Touring - Tire Sizes, 700x???

Hey there. I'm touring in Europe this summer and wondering which tire sizes will be the best for my bike. But here's the hitch...I have a road bike, a Trek 2300. As a result, what size will carry the load (mainly on the rear) the best while still producing a comfortable, yet fast ride? Also, I'm looking at getting either the Conti Top Contacts or Schwalbe Supremes or Pluses. Any suggestions? Thanks for your advice.

Cheers,

Bal

PS. Here's a picture of my bike (in non-touring form)
http://www.sitecenter.dk/from/nss-folder/scrapbog/DSCF1432.JPG

You'll be very limited to how large a tire you can use do to the tight clearances on your frame. If you are lucky you might be able to get a 28 to work, but most likely you'll be limited to a 25.

Are you planning to use the stock wheels? What about a rack?

Well I put on an Old Man Mountain Sherpa rear rack and switched my Rolf Vector Comp wheels for a set of Mavic Opens. I hope that they will do the trick. But I'm now trying to find some good tires. http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_365%20SHIUL1.jpg

Well I put on an Old Man Mountain Sherpa rear rack and switched my Rolf Vector Comp wheels for a set of Mavic Opens. I hope that they will do the trick. But I'm now trying to find some good tires. http://www.pricepoint.com/images/styleImages/D_365%20SHIUL1.jpg
Do you have any idea of the maximum tire size which will fit in your frame? Tires from the Schwalbe Marathon line are very good for touring.

Well although I didn't find a direct match to my specific wheels, I found that the largest tire both the Mavic Open Sport and Open Pro can handle is a 700x28 becuase that's the largest size they list on charts regarding tire pressure and size. Thanks.

Well although I didn't find a direct match to my specific wheels, I found that the largest tire both the Mavic Open Sport and Open Pro can handle is a 700x28 becuase that's the largest size they list on charts regarding tire pressure and size. Thanks.

But the frame/fork, what's the largest they can take? That is the outstanding question.

(By the way, nice looking bike in its current form!)

I'm more skeptical of hanging too much weight on a pair of seat stays designed for racing than I am of the wheels/tires.

I commute on Michelin Krylion Carbon 700x25c's and love them. One road flat and two trail flats in around 6000 miles. They're a half millimeter or so bigger than the smaller 28's and I have yet to find a road frame they won't fit in but the clearance is often minimal. I'm only 160 lbs. but I've also had zero problems touring with them on 32 spoke ultegra/open pros with 25 lbs. on the rear rack. BTW, make sure those wheels are really well tensioned. My ultralight touring has added up to a few hundred miles and it sounds like you're out to do quite a bit more.

Well although I didn't find a direct match to my specific wheels, I found that the largest tire both the Mavic Open Sport and Open Pro can handle is a 700x28 becuase that's the largest size they list on charts regarding tire pressure and size. Thanks.
My wife has been running 700x37 on her Open Pros for years with no problems whatsoever.

I'm more skeptical of hanging too much weight on a pair of seat stays designed for racing than I am of the wheels/tires.

I commute on Michelin Krylion Carbon 700x25c's and love them. One road flat and two trail flats in around 6000 miles. They're a half millimeter or so bigger than the smaller 28's and I have yet to find a road frame they won't fit in but the clearance is often minimal. I'm only 160 lbs. but I've also had zero problems touring with them on 32 spoke ultegra/open pros with 25 lbs. on the rear rack. BTW, make sure those wheels are really well tensioned. My ultralight touring has added up to a few hundred miles and it sounds like you're out to do quite a bit more.

well i'm not even 150 lbs and will probably have about 50 lbs of gear (max) for my fully-loaded tour this summer. also, the rack has not given me any grief and i've done some riding with a similar amount of wieght. the rack utilizes the quick release and then the seat stays with some heavy-duty U clamps. and yeah, i'm planning on putting on about 1500 miles this summer, but on hopefully mild roads. if it matters, i'll be using a pair or Arkel GT-54s. anyway, thanks for your advice. and please keep 'em coming. btw, here's a pic (not mine) of the rack attached to a bike:
http://www.oldmanmountain.com/images/shr_gall3.jpg

^^^

Do you already have the rack? If not, look at the Tubus QR mounting brackets, they put the rack further back, reducing the chance of heal strike.

http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Fit%20Solutions/FIT%20SOLUTIONS%20PAGE.htm
http://www.thetouringstore.com/TUBUS/Fit%20Solutions/Adpt%20No%207.jpg

well i already bought the rack and panniers. this is what they actually look like on my bike (sorry for the poor quality). i've had no problems with foot-strikes and find the rack to be extremely durable, well-attached, yet simple. however, i don't have my Mavic Open Pros and other bags on the bike in this photo. it's coming soon.
http://a981.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/14/l_021a52c512a3ba23a7f7fe2187415094.jpg

You max tyre size will most likely be one of the narrower 28mm or wider 25mm. I use a Schwalbe Marathon 28mm (not the Plus version) and it runds very wide, closer to a traditional 32mm size. It is OK with my long drop calipers but you will need a narrower size.
50lbs is a heavy load, esp on the rear of a race bike. Your panniers place the load quite far back over the rear axle (because of your short chainstays). Do you have anything to counterbalance the front? You may find the bike becoming very skittish and rearing up on steep climbs.
Check out some of the front rack solutions including small Nitto racks at Rivendell. You may be able to strap your tent to the front.

50lbs is a heavy load, esp on the rear of a race bike. Your panniers place the load quite far back over the rear axle (because of your short chainstays). Do you have anything to counterbalance the front? You may find the bike becoming very skittish and rearing up on steep climbs.
Check out some of the front rack solutions including small Nitto racks at Rivendell. You may be able to strap your tent to the front.
unfortunately, i did already ponder the idea of having a front rack, but had to nix the idea because my front fork is carbon. however, i will have a handlebar bag where I can put heavier items like some tools. also, my friend will be the one carrying the tent and the stove, i'll just have my own gear. furthermore, i've done about 28mph down curving hills and the bike felt surprisingly stable, and on climbs and accelerating, i only notice the rear weight when i'm out of the saddle as i'll experience a little wobble, but nothing too bad, yet. thanks for all the advice.

bal

Actually that is a pretty nice looking setup and the heavier duty wheels and tires will increase your capacity significantly. I would be cautious with too much weight in a handlebar bag - no tools! - the location can have a significant adverse effect on handling - better to use it only for your snacks, camera, wallet, etc. Put the tools in the bottom of your panniers. From personal experience I would also suggest trying to get the weight on your rear rack (panniers plus gear) down to 40lbs. Over the long haul it will give you more stability, more speed and better reliability.

Thanks for all your help...just to help clarify things, my current set-up is my Trek 2300 with the Mavic Open-Pro wheels. For my gear, I have the Old Man Mountain Sherpa rear rack holding my Arkel GT-54 panniers. I also have the Ortlieb Ultimate 5 Plus Medium handlebar bag and the medium Ortlieb Rack Pack as well. I don't know if that helps any, but here ya'll go. Thanks again.

bal