Touring - Best 700C tires for touring?

I would like to receive comments regarding the best tires for touring. Now, some of you may say "Do a search!" I tried, but I keep getting zero results or error messages. I tried to PM a moderator of this forum on where to learn proper search procedures, but apparently I had to have more than 50 posts before sending PM. Frustrating. Feel stupid. All I want is to read what people have most likely already written about touring tires. soo sorry I strayed from topic.:(

Click on The Black Triangle to get help anytime. (left bottom of all posts)

Start with What Bike, Your Weight, What Type of tour, Camping ,Motel, Off Road on gravel?

See the word 'archive' in dark band on bottom of page? that is where you click.
Word search is at the top right..white box.

add:
Schwalbe Marathon Plus are adding puncture protection under the tread with a thick
special band under the tread.

Given all the thorny bushes in AZ you might like those..


IMHO, don't worry about Best, just try out some tires..
if you go to your LBS you can see and feel options in your hands
and staff there can discuss tradeoffs of various choices.

Try this link and happy reading for the next month, 40 pages of threads.

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=6647514

Try this link and happy reading for the next month, 40 pages of threads.

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=6647514

Thanks - tried it but got an error message.
Regarding equipment - Modified Schwinn Paramount from early 70's. 700C x 28 rims, 40 lbs in rear panniers, no front panniers or rack. All paved roads, probably Southern Tier, Maybe Trans Am. My first tour since BikeCentennial 76 when I was 18.

Search on these forums is problematic. I don't know why. I just tried an advanced search on this forum for "tires" and all I got was your thread start. I expected to get a message saying the word was too common or 100s of inappropriate hits, but that's not what happened.

Asking a question like that, you'll get opinions. Opinions on touring tires is as diverse as the tourers themselves. There are many, many tires suitable for touring. Your choice of tire size and type will be largely determined by where you tour and on what surfaces. Another determinant will be your riding style and what you value in your current cycling and expect to value in your touring experiences.

Tire size is not particularly determined by loading. My wife and I sport ride and tour on a tandem and ride on pavement almost exclusively. Our all-up weight for sport riding is about 350 lbs. and for touring about 400 lbs. Since we like to roll along easily, we sport ride on 25c tires and tour on 28c tires. We've tried a large number of tires and are currently on Schwalbe Ultremo DD for sport and Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons for touring.

Try this link and happy reading for the next month, 40 pages of threads.

http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=6647514I also get "Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms." I don't see what fietsbob's suggestion of clicking on the archive gets one. How does that help searching?

One can also just use Google, like this:
site:http://www.bikeforums.net/forumdisplay.php/47-Touring tires
"tires" being the search word. That returns 1040 results, not very useful. Also, clicking on the link provided by Google doesn't return what Google says it will.

More than one way to skin a cat.

Go to Google and type in

site:bikeforums.net touring tires

I would like to receive comments regarding the best tires for touring. Now, some of you may say "Do a search!" I tried, but I keep getting zero results or error messages. I tried to PM a moderator of this forum on where to learn proper search procedures, but apparently I have to had more than 50 posts before sending PM. Frustrating. Feel stupid. All I want is to read what people have most likely already written about touring tires. soo sorry I strayed from topic.:(

Tell us more about your touring plans. Things like where and when, what kind of roads, and how much you will be carrying will have a big impact on the answer.

That said...
For road only touring, I have grown to like Continental Gatorskins pretty well. I have 28mm ones on my heavy touring bike and 25mm ones on my ultralight touring bike, but some folks prefer wider for both of those uses. The widest Gatorskins are 32mm so if you want wider you will need to look at something else.

Thanks for the reply. I originally bought Ruffy Tuffy tires because Rivendell bikes use them. They have been great - no flats - but I have over 1200 miles on them training for this tour (unloaded) and they look like the tread is getting a little thin. In other forums, I've read that Schwalbe produced a bad lot of touring tires, and I'm afraid of getting one of those. I've also heard that there are handling issues with some of the Continental touring tires. So, I'm just even more confused. Perhaps I'll just ride on my Tuffy's and carry a Kevlar folded spare.

