Commuting - Lets talk tires...

The Bridgestone RB-T I picked up recently still has the original Avocet Duro 700x32 (though supposedly more like a x28) slicks on it. They seem to work just fine but I'd like to get a replacement to have on hand. Of course, Avocets are no longer available.

Recommend me a tire that meets these requirements (please!):
- 700x28-32
- No tread (ie, doesn't weigh millions of pounds)
- reflective sidewall would be killer...
- less than say $40 each
- puncture resistance is nice, though my roads are mostly alright

So far I've come close to pulling the trigger on the Vittoria Randonneur Hypers but I have trouble getting past the whole tread thing. Any suggestions?

Vittoria Rando Hyper or Rando will work. The siping (tread) isn't making any weight contribution. Not like the Rando Cross, which definitely has a heavy tread to it.

Conti Gatorskins are an option. Not reflective, but puncture resistant and minimal tread pattern on the cornering surface only.

Check out the Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. Then shop around for a good price. I've boughten them for as little as $26.

Check out the Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. Then shop around for a good price. I've boughten them for as little as $26.

If you can find this tire for $26, buy as many as you can get your hands on. If I wanted to put this tire on my commuter (and I do, I'm just waiting for the 700x28), I can't even get them for $26, and I work here.

Panaracer Pasela TG 700x28 or 700x32 Folding. Light, durable, and nice size. Slight tread,
but roll real fast.

Panaracer T Servs. Love them and they held up really well for me. Meets all of your requirements too.

http://aebike.com/page.cfm?action=details&PageID=30&SKU=TR2286

The Bridgestone RB-T I picked up recently

If this is the 53cm one that Joe in DC was selling, I'm totally jealous. I put a bid in but since I'm across the country, it would have required breaking down and shipping the bike. Please post a report once you've got it all set up!

+1 on the T-Serv!

Based on my experience:

Continental Gatorskin - I would (and will) buy again
Specialized Nimbus - would buy again
Bontrager Hardcase - would buy again

Specialized All Condition - would not buy again
Schwalbe Marathon Supreme - would not buy again

Would like to try the Panaracer RibMO

There's way to many tires in this category to think of trying them all.

Guy, I already had 2, and bought 2 more --- and I'll keep watching for that good price again.... LOL

Thanks for all the recommendations. I'm still tempted by the Vittoria Hypers and now the Panaracer T-servs. I've read some reports of sketchy quality in the Paselas, not sure how true that might be.

I have Gatorskins on my road bike and love 'em, but was basically hoping I could find the equivalent of a reflective-sidewall Gatorskin. Looks like the T-Serv might be it...


If this is the 53cm one that Joe in DC was selling, I'm totally jealous. I put a bid in but since I'm across the country, it would have required breaking down and shipping the bike. Please post a report once you've got it all set up!

This is a different one. It's a black 1991; I picked it up in a consignment store here. It's a 59cm and technically a size too big for me, but the top tube length is nice and I can (just) stand over it with flat fleet.

Harris used to have Avocet tires,they don't have them anymore?

Well crap,I just looked,they ran out and the company that was making them closed,bummer.

The Marathon Supremes are a very nice tire. I've got a really wide set (29x2.0) on my rain bike.

I also like the Panaracer RiBMo, which is cheaper, but doesn't have a reflective side wall.

Gatorskins are on sale for $23 at Wiggle. Free US shipping for orders over $83 total. Dunno if anyplace else has them cheaper right now. I usually pay $35/ea for 'em at my LBS.

I'm liking Vittoria Randos far more then Marathons, Bontrager Hardcase, or Sefas Seca's that I've used. Far smoother riding then any of them, very grippy, and from what I've seen so far, at least as durable then the Marathons.

Lots of choices too, folding, reflective, wire bead, several colors and treads.

Michelin Trans Sport City tires are usually inexpensive. They have inverted tread.

I'm liking Vittoria Randos far more then Marathons, Bontrager Hardcase, or Sefas Seca's that I've used. Far smoother riding then any of them, very grippy, and from what I've seen so far, at least as durable then the Marathons.

Lots of choices too, folding, reflective, wire bead, several colors and treads.

That Rando is a tough tire! The last one I had was showing casing at 2500 miles (I'm a big guy) when I ran it over the end of a broken beer bottle. The glass flipped up and cut my leg, but the tire didn't even show a mark. On the other hand, it's a very very slow tire. If you like to go fast, I suggest you look elsewhere.

That Rando is a tough tire! The last one I had was showing casing at 2500 miles (I'm a big guy) when I ran it over the end of a broken beer bottle. The glass flipped up and cut my leg, but the tire didn't even show a mark. On the other hand, it's a very very slow tire. If you like to go fast, I suggest you look elsewhere.

Mirrors my experience. Tough and slow.

Mirrors my experience. Tough and slow.

True, but the pro isn't a terrible weight. Hypers are far lighter though.

I like Michelin (sp?) pro race 3 tires. They are responsive on corners and have low rolling resistance.

Well I ended up ordering a pair of the Randonneur Hypers, so we'll see how they work out. I was really tempted to just go with Gatorskins (they're $23 at wiggle, and they have 700x28's in stock) but I didn't want to spend enough to get free shipping and thought it may be good to go just a bit wider on this bike.

Thanks all, I'll let you know how the Hypers work out.

Make the Marathons and Big Apples for the 650B market. It would make for a really sweet handling commuter bike!