Folding Bikes - tire rec needed - 20x1.5

Whoops! My coworker noticed the actual steel threads showing thru my worn-out tire (and a nice tire bulge to go with it). Luckily I didn't blow out the tire while going 35mph down the hill this morning! So I need to get new tires pronto, either at my local store (I think they carry primarily Continental) or fedexed from somewhere. Any recommendations?

Here is what I have / looking for.
Downtube NS - has 20 x 1.5 (40-406) Kenda Kwests, about 2000 miles on them, 60 psi.

Desire: Same or higher pressure (75-100 psi) would be nice. Same or similar width. Decent flat protection. My commute is 8.5 miles round trip, including 2 miles of potholed city street, and one steep hill where I hit 35mph for about 1/2 mile. I don't care about rough ride with the non-suspension, I've been fine so far.

Marathon 40/406
Marathon Racer 40/406
Kojak 35/406
Greenspeed Scorcher TR 40/406
Marathon Plus 35-406
S-Lick 37/406
Top Touring 2000 37/406

lotsa tires here including the brand new 09 models

http://www.thorusa.com/dahon/accessories/tires.htm#stelvio


Thanks Thor

update: the bike shop I go to carries Marathon Racer so I'll likely go with that tire. That's what I have on my other bike (hybrid - Giant Cypress) & happy with them so far.

I might only replace the one rear tire though, the front looks like it has lots of life left. I've never rotated bike tires.

Tyre rotation is a good idea on small wheeled bikes. I eat through rear tyres at an alarming rate and swop them over a couple of times to increase their longevity.

Regarding tire rotation ... Sheldon says it is a no-no. But we all live by our own rational risks.

update: the bike shop I go to carries Marathon Racer so I'll likely go with that tire. That's what I have on my other bike (hybrid - Giant Cypress) & happy with them so far.

I might only replace the one rear tire though, the front looks like it has lots of life left. I've never rotated bike tires.

I like the Marathon Racers. After much thought, I am pretty much set on getting another pair before the next riding season.

Regarding tire rotation ... Sheldon says it is a no-no. But we all live by our own rational risks.

The trick is not to swop badly worn rears for fronts - I don't.

Aside from the inconvenience, what's wrong with replacing the rear tire every 1500 miles and the front one every 2500-3000 (assuming it lasts that long)? Potentially there might be different "skid" characteristics between the wear of the front and rear, and the aesthetics of a perfectly matched pair.

I know on a car the left/right match is important for handling, but that doesn't apply to a bike.

While shopping for 700C tires for my full-size bike, I stumbled upon the fact that the Vredestein "Perfect Moiree" comes in 20x1.3 and 20x1.75 sizes. They're a bit heavy for their size, but then they're spec'ed as heavy-duty urban commuting tires. Interesting to see if anyone has tried them on a folder:

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pvrmoi/vredestein_perfect_moiree/pp.htm

http://www.calhouncycle.com/ProductCart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1431

Continental Grand Prix is a good tyre.

...I eat through rear tyres at an alarming rate....



That is one thing I don't like about small wheel bikes - and the small tires aren't any cheaper than the big ones either.

Marathon Racers have been the most enjoyable tire i've tried around that size.

Marathon Racers came standard on my Mu P8, but I flatted several times in the first 3 months (lots of debris on the shoulders here in Wellington). Switched to Marathons and no flats since (1 year and counting). The Racers are noticeably lighter/quicker, but I needed more puncture protection.

I'm running Marathon Plus on my touring bike, and no flats on those in 2 years of riding, but they're heavier still.

So for me, the Marathon seems to be the sweet spot for commuting. Hope this helps.

I have a pair of cheap -$15 bucks each Odyssey frequency G's. at 100psi I can feel every crack in the pavement. They make a skinwall version at a slightly higher price. Lotsa grip, excellent wear. You can try them and throw them away at this price!http://www.danscomp.com/444110.php

Aside from the inconvenience, what's wrong with replacing the rear tire every 1500 miles and the front one every 2500-3000 (assuming it lasts that long)? Potentially there might be different "skid" characteristics between the wear of the front and rear, and the aesthetics of a perfectly matched pair.

I know on a car the left/right match is important for handling, but that doesn't apply to a bike.

The short description is that your front tire on a bicycle is waaaaaaay more important and should always have your best tire on it.

I stumbled on the Continental Contacts (http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcocos/continental_contact_tire/pp.htm)and am thinking of buying them. A few scattered posters mentioned intending to purchase them but didn't see much follow up.

Does anybody have an opinion as to which is a better commuting tire, it or the Marathon?

Thanks!

Nobody mentioned the Marathon Supreme (20x1.6). How do they compare with the Marathons (other than the price difference)?

Kam