Recumbent - Your favorite recumbent tires.

What are your favorite tires for your recumbent?

Mine are Primo Racer's. I run a 1.25" wide on my 20" front wheel & 0.879" on my 26" rear wheel.

When I bought my 'bent 5 years ago Primo's were on it. After they wore out I tried the Kenda Kwest for recumbents. They sucked big time, had all kinds of problems with them, switched back to the Primo's. Last year I decided to try the Continental's. The front had a sidewall blow out so I switched back to the Primo on the front. Still have the Continental on the rear. When I replace it next year I will switch back to the Primo as well, haven't noticed any major differance in performance, the Continentals just cost over twice as much.

The Primo's are very durable & stable. Never had them blow out on the sides, they are sharp object resistant, good tread pattern which offers good traction in cornering, etc. I prefere a wider front for more stability as my 'bent is a SWB. Both the front & rear hold 100 psi.

What are you favorite recumbent tires? Why? Have you tried anything differant, regretted it & switched back as I did? How many times? It took me twice to learn if it isn't broke don't fix it.

The Primo's are very durable & stable. Never had them blow out...

My Linear Mach III came with 406/37 and 349/37 Primo Comets, when I purchased it in late Aug. During the first 2 months of use, the 406 on the rear blew out half a dozen times, all from punctures except one, which was a "Mr Tuffy bite". In desperation I tried to stem the punctures with Mr Tuffy and got let down by that, too. I was lucky to get 20-25 miles between blowouts. I replaced the 406 with a Kevlar Comet at the beginning of Nov and haven't had any more blowouts in the back since, although I have to admit I haven't ridden much due to foul weather. But I have definitely ridden more than 20-25 miles! The 349 on the front held up much better, primarily because there's not much weight on it. But even it went flat towards the beginning of Dec and I replaced it with a Kevlar Marathon. I'm truly hoping to get better results with the kevlar tires. If not, I'll try the new Schwalbe Vectran.

Michael

I like Primo Racers too. I have them on my Formula 26, and have had no blowouts so far (knock on wood). The front tire has a few small cuts that I'm keeping an eye on, but so far they've been durable even though I ride on some rough terrain not meant for skinny racing tires; gravel and potholes, etc.

I forgot to mention the Primo Racers & comets come in both tan & black sidewalls. I prefere black, I think it looks sexier & sleeker on my bike. What color do you prefere if you have a choice?

I have the Primo Comet kevlars on my trike and like them just fine but the next set will be a Schwalbe Marathon of some sort (probably the Racers). Only problem I've had with the Comets is that they are not very cut-resistent. I've had glass trapped between the casing and the rubber which eventually wore through the kevlar and into the tube. I also have some nasty cuts on the rear tire that makes me nervous. Comets are thin and fast and a great value but for touring I'd be a little leary of them.

Blackwall with the reflective stripes rule!

I've got Kenda Kwests on my EZ Sport. There's been no real problem with them. I did put tire liners in them cause I hate fixing flats. Haven't had a flat since I put those in.
On my trike, I've got Marathon Slicks. I didn't have any problems for the first 1700 miles and then had three flats due to bits of steel belts left from car tires. After that my next flat was at 2800 miles. It was then I noticed a cracking of the side wall down to the cords next to the rim. I replaced two of them and still have one on the trike at 3100 miles. The thing is, the tread(which there is very little of) showed almost no wear. If I change tires it will be because either they quit making them(rumor has they have) or I will try to find some tires that are just as tough while riding softer.

My LWB came with Kwena Kwests. I got tired of flats, though and put on an Armadillo on the back 26 " tire but couldn't get one for the front 20 inch tire. Put on a Schwalbe Marathon on the front. Since I did that I haven't had a flat in 3000 miles! Great tires.

My Rans F5 came with Kenda's, but, after spending too much time on the road fixing flats, I switched to Continental Grand Prix - haven't had a flat since. My Street Machine came with Schwalbe Marathon's. I like these a lot: 3500 miles and only one slow leak. They are 1.5 in tires but inflate to 100 psi. When I use up the Continental's (I bought several at a Nashbar closeout special) I expect to switch to Schwalbe for the Rans.

I am new to the recumbent scene and bought an EZ Sport in August. It came with the Kenda Kwests tires also. I had a flat 10 miles from the house and installed tire liners when I got home. I have over 1600 miles on them so far with only the 1 flat. They seem like pretty good tires. I would like to know what problems you encountered with them 'N_C' so I can be ready for them.