See the word 'archive' in dark band on bottom of page? that is where you click.
Word search is at the top right..white box.

add:
Schwalbe Marathon Plus are adding puncture protection under the tread with a thick
special band under the tread.

Given all the thorny bushes in AZ you might like those..


IMHO, don't worry about Best, just try out some tires..
if you go to your LBS you can see and feel options in your hands
and staff there can discuss tradeoffs of various choices.

Actually - I have tried this. Most bike shops here service commuters and hard core weight conscious racers. Most of the sales clerks don't know very much about loaded touring, and they are anxious to sell you something, anything!

Tell us more about your touring plans. Things like where and when, what kind of roads, and how much you will be carrying will have a big impact on the answer.

That said...
For road only touring, I have grown to like Continental Gatorskins pretty well. I have 28mm ones on my heavy touring bike and 25mm ones on my ultralight touring bike, but some folks prefer wider for both of those uses. The widest Gatorskins are 32mm so if you want wider you will need to look at something else.

I just Googled the Continental Gatorskins. Reasonably priced. Well built. 4.5 / 5 stars on reviews. Locally available. Might have to check these out. Thanks for the input!

There is no 'best' tire for touring. I find Maxxis Overdrives (http://www.amazon.com/Maxxis-Overdrive-tire-700-38c/dp/B0019MR1SM/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t)a fine compromise for loaded touring. Easy on/off, 4000+miles tread life, kevlar lined, light, lively, inexpensive.

+1 more for Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus.

They're heavy (-ish) but I can honestly say, I have over 3K loaded touring miles (on paved and gravel) on a pair of Marathon Plus 700x42 with ZERO punctures.

I am an old Clyde and I tour on larger cross section tires to avoid issues with bumps, rail road crossings, etc. I like 700x35 to 700x37 tires. The tires I am currently using are Conti Sport Contact 700x37c and Vittoria Randonneur Hyper 700x38c. Both are slick, and both are quite light and fast.

+1 more for Schwalbe Marathon or Marathon Plus.

They're heavy (-ish) but I can honestly say, I have over 3K loaded touring miles (on paved and gravel) on a pair of Marathon Plus 700x42 with ZERO punctures.

I advise that you be sure that you really want a very heavy and very stiff tire before you go for the Marathon Plus. To say it is heavy would be an understatement. They are literally twice the weight of some acceptable tires or even a bit more. They are very long wearing, but they also have a very stiff sidewall that I find impacts ride quality substantially.

They are extremely long wearing and puncture resistant though. So if you are an avoid flats at all costs type rider they might be for you particularly if you are not expecting a lively ride feel.

If you are like a supple flexible sidewall with a nice lively ride feel, I'd avoid them. I hated them enough that I took them off and sold them after a few hundred miles. Some folks think they are wonderful. So figure out which category you are in before saddling yourself with a set.

Continental Travel contact was OK. made for Adventure touring . Gator skin sidewall, etc.
the 700c size is 35 wide, the 26" is 1.75 wide. they only made those 2.
because for the intended purpose , they are the best width.

wide smooth center , and a fringe row of knobs for when the pavement on the road ends.
My tires 26' were lighter than the Schwalbe M + of same size,

just had a lot of people asking me if I should replace my Bald MTB tires..

Thanks - tried it but got an error message.
Regarding equipment - Modified Schwinn Paramount from early 70's. 700C x 28 rims, 40 lbs in rear panniers, no front panniers or rack. All paved roads, probably Southern Tier, Maybe Trans Am. My first tour since BikeCentennial 76 when I was 18.

That's a lot of rear load. If you can get a 32mm in the rear or split the load I'd go for it. I set up a '76 Paramount for my brother with 28mm tires and about 15lbs on a rear rack with small handlebar bag. I wouldn't worry about "best" as much as ensuring the rear tire is tough given that weight and put anything similar to the Ruffy in the front. IMHO the super thick TouringPlus type tires are overkill for a front tire.
Panaracer Ribmo comes in 28mm, Schwalbe Supreme comes in 28mm but costs a bucket, Panaracer T-serv would be a good front tire. Ditto on the Gatorskins.

