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review
Tyres
Geax Roadster 26x1.5 tyreGeax Roadster 26x1.5 tyre

Geax Roadster 26x1.5 tyre

8
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jun 3, 2009

0
£16.99

VERDICT:

8
10
A great four seasons do-it-all tyre, but needs bedding in.
Weight: 
650g
Contact: 
www.upgradebikes.co.uk
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The Geax (Pronounced Gee-Axe) Roadster would be a dependable choice for commuters and tourists seeking a mile munching, durable and above all fast rolling tyre. Made from an Aramid three polymer compound designed for high mileage and puncture resistance, the Roadster look wider than their 40mm profile suggests but they’re the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, with good rolling and grip characteristics.

They’ve been a breeze to get aboard most rims. Some deeper sections required gentle assistance from a tyre lever but nothing likely to induce grazed knuckles or agricultural language. While the tread pattern is a fairly good indicator, the directional arrows and recommended pressure inscriptions proved tricky to find.

On the subject of pressures the recommended range between 30 and 75psi seems unusually low but inflated to their maximum they enjoy remarkably low rolling resistance. From the off they accelerate very quickly, requiring less effort than similar rubber I've tried, and they climb a lot faster than their portly 650g would suggest.

For the first eighty miles or so handling felt a little skittish - especially in the wet - but they rapidly became extremely dependable all weather companions. Comfort is excellent, offering welcome cushioning over rough roads and lumpy lanes alike and while they're designed for asphalt they’ll cope with some light dry trail riding.

Puncture resistance seems on a par with, if not better than, most and I can well believe reports I've heard of them resisting thorns and tacks even with worn carcasses. If you’re looking to blast along full pelt all day then go for a narrower slick but if you need fast, comfortable and dependable four seasons’ rubber these won’t disappoint.

Verdict

A great four seasons do-it-all tyre, but needs bedding in.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Geax Roadster 26x1.5 tyre

Size tested: n/a

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Roadster are MTB slicks with a 1.5 inch (40mm) profile, with wire beads and three polymer construction-great for commuting, touring and generic asphalt duties

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Aramid three polymer construction is designed to combine puncture protection and low rolling resistance and long life. Wire bead contributes to the weight and isn't quite so good for touring.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Surprisingly swift-especially given the weight and 40mm width.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Should last a very long time-great for high mileages.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10

650g each

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Very comfortable over all surfaces-1.5 inches cushions against most road imperfections

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very, very well, although needs bedding in-roughly 80 miles before I'd trust them in the wet.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Low rolling and puncture resistance.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 35  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

urban
tyres
Roadster
road tyres
Geax
26x1.5
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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