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Best flat resistent, puncture proof commuter tire

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Best flat resistent, puncture proof commuter tire

Old 06-03-10, 09:45 PM
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Best flat resistent, puncture proof commuter tire

700 X 32 is what I am looking for. Since I have a full chain guard I do not want to change tires. like to hear some thoughts on this, please.
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Old 06-03-10, 11:30 PM
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There is generally a lot of love for schwalbe marathon and marathon pluses. I have one of these (not sure which) on one of my commuters, and am flat free since installing them several hundred miles ago. I also have some schwalbe delta cruisers on my raleigh roadster, and so far they are holding up pretty well too. With the marathons, though, watch for fit under your fenders (as I assume you would have them with a full chaincase), as they are somewhat beefier that other similarly sized tires.
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Old 06-03-10, 11:47 PM
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I really like marathons,and the plus version even better.They last for 000`s too.Some people have a problem fitting them for the first time,watch the video on Spa cycles site of them being fitted with just fingers!.
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Old 06-04-10, 12:00 AM
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Yeah, it's definitely the Schwalbe Marathon Plus. The extra weight from the tyres will also make for a better workout. But about as bomb-proof as they come.
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Old 06-04-10, 12:47 AM
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Michelin City with reflectorized band is lighter and faster, but a little less puncture resistant. Both will not survive a direct hit from a nail. Average price is around $18 for the Michelin, but I've paid as little as $7 in the past.
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Old 06-05-10, 07:46 AM
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Originally Posted by furballi
Michelin City with reflectorized band is lighter and faster, but a little less puncture resistant. Both will not survive a direct hit from a nail. Average price is around $18 for the Michelin, but I've paid as little as $7 in the past.
I was actually shopping for those a couple of months ago with no luck finding a matching pair. I settled on Continental Contacts, which were a bit more, but seem to do what they're supposed to. Mid-range pricing compared to the Schwalbe's. Anyway, 400 miles without incident. Daily doses of glass, truck tires, rocks, pine cones, squirrel carcasses, etc., no problem.
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Old 06-05-10, 07:55 AM
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A step up from the Michelin City is the Michelin Pilot City. It offers much more puncture protection than the City. I have the 35s but 32s are available. No punctures so far and it's a grippy and smooth-running tire. My only complaint is that they are a b*tch to mount because the sidewalls are so stiff. If weight is an issue (It's not for me on my commuter bike) I've heard good things about the Panaracer RibMO.
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Old 06-05-10, 08:11 AM
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I got a Schwalbe Marathon Plus a month ago to ride in my land of stickers and broken glass.
It's like riding in sand.
No flats, but I'm not sure it's worth it. My ride is less fun. If this thick 'ol thing ever wears out, I'm going back to Tom Slicks. Flats be damned.
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Old 06-05-10, 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by irclean
A step up from the Michelin City is the Michelin Pilot City. It offers much more puncture protection than the City. I have the 35s but 32s are available. No punctures so far and it's a grippy and smooth-running tire. My only complaint is that they are a b*tch to mount because the sidewalls are so stiff. If weight is an issue (It's not for me on my commuter bike) I've heard good things about the Panaracer RibMO.
I just mounted a couple of Pilot Cities on my foul weather commuter yesterday, what a struggle.
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Old 06-05-10, 08:34 AM
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I've had a pair of Armadillos on my bike for two years with no flats--and the last year has been daily commuting, plus many weekend rides. The Schwalbes are supposed to have a nicer ride (I have heard--I've never tried them), but I think they are more expensive.
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Old 06-05-10, 08:38 AM
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Armadillos here, very happy with them and I will replace them with armadillos when the time comes.
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Old 06-05-10, 11:36 AM
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I roll with Marathon Plus.
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Old 06-05-10, 12:22 PM
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Marathon Plus here also.

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Old 06-05-10, 07:21 PM
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When I commute in the dark months when I cannot afford a flat, I always use the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
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Old 06-05-10, 07:35 PM
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As air stated, Schwalbe's get lot of praise on here. But I gotta say, the stock Vittoria Randonneurs that came on Cannondale BBU have been great. I've never gotten a flat, and they're more affordable than Schwalbe or Continental tires.

$29 USD at REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/709112?pr...:referralID=NA
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Old 06-05-10, 07:37 PM
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My rear Marathon Plus just got speared by a 2-inch straight nail. Went through the tread then burst out through the opposite sidewall. Mostly likely going to buy another one or maybe a Supreme.
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Old 06-05-10, 07:46 PM
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^^^^ No tire is bomb proof. We try to choose tires that reduce the risk factor for flats as much as possible and just hope for the best.
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Old 06-05-10, 07:50 PM
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I live in Goatheadland, where no tire can escape an occasional puncture. However, Schwalbe Marathon Plus is the closest thing to being puncture-proof in this neck of the woods (or more accurately, desert).
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Old 06-06-10, 02:48 AM
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Vittoria Randonneurs are what I recommend. Best tires I've ever used.
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Old 06-06-10, 05:07 AM
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No problems with Schwalbe Marathon Plus and Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase. I have had 2 flats in less than 200 miles with Armadillo's, I will not be buying them again.
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Old 06-06-10, 06:10 AM
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I found the Michelins ride like rocks, I've switched to Performance Bike's Forté Metro-K Road tires. $15 each, 460 gms (200 gms less than Michelins), Kevlar liner, no flats yet:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...1511000_400237

REI has the Michelins, if they're not in stock you can mail-order them and have them shipped to a local store for no extra charge. Universal has them in stock, all sizes:
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...8&category=592
https://www.universalcycles.com/shopp...1&category=592
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Old 06-06-10, 07:58 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr IGH
I found the Michelins ride like rocks........

That depends on what you've been using beforehand, dropping 40 psi in pressure when going from Bontragers to Michelins, the Michelins feel like a down pillow.
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Old 06-06-10, 08:15 AM
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They're soooo freaking heavy, no change in air pressure can make those sidewalls compliant, they're like run-flats
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Old 06-06-10, 08:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Mr IGH
They're soooo freaking heavy, no change in air pressure can make those sidewalls compliant, they're like run-flats
Yes, they are heavy, especially when I first picked up the box that both tires and tubes where shipped in. I like the softer ride of the Michelins for less load shock to the body, wheels, and a axles from my heavy load carrying, but the verdict is still out on the lower acceleration, reduced top speed, and higher pedaling effort, especially when I work urban traffic on a daily basis.
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Old 06-06-10, 08:38 AM
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I bought my Pilot City tires because they were cheaper than other tires that I was considering (ie. Schwalbe Marathon) and because my LBS had them in stock. So far I have no regrets or complaints other than the aforementioned difficulty with their installation. I am, however, very impressed with Schwalbe's products (I have the Winter Marathons) but at twice the price my choice was a no-brainer. If price were no object I would have chosen the Schwalbes.
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