Tandem Cycling - New 26' tire discussion

Hello group - I searched 26' tires topics and the last one I found was 2009 or so. So I thought I would reopen the subject to ask for current model/brand preferences from those of you who ride a tandem that uses 26' skins.
We are running Conti Sport Contacts in the 1.3" width, 85 psi max. I find them quite unremarkable for our 280 pound team on our Burley Rock n Roll set up for the road. The bike is a heavy, lower performance sled, but it fits our needs and style of riding as a team pretty well. We ride exclusively weekend club rides in the 30-60 mile range on average to ugly pavement. Weight is not a real issue, nice solid ride is. Hoping for some ideas from the forum. Thanks!

Henry

Hi Nenry;

Wow 26 FOOT tires !!!!

That is an awfully big bike that you have !

Seriously, we ride on Kenda Kwest K193 35-622, sidewall says 85psi MAX, but we run 100psi, with TR tubes and liners. We are a 500lbs team. We purchased the Kendas for the price, with an intention of upgrading later, and now see no need to change, and will be using Kenda replacements on my other bikes as the tires need replacing. The Kenda Kwest tire are taller and narrower than their size would suggest, with very hard tread and soft side walls. They provide a very nice ride.

This is what we have: http://www.amazon.com/700x35-Kwest-Black-Cross-Bicycle/dp/B001C6BJK6/ref=sr_1_7?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1312704676&sr=1-7

Given your riding conditions, you might find that you are happier with a 1.5" wide tire, which will give a better ride, and roll easier on the "ugly" pavement. Here are some suggestions:

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-100PSI-26X1-5-PUNCTURE-RESISTANT/dp/B005DVXTMM/ref=sr_1_5?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1331349703&sr=1-5
http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Kwest-26x1-50-Yellow-Black/dp/B003KR0AZ0/ref=sr_1_1?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1331350101&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K193-Kwest-26x1-50-Black/dp/B001CZOULM/ref=sr_1_4?s=cycling&ie=UTF8&qid=1331350101&sr=1-4

I am somewhat of a lazy tight wad, so inexpensive tires, thorn resistant tubes, and tire liners are my chosen route.

Running a Primo Comet Kevlar 26x1.5" on the back of our Screamer. 20" version of the same tire on the front. Reasonably light with puncture protection. Was running the same tires on our previous KHS Tandemania Comp. Appreciate extra cushion provided by 40mm tires for those of us who are not rail thin.

Serfas Barista FPS in 26x1.25" @ 100 psi. This is tire that R+E carries and recommends. I tried a Panaracer RiBmO once, didn't like the ride, and went back to the Baristas. Serfas has replaced the Barista FPS with the Seca FPS, which is essentially the same tire.

We're still running a set of Conti Top Touring 2000s on our '95 CDale MT1000 (with team weight of 260). A very plush ride -- and very obvious when comparing to our new RT2 running Gatorskins in 700x28).

I've been looking for a higher pressure/higher performance tire and would like to try the Gatorskins in 26x1 1/8, but I think they are not wide enough for my stock Sun Rhyno rims. Has anyone tried this tire/rim combo?

Alternatively, I'm considering the Sport Contact 1.3 that hub already has.

Question for hub: can you give a little more detail on what you mean by "unremarkable"? Especially as our team weights and tandems (our MT weighs in at 43 lbs) are similar.

R
Dave

We're still running a set of Conti Top Touring 2000s on our '95 CDale MT1000 (with team weight of 260). A very plush ride -- and very obvious when comparing to our new RT2 running Gatorskins in 700x28).

I've been looking for a higher pressure/higher performance tire and would like to try the Gatorskins in 26x1 1/8, but I think they are not wide enough for my stock Sun Rhyno rims. Has anyone tried this tire/rim combo?

Alternatively, I'm considering the Sport Contact 1.3 that hub already has.

Question for hub: can you give a little more detail on what you mean by "unremarkable"? Especially as our team weights and tandems (our MT weighs in at 43 lbs) are similar.

R
Dave

Hey Dave - I guess I should have been more descriptive. When I run the Sport Contacts at 85 psi it feels like (IMO) it's too little tire for the load. A bit mushy on bumps and slow to accelerate ... sort of like I need to add some pressure to the tires. I haven't ever tried run 100+ psi for fear of putting my stoker at risk, so I guess, like you, I'm wanting something higher pressure. Maybe I will toy with running 100psi on a shorter, flatter ride to see how that feels. Our rims are Zac 19. They measure 24mm outside width.

Thanks to everyone for the input so far.

Henry

I tried a Panaracer RiBmO once, didn't like the ride,
Currently using a ribmo on the rear, not sure I would like it on the front, We are also a light team (260), tend to run 85 psi Conti gatorskins in 1 1/8 width. I prefer Schwalbe Duranos but it is more of a performance tire, not really heavy enough for touring, imho.
R&J

We are currently using the Kenda Kwest 26x1.6. Rated at 100psi but on the road, run them at 115. We do both road and crushed gravel/limestone trails. It seems to roll well. Just blew the rear tire with less than 1000 miles on them. Going to try the Specialized Nimbus Armadillo - LBS recommendation.