I've been using Panaracer Pasela TourGaurd Kevlar Foldable in 35mm. I don't have anything else to compare it with but it mounts and dismounts easily from my Mavic A319 rims without tools. I have 1600 heavy touring miles and a few hunderd unloaded miles on them and there is hardly any wear on them.

None of my LBSs carry much touring specific gear so I bought them based on price and reviews.

Thanks - tried it but got an error message.
Regarding equipment - Modified Schwinn Paramount from early 70's. 700C x 28 rims, 40 lbs in rear panniers, no front panniers or rack. All paved roads, probably Southern Tier, Maybe Trans Am. My first tour since BikeCentennial 76 when I was 18.

I think the 28 mm gatorskins should work well for you.

I would recommend considering carrying a bit less than 40 pounds. It isn't hard to get down to 30 pounds of gear weight including panniers without giving up any safety or comfort. Your call on that though.

I think the 28 mm gatorskins should work well for you.

I would recommend considering carrying a bit less than 40 pounds. It isn't hard to get down to 30 pounds of gear weight including panniers without giving up any safety or comfort. Your call on that though.
Yea, I like your idea best. Getting the weight down is the best idea in the long run, I suppose, for the bike AND for me. I really want to stick with 28mm tires. If I wanted larger, I would just take my mountain bike on the tour. I really appreciate everyone's input. :)

Thanks - tried it but got an error message.
Regarding equipment - Modified Schwinn Paramount from early 70's. 700C x 28 rims, 40 lbs in rear panniers, no front panniers or rack. All paved roads, probably Southern Tier, Maybe Trans Am. My first tour since BikeCentennial 76 when I was 18.
Randonneur Hyper. Awesome tire, it's like a racing tire but in large sizes up to 40c. Still has good flat protection.

Conti GP 4season is an alternative to the gatorskins as well. better rolling resistance, much like a racing tire, available in 28c

In my opinion many serious tourers overstate the need for avoiding flats. IT's a tour, not a race. IT takes all of 5 minutes to change a flat. your better off going with a tire that is going to produce a good quality ride. A lot of those heavy touring tires will last forever but man do they ride like crap.

Yea, I like your idea best. Getting the weight down is the best idea in the long run, I suppose, for the bike AND for me. I really want to stick with 28mm tires. If I wanted larger, I would just take my mountain bike on the tour. I really appreciate everyone's input. :)

Blue, seriously move some of that weight forward. There are a lot of ways to carry weight on a road bike and if you're looking at carrying that much weight moving some forward will make your rear wheel and tire happy.
The Paramount of that era is a great road bike.
Consider this rack on the front to carry a couple stuff sacks, sleeping bag/tent

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/vo-randonneur-front-rack-stainless-steel.html

Vittoria randonneur in all their shapes and sizes (incl 700x28's) my all time favourite tyre.

Actually - I have tried this. Most bike shops here service commuters and hard core weight conscious racers. Most of the sales clerks don't know very much about loaded touring, and they are anxious to sell you something, anything!

That's a common problem, the spandex hamsters dominate the merchandising these days. I even had a Trek dealer tell me I had to order a custom titanium frame because "nobody makes touring bikes anymore." In the last few years, I used Conti Contact and had two punctures. Last year I went to Schwalbe Marathon Dureme and have been really happy. No flats so far, the handling is really good and the lack of rolling resistance is really impressive.

Marc

I've been using Panaracer Pasela TourGaurd Kevlar Foldable in 35mm. I don't have anything else to compare it with but it mounts and dismounts easily from my Mavic A319 rims without tools. I have 1600 heavy touring miles and a few hunderd unloaded miles on them and there is hardly any wear on them.

None of my LBSs carry much touring specific gear so I bought them based on price and reviews.

I've found Panaracer TG tires to be some of the best riding touring tires I've ridden, in widths 700x25 up to 700x35c I think. Great tires. I usually ride the 700x35s. Tough enough for dirt roads and limestone railpaths. Very supple, nice handling and very fast tires on pavement.

