Commuting - Changing the knobby tires on my MTB commuting bike..

Hello everyone

I'm trying to decide which tires to get in order to change these (http://bontrager.com/model/08058) original knobby tires on my commute, for faster ones, for pavement use mostly (I use the MTB solely as a commuter), hopefully also with some added grip and stability.

I don't know if sticking to the original brand (Bontrager (http://bontrager.com/products/components/tires)) is a good choice, or are there better tires/bang for the buck out there? Hopefully resistant to punctures (I've been getting flats at least once/twice a month) so the more so, the better. Are there better quality tire brands? (within reasonable budget, that is).

From the Bontrager list in the link above I think these (http://bontrager.com/model/02856) could be the best match for what I'd be looking for, I think?
I really like that the tire is even fatter, as I think it could give me added stability (even if they're not as 'fast' as thinner tires) which is something I really appreciate about MTBs, to begin with, especially when over poorly paved dedicated bicycle paths.


So, if you can give me advice of any kind, I really appreciate the input a lot!

Thanks much :thumb:

i ordered these for my bike ill get them monday .they was like 14 bucks per tire shiped http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030RSFQ6/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

Are 700c compatible with 26'' wheels?

*sorry; I should have mentioned the bike has 26'' wheels, my bad

opps i didnt see ya had 26ers yeah they wont work .sorry about that

What is your price range?

As a moderately priced tire that strikes a nice balance between grip, durability, puncture resistance and rolling resistance, I like the panaracer ribmos.

Nothing specific really, I just mentioned that to clarify I'm not on the hunt for some prohibitive boutique specialty tires.

Schwalbe Big Apples. Fast rolling, comfortable, and pretty puncture resistant. Can be had with reflective sidewalks for extra night visibility.

Schwalbe Big Apples. Fast rolling, comfortable, and pretty puncture resistant. Can be had with reflective sidewalks for extra night visibility.

+1
Check out http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24556. The Big Apples also come in a new tread pattern.

I'm currently rolling on Tioga City Slickers in 26x1.5" format. Most of my flats have been due to the fact I'm not always as diligent about maintaining proper air pressure in my tires :o

Schwalbe Big Apples. Fast rolling, comfortable, and pretty puncture resistant. Can be had with reflective sidewalks for extra night visibility.If I don't end up selling my rig to pay for something that rolls on 700c, I'm getting some BAs next :thumb:

I'm currently rolling on Tioga City Slickers in 26x1.5" format. Most of my flats have been due to the fact I'm not always as diligent about maintaining proper air pressure in my tires :o

I've gotten flats from punctures mostly (nails). But I have to admit I've also gotten them on the rear wheel bc I don't bunnyhop well when going up into sidewalks yet.

I'm interested in fatter than 2'' tires, I want to see if I can get more stability and overall better adherence. The mechanic said I don't even have to change rims or anything..

+1
Check out http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=24556. The Big Apples also come in a new tread pattern.

How much of a difference those 'light' treads do, compared to a completely smooth (full-slick) tire?

How much of a difference those 'light' treads do, compared to a completely smooth (full-slick) tire?

I've never used a full-slick tire on my MTB...I don't think you'll find one over 2". Here's Schwalbe's website for the Big Apple which includes a picture of the new tread pattern: http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/big_apple

The Schwalbe Marathon Supreme is another excellent tire which I've used on my MTB but a bit more expensive: http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_supreme

I've gotten flats from punctures mostly (nails). But I have to admit I've also gotten them on the rear wheel bc I don't bunnyhop well when going up into sidewalks yet.

I'm interested in fatter than 2'' tires, I want to see if I can get more stability and overall better adherence. The mechanic said I don't even have to change rims or anything..

Assuming your frame can handle the width - Geax Tattoos or Maxxis Hookworms are both over 2". The Tattoo Light is about 1/2 the weight of the Hookworm, but neither have flat protection. I've gotten around that myself by priming the tubes with Zefal latex foam which makes the tubes self sealing. Unless of course you run over something that completely destroys the tire as well as giving you a puncture.

Also have Schwalbe Marathon Supremes in a 700x2" size. Thats the largest they make them. However, they're excellent tires and coupled with a Michlin Protek Max tube - is as flat-proof a set up as you'll get.

I just switched to a set of Michelin County Rocks in 26" x 1.75 and they are semis licks. Smoother ride on my mtb on the streets too. But no flat protection so I added some tire liners.

recommend even going for 1.25 to 1.50" wide semi slicks with puncture protection

I run 26x1.9" tyres on my ex-MTB commuter. The wider tyres can run at a lower pressure than narrower ones, which helps with the ride comfort when going over bumps. Most tyres will have a light tread pattern of some sort, which does absolutely nothing on wet or dry tarmac, though it might give you a bit more grip on other surfaces.

Second vote for Tioga city slickers here. I run the 1 1/4's for many miles/years. no issues, no flats yet. Cheap too.

I'm also converting my (very) old MTB -- a Specialized Hard Rock c. '91-- to a commuter. My LBS is mounting Spec. All Condition Armadillo tires for flat protection, and some puncture resistant tubes. I can't afford to be late to work, or to get home to the kids, so the extra cost is worth it to me. Here's a link to the tires: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/road-tires/trainingall-season-road-tires/all-condition-armadillo

Also adding Planet Bike Fenders, a Topeak rear rack, lights, kick stand, and an Ortlieb Office bag. Can't wait!