I am not ready for new tires yet, so I will follow this thread to see what I should buy when it is time. I would like to know how many miles you guys usually get out of these bent tires. I rode a mountain bike before getting my bent and they usually dry rotted before I wore them out. I ride so much now I don't think that is going to happen while riding a bent. ME LOVE BENTS!

I am new to the recumbent scene and bought an EZ Sport in August. It came with the Kenda Kwests tires also. I had a flat 10 miles from the house and installed tire liners when I got home. I have over 1600 miles on them so far with only the 1 flat. They seem like pretty good tires. I would like to know what problems you encountered with them 'N_C' so I can be ready for them.

I am not ready for new tires yet, so I will follow this thread to see what I should buy when it is time. I would like to know how many miles you guys usually get out of these bent tires. I rode a mountain bike before getting my bent and they usually dry rotted before I wore them out. I ride so much now I don't think that is going to happen while riding a bent. ME LOVE BENTS!

Keep in mind this was about 4 yrs ago & had not had the bike for very long. They may have improved the design of the tires since then. The side walls were very thin & simply blew out on both the front & rear within a day of one another. Got warrenty replacements once for them, it happened again so I said screw it. My LBS let me do another warrenty replacement but back to the Primo's.

The size of the Kenda Kwest's I was running on both wheel were 1.5" wide & they were rated at 100 psi. The reason I switched to the Kenda's was because they were wider but held as much air as the Primo's. At this time I was having too many crashes & part of the problem was me controlling the bike & feeling stable. I figured the wider tires would give me more of a platform to ride on. They did, but not for very long. I just had to learn how to ride on the narrower Primo's.

I have never had an issue with the Primo's. They are just a good tire for recumbents.

My V2 came with the Primo Comets and plastic Wellgo pedals. I considered both of them throwaways. The Primos flatted twice in the first ten miles (in town) and it took about a half hour to get them off the Alex DA rims. But they were fast and light and very low cost.

I dumped them and went for the Vred. S-lick. I really like them for wet weather and carrying loads, and they come off the rims far easier than the Comets.

Then somebody turned me on to the Schwalbe Stelvio. They are very fast and inflate to 120 lbs. I dumped the Alex rims for Aerospokes (not for speed, for strength) and the Stelvios go on and off without tools. Sweet! Best thing, and here is a tip for all who have a 406 front rim, Schwalbe makes a one inch tube for the 406 that is actually 406, not a one-size-fits-all that also fits a 451. They mark it as 20 x 1-1/8 (usually a sign that it is 451) but it is a true 406.

Tom

Just got a set of 3 1/2's for Tigger!
Moster trike tires with flames for tread pattern!

AaaaWwSsoome.., Dude!:D

I'm another Primo fan. I've used them on the front of my V-Rex for years, and have started using them on the back, and sometimes on the front, of my Baron. For 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of a Continental, they last longer, give a nice ride, and the difference in speed is imperceptible. I've only had one puncture flat ever, and that was in the rain. They seem to pick up small cuts, but the cuts are always limited to the rubber and never affect the cord. I just wish Primo would make one in 28x406; then I'd use it all the time on the front of my Baron.

My bent, which I brought second hand, originally came with some worn Verdstein S-Licks 1.35 tyres on it. After about 1000km of riding one of the tyres suffered a delamination failure. I have now put a cheap Chin-shen 1.75 tyre on the back. The extra volume and lower pressure reduces jarring and road shocks from the rougher roads I ride. I have had numerous punctures (I am now on my 3rd set of tubes), all which were from broken glass.

I haven't had been riding recumbents long enough to try other tyres.

My bent, which I brought second hand, originally came with some worn Verdstein S-Licks 1.35 tyres on it. After about 1000km of riding one of the tyres suffered a delamination failure. I have now put a cheap Chin-shen 1.75 tyre on the back. The extra volume and lower pressure reduces jarring and road shocks from the rougher roads I ride. I have had numerous punctures (I am now on my 3rd set of tubes), all which were from broken glass.

I haven't had been riding recumbents long enough to try other tyres.

Try the Primo's, you won't be sorry. I recommend this one: http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=983919237 for the front & this one: http://www.hostelshoppe.com/cgi-bin/readitem.pl?Accessory=983914157 for the rear. that is if you have a 20" on the front & a 26" for the rear.

