyone would want them (assuming the puncture protection claim is really accurate). Given the novelty factor, I wouldn't be surprised to be one of the first to be testing these :)

Oh yes, last but not least, they look really cool too. The logo is just much better than on the 2.0's...and 2.35's for that matter!

I can only imagine what 2.35's must feel like...sadly not possible to install on my folder, but I am very happy with what I have.

Confusing

It's very hard to believe that such a small change in tyre size would have that much of an impact on ride quality. Do they look much larger on the bike? Perhaps it's also something to do with the folding compound? I'm running 20 x 2 BAs on my Dahon and though I keep them very soft and they do soak up some vibration I still get bone-jolted whenever I encounter even small potholes and road imperfections. I was assuming there'd be no point in switching to 2.15 but from what you've said there certainly is.

Not so confusing

To start with, the 2.0's aren't really 2.0, but about 1.8. I've made some measurements and the 2.15's are much closer to the 2.15 mark. The final dimensions will depend in part on your rim width. The added air volume just makes it noticeably different. You can definitely feel it. You can see the difference in the tires and they definitely look fatter than the 2.0's. If you go to Dahon's forum and put in 2.15 into the search feature under Upgrades, you'll find my post about the whole experience and pictures as well. 2.0's really don't make much sense on a folder or at all as far as the balloon bike concept goes. If you are going to get fat tires, might as well get the fatest. I think all folders should come with minimum 2.15's, but preferably 2.35's.

Cross Country, from Atlantic to Pacific coast, sheer delight!

I used Big Apple tires 50-622 (28'-2.00') on the TransAm trail. It proved one of the best choices I made. I pumped them to about 3.5 bar. My bike had no suspensed front fork, yet always felt comfortable due to the tire suspension. At about 3/4 of the trail I exchanged my front tire, that showed still very little wear, with the back one. Arriving at the Pacific coast, after 4200 miles on one set of tires, I had only had one flat. Great job, Schwalbe!

Big Apple 2.35 with are better then rear suspension

I tried Big Apples 26 inch 2.35 width on my hard tail mountain bike and on a tandem.

(Only on the rear so far, as I think my behind can take less shock then my hands. But I might put the stuff up on the front too.)

Just AMAZING

Stoker does not complain any more on worst cobble stone that used to wreck her behind and spine with other tires. On my hard tail, I also comfortably glide over cobblestones

The lighter snake skin kevlar bead version should roll more easily. It seems to me that the BA has not much rolling resistance even at low pressure

22 lbs is amazing, but up to 30 lbs suspension effect is great.

Notice that BA balloons in all directions, they are not only wider but higher too. On my tandem they will not fit with higher pressure then 30 lbs, this is funny but actually ok, I can forsake the high pressure stuff

Read up about high pressure and 19 mm rims, I think you should run them under 50 lbs always

If you cannot fit the 2.35 and need to go down to 2.0, consider marathon supreme with a little less balloon effect but even lighter rolling and overall a better tire.

Oh, I put 20x2.0 on my bikefriday (New World Tourist). To still allow folding I had to change the quick releases to OnGuard locking skewers to get more clearance. Now I will see if I can fit the 2.35 width in there, but most likely not. But with low pressure maybe things can fold even when normally they would not fit any more (need to try this still)

Liteskin 55-406 ETA?

Hey,

Do you have a US ETA on the Liteskin 55-406 Big Apple Liteskin (11617338) from the Schwalbe International site?

how to get a 29 x 2.35 folding bead liteskin Big Apple?

when are the 29 x 2.35 Big Apple folding beads going to be available??

I have been trying to get hold of them for a couple of months now to go on my FS 29er...

quite frustrated

I've been enjoying my 29 x 2.35 folding bead BAs since Mar/Apr.

A friend ordered some for his 26er and received the 29s by mistake, but decided to keep them around for when he got a 29er. I was looking for an urban tire for my 29er and he gave them to me. I was getting at least 1 flat every 100 miles with WTB knobbies and knock on wood, haven't had one with my BAs in approximately 6,000 miles. Just bought a second pair for my 26er!

big apple vs. Holy Roller

Can anyone compare their Big Apples with Maxis Holy Rollers?

Whizzer motorbike and Big Apples?

After searching around the Big Apple looks like a good choice for a Whizzer. Is it tough enough to handle 40mph with a gross weight of 290 pounds?

Go for it

I have run the 26x2.35 and 26x2 BA's on an electric bike capable of 40 mph sustained for over 1200 miles and am still alive. I blasted a rim on a pothole - I did not break a spoke but just bent the rim and had the brake contact the sidewall for about ten miles. It did not wear through but it is being replaced (with the folding 60-559). Otherwise I have had the rear go flat a couple times but I have slime in the tube and just air it up a couple times and it stops leaking. I understand the use of sealants is verboten but it does not seem to have caused any problems. My gross weight is about the same so I would say go for it.

Big Apple LiteSkin in North America?

When do you expect these to be available at the retail level in North America - specifically in the 26" sizes? - Thanks

Big Apple Size for a Batavus Personal Delivery Bike

Hi I have a Batavus Personal Delivery Bike with 26x1.75 tires there seems to be enough room for at least the 26x2.00 Big Apple, but I'm wondering if I could fit one of the larger sizes? Thanks!

I presume this is similar to my Torker Cargo T, if not ignore...

... the message. If you do not have caliper brakes, I assume you could go up to 2.35" without trouble. As my Torker come with a roller brake front and coaster brake rear, I presume your Batavus is the same. Has anyone actually tried these tire on a Batavus or Torker Cargo-T?