I'm using Michelin Wild Run'r tires on my MTB commuter. They are completely slick, inexpensive, and take a fairly high pressure. Mine are 26x1.4 so are fairly narrow. I don't know if they come wider or if they have a similar wider tire that is branded differently.

I ride in NYC, which in spite of the stereotype, has pretty good roads. I never hit gravel, dirt, trails, or anything that resembles anything other than urban riding. I pump the tires up to 80 psi before every ride and haven't had a flat yet, but its only been since September. What I like is that I can keep up with the roadies (well, not all of them) on my Trek 7000 MTB. I could never do that on the knobbies.

I also put WTB Slickasaurus tires on my other MTB, but these are no longer available. These have some tread to them, but as above I don't get flats when I ride that bike. My son took it to college and he doesn't take care of it quite the way I would, so he had one, although it may have been a broken stem.

I buy most of my tires at BikeTiresDirect.com. They have a wide selection and decent prices.

My MTB's are also very old, a Trek 8000 that I bought back in 1995 that was actually a 1991 model, and a Trek 7000 from 1990 that I picked up on eBay to replace the 8000 when my son took it.

I like these a lot:

http://s36.photobucket.com/albums/e26/sstulken80/Diamondback/IMG_2680.jpg

Schwalbe Marathon Supremes are pricey,but the closest thing to sportbike radials you can put on your bike. Silly grip,great handling,good ride,reflective sidewalls,light,and zero flats even after picking FOD out of the tread.

I'm also converting my (very) old MTB -- a Specialized Hard Rock c. '91-- to a commuter. My LBS is mounting Spec. All Condition Armadillo tires for flat protection, and some puncture resistant tubes. I can't afford to be late to work, or to get home to the kids, so the extra cost is worth it to me. Here's a link to the tires: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftb/road-tires/trainingall-season-road-tires/all-condition-armadillo

Also adding Planet Bike Fenders, a Topeak rear rack, lights, kick stand, and an Ortlieb Office bag. Can't wait!

I tried the Armadillo tires but they were very stiff on my MTB, no cushion at all. :( I'm sure they'd stand up to any road debris but my rear and back couldn't deal with the ride. I tried the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme next and absolutely fell in love. I tried to puncture the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires by deliberately riding over glass and it's as if the tires just laughed at me. They are worth every single penny.

I just got some WTB All-terrains on mine and they are great commuters. Still have knob advantage with less drag than my bontrager slicks and a slightly softer ride. Only $30 each and good for relatively high pressures.

I rather like Schwalbe Marathon Extreme tyres. They give more grip offroad than the Marathon Plus, they roll nicely, and if you go over about 20mph they make a nice whirring sound. As your speed goes up, so does the humming from the tyres.

I mostly ride my cross bike these days but probably chalked up 1000 miles on my Extreme without any punctures at all. The Marathon Plus tyres have more miles still - probably 2500 on the MTB with no punctures and more like 4000 on the cross bike with one puncture. If you count the fact I'm running two tyres then double those figures for "tyre miles per puncture".

I tried the Armadillo tires but they were very stiff on my MTB, no cushion at all. :( I'm sure they'd stand up to any road debris but my rear and back couldn't deal with the ride. I tried the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme next and absolutely fell in love. I tried to puncture the Schwalbe Marathon Supreme tires by deliberately riding over glass and it's as if the tires just laughed at me. They are worth every single penny.

Bummer. I guess that's what I get for telling my LBS I wanted a tank. ;) Thanks for the heads up!

Is there any ultra-resistant inner tube for punctures, as well?

I got 3 flats today on the rear wheel, over 70 miles (no nails, just small holes in the inner tube). Wanted to make my first century (and I would have, too), but the damn tube just didn't let me (AND made me miss a work appointment across town). I replaced the original tube with a Maxxis (the one in the photo) a month ago, what a piece of cr*p it has turned out to be. Around 9 flats already, one month use only. Granted I treat the bike hard, but still, seems ridiculous to have had so many flats in such a short period of time.

http://i728.photobucket.com/albums/ww282/quoricsant/Photo0109fxd_zps4b21ec37.jpg

Today was Sunday so most bike shops were closed, had to walk miles and the third time I just had the tube replaced for a no name/3 bucks one, and was able to make it back home. Who knows, maybe it'll turn out better than the Maxxis.. :lol:

The guy that replaced the tube told me to get a Specialized. Is there any tube out there that's very thick or resistant? I don't mind paying more, I'm getting really tired of getting flats :(

Is it possible to buy something near this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-YXIJGhaQE

I have Specialized Nimbus on my Nishiki Cascade MTB. Here's a link to a picture: http://wildavis.smugmug.com/Bikes/Nishiki/25442560_9Q3C67#!i=2095054877&k=2VqTHx5
The bike originally was shod with knobblies, but they were far too noisy, and so were changed. Over the years I tried large (2") slickies, which were OK, and also tried some skinnier (1.25") slickies, but at 100 psi they were very uncomfortable, so I changed back to the Nimbus, and at 85 psi they're very comfortable, and no louder than the slickies. HTH!

- Wil

I have nearly 500 miles on 26x1.5 Serfas Drifter tires with zero issues so far, not a single flat whatsoever. They replaced 26x2.1 knobbies on my KHS.