Touring - Tire choice for Oregon coast tour?

I will be doing a fully-loaded tour of the Oregon coast next month; my current tire choices are either my commuter set (Panaracer TServ PT 700x32c front/Specialized Infinity 700x35c rear) or my road set (Scwalbe Durano 700x25c front and rear). I will be riding on pavement 98% of the time, so dirt/gravel is not really a concern. The Scwalbes give me a lot less rolling resistance but I'm not sure how they will hold up to full loads over time.

Thoughts? Thanks!

BTW, I weigh about 205 lbs, will be on a Surly Cross Check with an estimated 40lbs. divided between front and rear panniers.

32 on the front, 35 on the rear.
Have fun....take some pics to post.

I did this route twice on Specialized Armadillo 28's. Now I have Schwalbe 32's that I like even better (Marathon Supreme, I think.) You'll do fine with anything; it's pavement. I got more flats with the Armadillos (I still have never gotten a flat on the Schwalbes after 3 years and 2 long tours.) and I think the Schwalbes are more comfortable.

I rode a portion of 101 last summer, from Waldport to Florence. I was traveling fully loaded and self-contained. At the time, I had about 35 pounds of food & gear, and my 235 pound body on a Surly LHT, using Continental Travel Contacts in 700c x 35. Unless ODOT has swept the shoulders, you'll want your wider tires for comfort.

I will be doing a fully-loaded tour of the Oregon coast next month; my current tire choices are either my commuter set (Panaracer TServ PT 700x32c front/Specialized Infinity 700x35c rear) or my road set (Scwalbe Durano 700x25c front and rear). I will be riding on pavement 98% of the time, so dirt/gravel is not really a concern. The Scwalbes give me a lot less rolling resistance but I'm not sure how they will hold up to full loads over time.

Thoughts? Thanks!

BTW, I weigh about 205 lbs, will be on a Surly Cross Check with an estimated 40lbs. divided between front and rear panniers.

You'll probably get some rain, even daily. I was just in the Warrenton area (between Astoria and Seaside) for the week for work and it rained multiple times a day every day.

put the fatter tires on, you won't be going fast enough to justify the skinny/light tires and 280lbs on 25mm makes no sense when you inevitably plow through stuff you can't maneuver around.

I regularly ride the OR/CA coast from Reedsport to Bodega Bay, also self-contained. We weigh about the same and roll similar loads. I always throw on a fresh pair of 25 mm Schwalbe Marathons (not the Supremes). They have enough rubber for comfort and flat resistance without dragging so much that I notice them. However, I average 125 miles per day and take some alternate routes to replace traffic with hills. If you prefer to do the standard short days and roll slowly, go ahead and put the fat tires on.

Originally posted by LeeG
put the fatter tires on, you won't be going fast enough to justify the skinny/light tires and 280lbs on 25mm makes no sense when you inevitably plow through stuff you can't maneuver around
+1
I have toured the Oregon Coast (loaded) on 25,28, and 32mm tires. They all worked fine. The 32mm Schwalbe marathons were more comforable, but noticeably slower than 28mm or 25mm Continental Ultra Gatorskins. For you weight the wider tires might be easier on you and the bike.

Good luck and enjoy a beautiful part of our state. You are going north to south--right!

+1
I have toured the Oregon Coast (loaded) on 25,28, and 32mm tires. They all worked fine. The 32mm Schwalbe marathons were more comforable, but noticeably slower than 28mm or 25mm Continental Ultra Gatorskins. For you weight the wider tires might be easier on you and the bike.

Good luck and enjoy a beautiful part of our state. You are going north to south--right!
Totally agree, with your total weight, go with the 32's. My tours all have been with similar weight, and I've used 32's with good results, some days traveling 125 miles.....always averaging 75-85 miles a day on 1000+ tours. I've ridden your route, (Vancouver Can. to south of San Fransisco) on 32's and thoroughly enjoyed the trip...you will to! Have a safe trip, and take lots of pictures.

32 Continental Top Contacts; best you can get IMO.