I am not saying you have to buy them from Hostel Shoppe. Just showing you the information about them.

My Rotator Pursuit is a dual 406 with a light front end and I have used 4 Comet Primos and 2 Stelvios in 15kmi of riding. I use the Stelvios in the front only (~25mm width) and the Comets in the rear (~28mm or so wide) with kevlar banding on the Comets. I get usually 4kmi+ from the rear Comets but the the first Stelvio, on the front, had a side wall ripout at the bead after perhaps 3kmi. Tread was still very good as to be expected from a front tire. Lost one Comet (kevlar belt!?) when I ran over a square headed bolt and punched a nice rectangular hole through the entire tread/belt/carcass and tube. Makes me wonder about whether there is kevlar and Kevlar(TM).

lol - Kevlar is supposed to make a tire more resistant to punctures, but it doesn't make the tire invulnerable. In my experience, the belt doesn't seem to make any difference at all in puncture resistance, either; so YMMV.

I have had a Rotator Pursuit, Challenge Hurricane, Hurricane SL, Volae Club, and now riding a P38. I think favorite tires vary somewhat with what you are riding and frame material. I personally like a tire that is reasonably flat resistant, and one that has flexible sidewalls. Having said that I am now using Schwalbe Marathon Racers for the winter on my bike. Comfortable and fast enough.
For 406's I like the Greenspeed Scorcher Kevlar.
650's, Michelin Pro Race 2 in the 25 version or the Terry Tellus 650-28 on the rear.
For the 700's, Schwalbe Marathon racer or the the Gommitalia 23.
Bruce
P38

lol - Kevlar is supposed to make a tire more resistant to punctures, but it doesn't make the tire invulnerable.
+1!
I have a Greenspeed GTX that came w/Schwalbe Marathon Kevlar tires, Mr. Tuffy tire liners AND Slime in the tube. So what happened?

The tire casing separated from the bead!:eek:

The $1 bill fix got me down the mountain and back to my car.;)

4000 miles on my original Kenda Kwest 26 and 20 inch 100 psi tires on my heavy Bigha recumbent and not one flat. Been over glass, steel belts from discarded car tires and off road rocky paths-they are amazing!!!

I love my big apple 2" tires. I have a Maxarya CLWB, 16" wheel front, 20" rear. I run 35psi front, 45 rear. I cannot believe how much shock absorption effect I get from these tires, much more than from the shock itself. And even at the low pressures I run they have very low rolling resistance.

Currently Marathon Racers, Marathon Slicks and Scorcher TR's. Also used Stelvios and liked them. The Scorchers provide my wife's trike with a combination of good ride and low rolling resistance. Put many decent miles on Kenda Kwests though they were glass and metal magnets.

Michelin Pro Race 2-3 and Conti GP 4000 black chili!, 700c

This thread almost two years old and I still love my Marathon Slicks(which they no longer make in 20"). They're really durable and roll nicely. I just found a place that had 5 more and bought them all. I should be able to get through next year now with these. After that it back to experimenting again.

This thread almost two years old and I still love my Marathon Slicks(which they no longer make in 20"). They're really durable and roll nicely. I just found a place that had 5 more and bought them all. I should be able to get through next year now with these. After that it back to experimenting again.

Sounds like you're a candidate for Schwalbe Kojaks (http://www.schwalbetires.com/kojak). Local riders seem to like them.

I've currently got Continental tires on the back and Schwalbe Stelvios on the front of our Gold Rushs. With the demise of the 451 Stelvio, I'll be crossing my fingers on the Durano (http://www.schwalbetires.com/durano). I may try something different, though- maybe the Maxxis DHT (http://www.danscomp.com/442049.php) or the Intense Micro Knobby (http://www.danscomp.com/442157.php).

Yet another vote for Primo Racers. If my bike had enuf room to run 26x1.25's with fenders (d**n those 650c highracers anyway), that'd be my tire of choice. Fast, smooth, good cornering, durable and cheap. Doesn't get much better in my book.

As it is I'm stuck with Conti Gatorskins (faster but not quite as smooth-riding) or Schwalbe Stelvios (harsher riding, slower and more expensive).

SP

Schwalbe Marathon Plus (great tire for trikes)

Sounds like you're a candidate for Schwalbe Kojaks (http://www.schwalbetires.com/kojak). Local riders seem to like them.
.