I also use Conti 4 season 700x28's a lot, but find a substantive difference in ride quality- akin to comparing a jeep to a cadillac in suspension and plushness. I usually go with the 35s because the ride quality is markedly different, and dirt riding much more manageable on a wider tire.

I advise that you be sure that you really want a very heavy and very stiff tire before you go for the Marathon Plus. To say it is heavy would be an understatement. They are literally twice the weight of some acceptable tires or even a bit more. They are very long wearing, but they also have a very stiff sidewall that I find impacts ride quality substantially.

They are extremely long wearing and puncture resistant though. So if you are an avoid flats at all costs type rider they might be for you particularly if you are not expecting a lively ride feel.

If you are like a supple flexible sidewall with a nice lively ride feel, I'd avoid them. I hated them enough that I took them off and sold them after a few hundred miles. Some folks think they are wonderful. So figure out which category you are in before saddling yourself with a set.

What he said.

I just finished a 4500 mile tour with the Schwalbes and though I was very pleased with the wear and puncture record, the weight and handling bothered me and I don't think I'll use them again. I don't mind fixing flats that much.

Blue, seriously move some of that weight forward. There are a lot of ways to carry weight on a road bike and if you're looking at carrying that much weight moving some forward will make your rear wheel and tire happy.
The Paramount of that era is a great road bike.
Consider this rack on the front to carry a couple stuff sacks, sleeping bag/tent

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/vo-randonneur-front-rack-stainless-steel.html

This is an excellent idea, get some weight to the front.

BUT you don't need to spend 80 bucks on it, check out places like bike nashbar or rei for reasonably.priced small front racks similar to this VO one, but for under $20 .
Also with maybe 35 lbs on the rear (and not knowing your weight) it would be.very wise to get your wheels checked by a good wheel person to see what shape it is in and an opinion of whether it is up to the task of touring.

Ps, I use 28 gatorskins and like them, but given the weight you want on the rear, I would consider going wider-why are you set on 28s?

Blue, seriously move some of that weight forward. There are a lot of ways to carry weight on a road bike and if you're looking at carrying that much weight moving some forward will make your rear wheel and tire happy.
The Paramount of that era is a great road bike.
Consider this rack on the front to carry a couple stuff sacks, sleeping bag/tent

http://store.velo-orange.com/index.php/accessories/vo-randonneur-front-rack-stainless-steel.html

Lee - I am still considering a front rack, but am looking for every way out of doing so. I'm tired of dumping money into this upcoming tour, unless it's absolutely necessary. I read about people shipping stuff back home. Silly. Had rear wheel built 36h and laced for touring. 40 lbs was guesstimate. 30lbs is goal. 25lbs would be awesome. No cooking gear, just tent and bag and thermarest (6lbs total). Tent bag on that front rack would look like a tank turret sticking front. :D

For pavement:
Vittoria Randonneur Hyper

For mixed terrain:
Conti Contact Extralight

Deja vu all over again,

After over a year now on the Vittoria Randonneur Hyper 32's, I must say I'm impressed. A full 32mm width at less than 400 grams and excellent puncture resistance. These things are quite compliant for a nice ride and they roll very quickly. Can't comment on durability as that particular bike has less than 2000 miles on it but so far so good. I like the reflective sidewall and won't hesitate to buy another set when these eventually wear out.

A said, no Best, opinions vary..

Ps, I use 28 gatorskins and like them, but given the weight you want on the rear, I would consider going wider-why are you set on 28s?

Can I use a little larger size width tire on the same rims?

Can I use a little larger size width tire on the same rims?

Sure , the question is whether the tires will fit the frame.

Lee - I am still considering a front rack, but am looking for every way out of doing so. I'm tired of dumping money into this upcoming tour, unless it's absolutely necessary. I read about people shipping stuff back home. Silly. Had rear wheel built 36h and laced for touring. 40 lbs was guesstimate. 30lbs is goal. 25lbs would be awesome. No cooking gear, just tent and bag and thermarest (6lbs total). Tent bag on that front rack would look like a tank turret sticking front. :D

I did the same on my last tour. I gave away my front rack and packs, even my old handlebar bag, to keep me from adding load. I ended up with 17 pounds on the rear and the bike handled great. Good luck with your packing.

