Touring - For real now: Poll

Choose your favorite allround touring tyre;

Gee-why limit yourself to 6 brands, 2 of which aren't even sold here in the states? What about Panaracers?

schwalbe marathon streaks away

sorry, but no preference here I'm afraid

SJSC did a whole load of rolling tests etc on all the major brands of tyres available

The results are here

http://www.sjscycles.com/26solobrochure2002/tyrereviewtable.pdf

For more info

http://www.sjscycles.com/26solobrochure2002 and then click 'next' a few times

I haven't used any of the tires mentioned above.

Thanks Brains,

There`s some good info

I have been using the Specialized Nimbus Armadillo's for commuting the past couple of years. I can tell you these tires are virtually flat proof. I don't know if they would be the best touring tire, but if you would prefer not to change flats, go with the Armidillo's.

Originally posted by Steele-Bike
I have been using the Specialized Nimbus Armadillo's for commuting the past couple of years. I can tell you these tires are virtually flat proof. I don't know if they would be the best touring tire, but if you would prefer not to change flats, go with the Armidillo's.

I second that. Use the same tires on my commuter, no flats yet (knock on wood).

PBW

I use Armadillos for commuting and they are bomb proof, but very heavy. I think that is what you want for touring - when you are travelling at a steady speed the extra weight wont hurt. For commuting I think lighter tires like Panaracers are better for all the slowing down and accelerating for urban intersections.

Fo' real now yo'! Yo', thought dis' post gots a new title yo'! For real though now yo'...

Fo' real now yo'! Yo', thought dis' post gots a new title yo'! For real though now yo'... :p


thanks for the replys, guys

On my last tour, i had Michelin cyclocross sprint on the rear and a wildgripper rock on the front.
I was suprised by performance, even in the snow it was good riding for a non- studded tire.
But as all Michelins, they are pain in the @ss to replace compared to other brands.
No more Michelin for me, but either one of these

Specialized Hemisphere Armadillo
Schwalbe Marathon XR

Both have a bombproof reputation, both are allround, the only thing i need is some detailed info about the Specialized, i can`t find it on their website!

Can someone tell me if the Specialized comes with a folding bead, reflective strip and in size 26 . 1.75 ?

thanks,

My favorite touring tire is whatever one the bike shop is selling at a decent, honest price! Do these different tires you folks try really make a difference? How so? durability? riding ease? performance in wet weather?

roughstuff

Originally posted by Roughstuff
My favorite touring tire is whatever one the bike shop is selling at a decent, honest price! Do these different tires you folks try really make a difference? How so? durability? riding ease? performance in wet weather?

roughstuff

Yes, Yes and Yes

Have a read through the SJSC link in one of the messages above, they have scored the top 30 selling touring tires by all of these things and many more.

Although the tests are subjective, some of the Panaracer tires (or even 'tyres' for those in the USA) come out in front of the rest.

If you do over 1,000 miles PA or do a two week trip once a year then it's worth investing in decent tires, and not just getting what the LBS is selling cheap this week

I had one Armadillo that held up well, but my second one flatted twice in a few hundred miles then refused to stay hooked on the rim after 500 miles. I won't be trying a third.

Except for the Marathon XR (which is available with kevlar bead in some sizes), none of your selection are true folding tires... Kevlar beads are very useful in touring when you want to carry a spare tire.

I've used Panaracer Pasela TourGuards myself and have been very pleased with them. They're kevlar belted (for puncture resistance) and kevlar beaded (as an option, folds real compact) and don't cost much. On mostly asphalted roads with a loaded touring bike I've found that the rear tire will last about 6,000 kms, while the front one will last some 12,000 kms. You can start out with wire beaded panaracers installed on your wheels and carry a kevlar beaded one as spare....

Outside of industrialized countries, where roads are typically pretty bad, I would use the marathon XR tires (thicker rubber and more aggressive thread).... Install wire beaded tires on the wheels and carry a kevlar beaded one as spare....

Tyres are the most cost-effective upgrade you can make. A good set of tyres will cost $20 over a poor set, but will let you ride faster, safer and more reliably. I dont think there is anywhere else on the bike where $20 makes such a difference.
I use Paselas and some Vredenstreins for commuting, and Conti TT for touring.
I have real trouble finding quality inner tubes for mid-range touring tyres (28-32mm). My cheapo ones need pumping up every week.

I agree with the previous post.
I just replaced a cheap set of 700X28 with Hutchinson Excel Kevlar. I removed my Tuffy strips as a test of the kevlar. The ride is significantly better. Still early, less than 100 miles, for a complete evaluation, but the ride is better.
Steve<><

I've been using the Specialized Armadillos without any flat problems. But they are one heavy mother!