Tried 'em. They roll well. Grip good on pavement. Soft ride when not at maximum preasure. However, they are not long lasting. Had a pair on the front of my trike. Got a small puncture flat on one. About 200 miles later the tire blew out in that area. Fortunately I wasn't riding at the time. Inspecting the tire I found the small puncture which had been fixed near the cord failure. Miles on that tire was about 1100. The cords simply failed and destoryed a good tube with it. The other tire lasted to about 1400 miles before I could see the cords. I didn't have a flat on the that one. Also it's one expensive tire at about $45.

Anybody know the Primo web address?

Sounds like you're a candidate for Schwalbe Kojaks (http://www.schwalbetires.com/kojak). Local riders seem to like them.


I've been very pleased with mine so far on my commuter :)

My V-Rex came to me with mismatched tires, a Tioga in the front and a Specialized Nimbus in the rear, both with some life left. Once they're worn down I'm thinking of replacing both with the Vredestein Perfect Moiree. They're about $20 each, have a reflective sidewall, and are supposed to be pretty puncture proof. I don't know about their rolling resistance.

Has anyone tried the Marathon Plus? I know they are very heavy, but seems like they don't flat. Opinions from anyone that uses them?

My trike shipped with Kenda Kwest 20 x 1.5 all around and I had nothing but headaches with them. Constantly got flats which was a major pain 20 miles from home.

Last year I replaced them with Marathon Slicks. I'll probably be replacing those with the same next year. I've never tried the Marathon Plus.

Last year I replaced them with Marathon Slicks. I'll probably be replacing those with the same next year. I've never tried the Marathon Plus.

I hope you can. These tires aren't made anymore. :mad:

I run a 26X1.5 Soecialized Armadillo on the back, with a 20X1.35 Marathon Plus on the front. If I go skinny on the back, it will be a Continental Ultra Gatorskin.

try Schwalbe Marathon Plus. kinda heavy, but almost bulletproof. Or get a BMX (110 psi) tire on the 20"

I have a Conti Top Touring 2000 (26x 1.75) on the rear and a Schwalbe Big Apple (20x1.95) on the front of my EX Sport AX. Fatties for a more comfortable ride. bk

I've ranted about this on other postes, but oh well one last time. Everything below is in 406mm

Schwalbe Marathon: (Old ones HS308 with Kevlar). Never had any trouble, thousands of KM, few punctures.

Schwalbe Marathon: (New ones HS368 with Kevlar). Were such a disaster on my last expedition that I never want to use them again. Punctures, broken beads. grrrrrr. See my diary and Beijiingtoparis.com

Schwalbe Marathon Plus: Heavy, slow, but had only one puncture, and that was through the side.

Kenda Kwest 100psi: Using them at the moment. Fast, but a bit slippery. No special confidence in their puncture resistance. Exploded (really, there were bits of rubber 2m away) when used in combination with tyre liners. They are very cheap though, and fast.

Continental sport contact (New, with Kevlar): Have them in the shed right now. Look most intreaguing. Not confident about durability. Would really like continental travel contact, but they don't exist in 406mm. Had great success with 559mm version of travel contact.

Tioga comp pool. Loads of punctures, short life.

Vittoria Randoneur 40-406. Not available in Australia, but look like a potential rival to the marathon plus. (slow and robust).


So until something better comes along, I'm going to use the continental sport contacts, and carry a folding schwalbe stelvio as a spare. And use inner tube sealant.

My recommendation is to buy smooth or slick tires. I hate the noise from tires with treads and there is no need to have a tire with treads unless you are off road or in deep snow.

Regarding the Continental Sport Contact:

I bought two when they came out, they seemed to work well at first, so I bought three more. So far, I've had sidewall blowouts on two and a third was becoming 'comfortably worn' when I got a blowout in the center of the tread. The rubber delaminated for about 6 inches and then I quickly (without me knowing it was happening) wore through the casing. The tire looked fine at the beginning of the 45 mile ride and was dead 30 miles later. I can't remember the last time I've needed a ride home, but I'll remember this one.

