Posted by: Vikb
Posted by: taprider
But. No one has defended Minions yet ;-)
I've done rides to the trails/back on 29 x 2.6" DHF/DHR with an insert in the rear tire. Pavement/gravel sections varied from 20kms to 40kms. No problems at all. I thought they'd suck and expected the first ride to the trails to be the last, but nope it was fine and I just kept rolling. I've got a few hundred Minion road KMs now and I don't give it a second thought.
Although if I am heading out with folks on gravel bikes I grab my bike that has 29 x 2.8" Rekons on it, but then we aren't going to do any real shredding. ;-)
The gas supply issue hasn't affected us as we drive very infrequently. I put ~2,800kms on my truck in the last 12 months less the driving I did for the move to Comox. The most horde-y thing I've done recently was buy a 12 pack of Mr. Noodles and a complete Shimano 11 speed drivetrain. I figure between the two that should solve a lot of potential problems!
I ride from Lower Lonsdale to Seymour or Fromme occasionally and also don't find the Minions (DHF 2.5, DHR2 2.4) to be a huge issue. It's more the additional climbing and the car traffic that withholds me from doing it more often. A few years ago I spent a month in New Zealand where I often rode from my accommodation to the trails and never perceived the tires as an issue for the road commute.
Also @Vikb, off-topic but I would be interested to hear why you moved to Comox (and from where) and how you are liking it. We are thinking about a change of scenery and after having visited a few times this year we are "Comox-curious". Seems like a great place to live and a good base for the surrounding area which we really like. We'll probably try to spend some more time there next year but in the meantime curious to hear your thoughts.