Measure to be sure

Look on the tech info pages on tire dimensions for clearance and size info on the BA. Most bikes can't handle the extra size of a 60mm BA so you need to measure to make sure. http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/tire_dimensions

349s Please!

There are a lot of Catrike, Terra Trike etc. people that will snap up 50-349 Big Apples the week they hit the market. Please we need this tire!

Big Apple Data

I found it here, on their global website.

http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/bicycle/tour_city/produktgruppe/produkt/?...

Hope that helps.

Missing Data - please post chart for 'speed, grip, puncture, du'

How come the Big Apple tyres don't have the same data chart that every other Schwalbe tyre seems to on this website? Where is the relative data for Speed, Grip, Puncture Protection and Durability?

Please post this on the website.

p.s. Seems to me that the Big Apple is an awesome tyre for so many uses. I'm planning to get a 29 x 2.35 version for my dual suspension mountain bike for fast, light trail and some road riding (with predictable drift). Seems like it would be great tyre to keep innovating on (eg some of the Marathon Supreme Triple Nano Compound technology, etc)

any news on the 349 size?

like when can we start ordering 'em?

Tikit holders want the 349 BA's

Bike Friday is selling Tikits as fast as they can make them! Please oh please give us the Big Apple liteskins so we can tour happy!
I can assure you there will be a better market for this size than many of the other you make....

you won’t be able to fit

you won't be able to fit them on the bike.

Big Apple

Could the LiteSkin 29x 2.00 be used tubeless?

Electric Bike

I am using the 26x2.35 Big Apple on an electric bike capable of 40MPH sustained speed for perhaps 20 miles at a stretch. Am I about to die?

2.35 inch width for a 29er

Please make the Supermotos or the Big Apples in a 2.35 width for a 29er bike for all road touring. Please also make them lighter, and with the Triple Nano Compound.

Thanks

650B BIG APPLES!

With lots of 650B coversions on the road, and new 650B mountain bikes coming on line ("27.5"), when might we expect some 50mm and 60mm Big Apples in this wonderful size?

request

I notice that KHE has a kevlar bead 55-406 tire rated to 120 psi. A kevlar bead Big Apple rated at 120 would be my dream tire, especially if it were available in 60-406 and 60-622. (I ride a recumbent that uses both sizes.) Maybe next year? I know you can do it!

Re: 120psi request

That sort of defeats the very purpose of a balloon tire. It wouldn't be a BA anymore if it were as hard as a rock.

349's

Please produce the BA in the 349 size. There are a bunch of us waiting for it.

rims

Is there a wide 349 rim to go with the tire?

Right!

All these people clamoring for BAs in 349 size are going to try putting them on their 16-18mm wide flimsy rims. You will have to run them at very, very low pressure and then risk stability problems. Schwalbe even goes out of its way to say not to ever run BAs on 16mm rims. Schwalbe already made the mistake of making a 355 BA (you will be lucky to find a 15mm rim there). Requesters should be harping on the rim manufacturers for 25mm wide 349 rims, then Schwalbe will listen.

349!

Used on the Tikit and the Brompton, Catrike and other recumbents. Please!

349's

There is a rather large crowd of Catrike people just waiting for the BA in 349 diameter. We can't use the 355's because no one is drilling the 355 rims with 32 holes for our hubs these days.

Yes, Please, produce a 349,

Yes, Please, produce a 349, maybe even a LiteSkin in both 349 and 406.

other sizes

Any plans on a 349 ?

622 x 60mm BA's

It took me 4 decades to learn that the iRide Suspension Fork , & the Manitou $400 air/coil/& oil...is nowhere near the original simplicity & ease of suspension adjustment (by changing tire pressure) that we enjoy in the Schwalbe Big Apples !

The Rivendell Atlantis Frames easily use 50 & 60mm tires.
After about $9,000 in high end complicated modern bikes , i have happily retired to a new 1950's bike !
It is so easy to enjoy the cemetery roads in complete comfort @ 25psi ; & then enjoy another days ride blast of passing a roadbike with 7/8" tires hard as cement ! And all i had to do was inflate the BA's to 50lbs. The Brooks saddle springs take care of the 230lb discomfort well.
If the road guy ever asks me how do i go so fast so effortlessly, i'll tell him about the 180mm cranks/ widest pedals / hollow pin chain/ total XT / & Dyad rims...along with bikeshoes without cleats.
I'm still scared on fast corners though. It may take next summer to fix that. And then , Look out Lance !

excellent work tire

I built a heavy cargo trike five years ago, and when deciding on 20" (406) tires I saw the ad about the Big Apples and how they could be run at a lower psi but with little to no rolling resistance penalty. Having used Schwalbe tires on other bikes I decided to believe the hype and was not disappointed - they ended up being the perfect choice! If you ever need to carry a load in a trailer or cargo vehicle I cannot recommend these more highly.

The original 50mm width tires have worn down a fair bit and have been transferred to one of my trailers, and new 60mm were installed on the trike this past summer, and all is still well. I use this machine on a regular basis to move my drums around (I'm a pro musician) as well as whatever else needs moving (I don't own a car), and the tires have been great, with only one flat the entire time. See my website http://drumbent.com/trike.html or blog posts (such as http://drumbent.blogspot.com/2007/05/house-move-by-pedal-power.html).

Great work Schwalbe!

Mark

selecting the right tube

Could Team Schwalbe recommend a Presta valve tube for the Wire Bead 29 x 2.35 (11154838)? Thanks!

Tube selection

Please use Schwalbe Tube SV 19 (10430343) or SV 19A (10430943)
www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/tubes/presta_valve-40_mm

Team Schwalbe

When do you anticipate

When do you anticipate getting the LiteSkin versions in stock?