Touring - Tire width questions

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1-track-mind
08-30-07, 06:53 AM
I'm planning on a weeklong trip, probably 2/3 paved ,1/3 gravel pulling a suspension bob trailer with a 29er full suspension MTB. I've narrowed my tire choices down to:
Maxxis Crossmark or Nano Raptor (both 2" wide)
or a couple of narrower tires,
Panaracer T-serv @ 700x 35
Schwalbe Marathon Cross @ 700x38
Rims are Salsa Delgados.
I think any of these would work but I'm torn between narrow and wide.
Is there a noticeable difference regarding rolling resistance ?


truman
08-30-07, 07:25 AM
I also ride a 29er. I wore out a set of Nano's and I'm currently rolling 38mm Marathon Crosses on Delgados. The Crosses roll a bit better on pavement, but the Nano's ruled in gravel. When the gravel starts gettting looses gets loose, the Crosses tend to dig in, where the Nano's float a bit. They both have a max pressure of 60psi. The Nano's corner a bit better on pavement and much better in gravel. Both are a loose fit on Delgados - as in the tire will fall off the rim while you're mounting it. If you go with Nano's, know that there have been quite a few issues with the Kevlar-beaded ones, mine included. Steel bead is the real bead, for Nano's.

It's a bit of a push for the ride you're describing, but I've gotta give the advantage to the Nano's. Hope this helps. Where's your tour happening?

1-track-mind
08-30-07, 07:57 AM
Thanks, that's good info. I've used Nanos too, and liked the way they rolled on singletrack but never pulled a trailer with them. I thought the sidewalls were pretty weak. Unless the Marathons are noticeably faster on pavement, I'll probably opt for the wider tire.
I'll either be riding in Va/WV or Vermont.


truman
08-30-07, 08:40 AM
The marathons are a 'little' faster on pavement, but they're quite a bit slower in gravel. And kinda squirrely in turns on either surface.

I never had an issue with the Nano sidewall, riding some pretty rocky trails, but I grant that they seem thin.