I've since learned that there are plenty of experienced cyclists who tour with all their load up front and love it, so YMMV. I've never tried that.

One thing I didn't consider correctly was the braking load on the front wheel. I used a lighter front wheel with lighter gauge spokes, and I had a minor problem with that (broke a spoke on a steep descent). Even though you don't have pack weight up there, weight is transferred to the front wheel when you apply your brakes. Think of coming to a fast stop while running--you use your front foot. So don't neglect the strength of the front wheel.

I did the same on my last tour. I gave away my front rack and packs, even my old handlebar bag, to keep me from adding load. I ended up with 17 pounds on the rear and the bike handled great. Good luck with your packing.

I've since learned that there are plenty of experienced cyclists who tour with all their load up front and love it, so YMMV. I've never tried that.

One thing I didn't consider correctly was the braking load on the front wheel. I used a lighter front wheel with lighter gauge spokes, and I had a minor problem with that (broke a spoke on a steep descent). Even though you don't have pack weight up there, weight is transferred to the front wheel when you apply your brakes. Think of coming to a fast stop while running--you use your front foot. So don't neglect the strength of the front wheel.

Yes, you are correct. My front wheel is also 36h laced for touring, so should do fine. I met a clerk at REI who tours and also recommends putting all gear on front. This runs counter to my thinking regarding steering loads, weight transfer loads, added stress on headset bearings and fork, etc. From a physics standpoint, the rear triangle seems better able to distribute load stresses.

Vittoria randonneur in all their shapes and sizes (incl 700x28's) my all time favourite tyre.

Ditto

Yes, you are correct. My front wheel is also 36h laced for touring, so should do fine. I met a clerk at REI who tours and also recommends putting all gear on front. This runs counter to my thinking regarding steering loads, weight transfer loads, added stress on headset bearings and fork, etc. From a physics standpoint, the rear triangle seems better able to distribute load stresses.

Loading the front wheel does make steering slower but this is touring not racing close quarters. The problem with heavy loads isn't that it'll break the frame, at least it shouldn't, it's that it imbalances the bike and in the case of heavy rear loads the bike becomes a big lever throwing the front wheel around. Putting some weight near the front fork axis prevents the rear from having as much leverage. From a physics standpoint think of extra weight being inside or close to the three contact points of seat, bottom bracket and hands. Weight on panniers behind the rear axle is pretty far away. Weight on the fork is under your control and dampened by your upper body.
I had a custom touring bike made up with big beefy chain stays but I don't think the top tube was big enough, it shimmied riding with one hand and any substantial rear load.

All this becomes moot if you reduce the load enough to not need panniers or distribute the pannier load into three or four 13liter dry bags. One under handlebars or on cheap front mini rack,, two or three on back rack.

Another thought, if your old Paramount has 126mm spacing and old style hubs with freewheel and not cassette hubs you definitely don't want 40lbs back there as bending axle becomes a possibility.

Another thought, if your old Paramount has 126mm spacing and old style hubs with freewheel and not cassette hubs you definitely don't want 40lbs back there as bending axle becomes a possibility.

Nah. Modified to 135mm and using cassette. As stated previously, goal is to reduce weight to 25-30 lbs total. I weigh 200 lbs so the odds of the rear load lifting the front wheel to any significance is small indeed, but I haven't totally ruled out a small rack to carry a small trunk case. If I get any shimmy, I'll start moving the load to the front, per yours and other's suggestions. I appreciate and value your input.

Randonneur Hyper. Awesome tire, it's like a racing tire but in large sizes up to 40c. Still has good flat protection.

Conti GP 4season is an alternative to the gatorskins as well. better rolling resistance, much like a racing tire, available in 28c

In my opinion many serious tourers overstate the need for avoiding flats. IT's a tour, not a race. IT takes all of 5 minutes to change a flat. your better off going with a tire that is going to produce a good quality ride. A lot of those heavy touring tires will last forever but man do they ride like crap.



+1 on the Hyper. The tire is now called the Vittoria Voyager Hyper.