My inspection has shown that the reflective tape around the sidewalls (which I hate anyway) stiffens the sidewall in the middle, so it concentrates the flexing onto a spot between the tape and the bead. This flexing actually breaks the cord. all of my new tires were already cracked to the cord, even before they were mounted for the first time. If you use these tires, I recommend pulling the reflective tape off immediately and running them *above* stated pressure to minimize sidewall flex; maybe that way you'll get a relatively normal life out of the tires. It's what I've done, and probably why my third failure wasn't another sidewall blowout. Is it just me or do all Continentals die of sidewall failure before they wear out?

I have one Sport Contact mounted and one more brand new one. I'll use them up; and if they fail prematurely, I may try a Kenda Kwest next. Sport Contacts seem to last better than Stelvios for me, but I'm still not happy with them.

I have four JTB (side-by-side bent bikes) with 16 wheels in total... riding for 12 years and tried many different tires. Like the Primo V-Monster best but they no longer make a 1.5X26, only the 1.5X20.

Tried the Kenda Quest... ride like rocks and very difficult to mount. Switched to Primo Comets... like them a lot. Now have a set of Maxxis Detonators on one bike... like them too.

Thanks Blazing Pedals for the comment re the sport contacts. I usually carry a pressure guage, so will be keeping them at 85psi (the rated maximum). You and I seem to have slightly different version "sport contacts". Mine were made in India, and have no reflective tape.

I've just noticed Schwalbe have put out a fancy new tyre called a "duro plus". Looks interesting, they claim it lasts for ages, and there is none of that pointless tread of the marathon plus. But as usual not available in 406mm though :(

I use a Primo Comet on the rear - 26 x 1.5 - great tire.
Would recommend to anyone. 100 PSI max.

I have a Kenda Kwest on the front (less stress) 20 x 1.5 - still rolling.

My favourite tyre on my commuting bent is the Marathon Plus. It's slow heavy and virtually bombproof (Just like the rest of the bike). I don't even bother to carry a pump.

On my RANS I had Primo Comets in the 1.5x20 size and will get them again. I like the wider tyre for the shock absorption on our horrible chip sealed roads. I got about 4000km out of the rear and over 5000km out of the front before they got too worn and cut and were puncturing all the time.

The forum favorites seem to be Schwalbe, Continental, Primo.
However, when my Kenda Kwest blew out big time, I went to all the bike shops and picked their brains.
The best bike shops recommended Specialized Armadillos.
I compared the Specialized construction to the Schwalbe, Continental, Primo.
I was very impressed.
If you want a solid, well constructed tire, it's worth a look.
And compared to my Kenda Kwest, the ride on the Armadillo is very smooth and solid feeling.
Also, if you get a flat, you get a free tube replacement.

I am a schwalbe fan. I am using Schwalbe Durano's on my raptobike.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3435471807_181d9e5d94.jpg

I used Schwalbe marathons on my Trike for years and love that Schwalbe makes it so easy to find the tire you want, they carry tires for every size I have ever wanted (406, 451, 520, 559, 571, 622). When dealing with more common tires (571,622) there are other options but I still love Schwalbe.

Here, durability and comfort seem to be the two highest considerations in evaluating tires.

I am planning for a 100 mile trip on my bent. If that goes well, I will plan for a 225 mile trip. If that goes well, I may consider longer trips. So I am also interested in durability and comfort. I will have to replace the tires I'm using now. So I have carefully noted the tires with which posters seem to be pleased.

I understand Schwalbe tires are designed in Germany and made in Indonesia. (world's 3rd largest democracy). If you know the country(ies) of origin of the other tire brands, I'd be interested in knowing.

Hah! Another resurrected thread! Thanks Iconoclast.

I expect reasonable durability, but I want a fast tire that doesn't fall apart in a thousand miles. I generally get 3000-3500 miles to a tire, which is OK for a racing tire; but would be considered short-lived to some of you. Comfort? OK, a distant third on my priority list.

I use Primo Comet Kevlars. 1.5" wide front and rear (26-20 wheeled 'bent). In the winter I switch the rear to a Bontrager Satellite Hardcase. I like the Comets but they are little more susceptible to flats when riding in the rainy winters here. Once those little glass shards on the road get wet they will eventually slice their way through the Comets. When I check the Bontrager after a winter ride there will be many little pieces of glass stuck in them but no flats. I leave the Comet on the front all winter, since it is fairly loaded and I only run it at 70 psi.

I've just switched to a Kojak (26x1.35) on the rear of my V-Rex. So far so good - it rides smoother and with more comfort at 95 psi than the old Specialized Nimbus did at 80.