Utility Cycling - utility/commute tire combo that might work?

it's settled. these Bontrager Comfort Hardcase Tires just simply work against me whether i have some grocery items from Trader Joe's on the back rack or i'm just cruising the pavement. true, they take all abuse but they are abusing me on the hills with their 26x1.95 size.

now will this help me out a bit if i get:

a Michelin Country Rock (26x1.75...i still want to hit gravel and semi-rough terrain on the way to the store) and
a Bontrager Urban Earl (26x2.125...maybe it would be on the front, even with it's large width).

?

i actually wanted to go much skinnier, but if these fly considering their tread design, i'm all for them. mostly good/great reviews.
i've heard both work well on pavement despite their not quite slick aspects. i've read the reviews and all, but how do you think these would work for utility jaunts and occasional hardpack/gravel when i want to just hit a variety of terrains?

set up is the now quite 'decomforted' trek navigator (16.5" frame) with gt mtn seat. comfort is not a goal. efficiency is (in other words, i like to run errands like a messenger...!)

btw, i read on sheldon's site that a bigger front tire is not a bad thing

I really like the Schwalbe Big Apples available in 1.9 or 2.3" widths. They have a rounded peak profile that rolls great but absorbs the bumps too.

thanks cman. that looks like a great tire...a bit pricey, but i will research the reviews of it.

i think my best bet might be just to get two Michelin's....the utility factor of this bike will be 'light' but i would like the best application possible without spreading it too thin. can't expect this to race or descend cliffs. somewhere in between. with a bag of oranges involved...

i still think the two-different-tire scheme is workable...

I really like the Schwalbe Big Apples available in 1.9 or 2.3" widths. They have a rounded peak profile that rolls great but absorbs the bumps too.

I have the 1.9" on my wheels. Great tires. Perfect for both commuting or hauling. +1 on the recommendation.

Don't worry to much about the off road characteristics of a tire. I rode my Big Apples on a 72 mile bike trip that was all gravel and hard pack.

Don't worry to much about the off road characteristics of a tire. I rode my Big Apples on a 72 mile bike trip that was all gravel and hard pack.


but they zip around on asphalt fine as well? even at that width?

but they zip around on asphalt fine as well? even at that width?

Seem so...you can inflate them a pretty wide range too.
http://www.schwalbetires.com/tech_info/rolling_resistance

I have Continental Contacts 700x38c

if i run them at 100psi they just steamroll over everything, if i drop them down to 85psi they are like floating on clouds.

all good. i'll see they are available locally!

but i really think removing these shocks and putting a rigid fork on will make a difference and i can still fly with quality 'fatter' semi-slicks...

but that's the big task. those shocks...

I run 26 by 1.5 Marathons on my longbike... it rides very well under load and is capable of some really good and nearly effortless road speeds.

I also use the same tyres on my commuter / tourer for the same reasons.

"but they zip around on asphalt fine as well? even at that width?"

Surprisingly well. I have big apples on a dummy.

good info all around! thanks.

i actually pushed the legal envelope and slammed these current Bontrager's to 75+ psi ... and it made a nice difference. but they will be replaced in a week or so...

anyone have an experience with the Michelins?

"but they zip around on asphalt fine as well? even at that width?"

Surprisingly well. I have big apples on a dummy.

I love Big Apples.:love: I have them on my Big Dummy, KHS Tandem and on two folding bikes.:D

Pricey yes but as they say you get what you pay for.:speedy:

not planning to put any major loads on this...today i made my first trip to Trader Joe's on the bike...of course, limited to how much i can get (it all fit fine in the back pack). pumped these bontrager comforts up to 80psi...it was an easy, hilly go.

glad to know that 1.5 should hold a load fine.

would (michelin) 1.75 be much of a sacrifice of control and zippiness when i'm not doing chores on the bike and want to hit the road or trail?

Michelin country rock is a good tire. I've ridden on them and I would definitely recommend them for commuting, for riding off-road, for utility biking... just about anything except where you'd want a skinny racing slick, or a full tread MTB tire.

Michelin country rock is a good tire. I've ridden on them and I would definitely recommend them for commuting, for riding off-road, for utility biking... just about anything except where you'd want a skinny racing slick, or a full tread MTB tire.

that's what i was hoping and glad to hear! i hear it is pretty snappy and quick. :thumb: