Please Recommend Tires?
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
I have decided I like the quasi tan wall look of these Gatorskins. They look just like vintage gum wall tires, after the gum walls have gotten dark and filthy from wet road schmutz.
My LBS has tubes with removable cores. What do you think about using those and charging the tube with an ounce of Stan's No Tubes or similar?
My LBS has tubes with removable cores. What do you think about using those and charging the tube with an ounce of Stan's No Tubes or similar?
#27
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 6,432
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 539 Post(s)
Liked 44 Times
in
38 Posts
I've never done that, because from what I've read sealant will autoseal some punctures, but make other larger punctures that it doesn't seal a nightmare to fix on the road. Not saying I have personal experience - just what I've read.
#28
Senior Member
I have decided I like the quasi tan wall look of these Gatorskins. They look just like vintage gum wall tires, after the gum walls have gotten dark and filthy from wet road schmutz.
My LBS has tubes with removable cores. What do you think about using those and charging the tube with an ounce of Stan's No Tubes or similar?
My LBS has tubes with removable cores. What do you think about using those and charging the tube with an ounce of Stan's No Tubes or similar?
#29
Senior Member
I ride Schwalbe Marathon Supremes on my city bike. It's 700x40 and weighs 500g which is super light. Nice tire but expensive and the smallest size is 28mm - these are touring tires after all.
My road bike runs Schwalbe Durano which I understand are very comparable to Gatorskin. No reflective sidewalls on the Duranos and folding bead mounts up easily. I have 2000 miles or so on the set and they still look ok. I read somewhere Schwalbe claims 10 000 km for these tires.
My road bike runs Schwalbe Durano which I understand are very comparable to Gatorskin. No reflective sidewalls on the Duranos and folding bead mounts up easily. I have 2000 miles or so on the set and they still look ok. I read somewhere Schwalbe claims 10 000 km for these tires.
#31
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
Well, the rear Gatorskin got a flat after barely a week in service. That's irritating. Standing on a dark street corner working my mini-pump at 5 am and then it started to rain. I have to go down to the bike parking today to patch the tube. Maybe it is just bad luck and the tires will go a year without another flat. But I think I will put some sealant in the tubes after all. I ride to work every day and my tolerance for getting to work late with dirty hands is not high. I am okay with 2-3 flats a year, but get to 5-6 as I was doing before, and I'm unhappy.
#32
Senior Member
Well, the rear Gatorskin got a flat after barely a week in service. That's irritating. Standing on a dark street corner working my mini-pump at 5 am and then it started to rain. I have to go down to the bike parking today to patch the tube. Maybe it is just bad luck and the tires will go a year without another flat. But I think I will put some sealant in the tubes after all. I ride to work every day and my tolerance for getting to work late with dirty hands is not high. I am okay with 2-3 flats a year, but get to 5-6 as I was doing before, and I'm unhappy.
#33
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
#34
The Fat Guy In The Back
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Posts: 2,532
Bikes: '81 Panasonic Sport, '02 Giant Boulder SE, '08 Felt S32, '10 Diamondback Insight RS, '10 Windsor Clockwork, '15 Kestrel Evoke 3.0, '19 Salsa Mukluk
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 320 Post(s)
Liked 177 Times
in
115 Posts
The last couple tires I've bought for my commuters have been Continental Tour Rides. They seem to be a good balance between performance and price. Got a couple thousand miles on the rear of one of my bikes and it still has good tread left. Only have about 250 miles on the tire on my other commuter but it's performing well on that bike too.
__________________
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
Visit me at the Tundra Man Workshop
#35
Senior Member
If you don't mind, let us know what you find.
I commuted on 23mm gators for the last two years and had 3 flats in 8000 miles. One from a roofing nail, one from piece of wire and one pinch because of underinflation due to a faulty gauge.
I commuted on 23mm gators for the last two years and had 3 flats in 8000 miles. One from a roofing nail, one from piece of wire and one pinch because of underinflation due to a faulty gauge.
#36
Full Member
Since I'm also in the market for new rubber, can you suggest a good 700x32C option? I'm currently thinking Gatorskin or Panaracer T-Serv.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: burlington, mass
Posts: 234
Bikes: Jamis Quest Elite - 2014
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another recommendation for the Continental GP 4 Seasons, but I recommended going up to 28mm size if you have the clearance. If you have to commute on city streets or really any roads that are not in good shape, the 28mm will add some comfort without adding in any significant way to rolling resistance. I weigh 160 lbs., wear a pack that adds another 5-7 lbs. and the bike itself is around 21 lbs., and I inflate the rear to 80 psi and the front to 75 psi. I don't get pinch flats at that pressure but I do get a pretty comfortable ride.
I purchased mine this summer after flatting a couple of times using another brand, they have roughly 1200 miles on them, I have yet to flat and they are showing minimal wear. I ride on some pretty beat up urban roads around the Boston area and the tires have so far proven to be very durable. I've found them very easy to mount, something well worth considering as a commuter.
As for price, if you go into your LBS, expect to spend $125-$150 for a pair, but they can be found on Amazon for example for around $90-$95 per pair.
I purchased mine this summer after flatting a couple of times using another brand, they have roughly 1200 miles on them, I have yet to flat and they are showing minimal wear. I ride on some pretty beat up urban roads around the Boston area and the tires have so far proven to be very durable. I've found them very easy to mount, something well worth considering as a commuter.
As for price, if you go into your LBS, expect to spend $125-$150 for a pair, but they can be found on Amazon for example for around $90-$95 per pair.
#38
Senior Member
Both are good tires, depends on what you value more. The TServ seems to get the edge in traction(especially when wet) but the Gatorskin will last longer. If you frequently ride in the rain I would pick the TServ, mostly dry then Gatorskins. One more note, 700x32 TServs measured 31.5mm wide while the Gatorskins measure 29.5mm wide on the same rims(Mavic M236).
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Highlands Ranch, CO
Posts: 1,221
Bikes: '13 Diamondback Hybrid Commuter, '17 Spec Roubaix Di2, '17 Spec Camber 29'er, '19 CDale Topstone Gravel
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 590 Post(s)
Liked 445 Times
in
260 Posts
+1 for the Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
Last fall, I bought a pair of 700x32 to replace some slightly knobby, worn out Kenda's. What a HUGE difference they made in the comfort of the ride, and I actually gained about 1-2 MPH, probably because they have a much slicker tread, and less rolling resistance. But they are heavy, 850g EACH. I've put 2100 miles on them so far, and they still look almost brand new, and haven't had a flat yet (knock on melamine covered particle board).
Last fall, I bought a pair of 700x32 to replace some slightly knobby, worn out Kenda's. What a HUGE difference they made in the comfort of the ride, and I actually gained about 1-2 MPH, probably because they have a much slicker tread, and less rolling resistance. But they are heavy, 850g EACH. I've put 2100 miles on them so far, and they still look almost brand new, and haven't had a flat yet (knock on melamine covered particle board).
#40
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
Small triangular piece of glass, penetrated the thickest part of the tread at roughly the center of the tire. Tube was pierced such that it would go soft after a mile, not right away. Maybe sealant would have stopped that.
#41
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 1,840
Bikes: Bianchi San Remo - set up as a utility bike, Peter Mooney Road bike, Peter Mooney commute bike,Dahon Folder,Schwinn Paramount Tandem
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A friend of mine tried Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires and was disgusted when they arrive and he felt the weight in his hands. Then he tried them and was super-impressed at how they felt better than tires that weigh half as much. I don't know how Schwalbe does it.
You should also consider some Continental tires such as the Super Sport. I believe that model has a reflective strip available. These companies have made some breakthroughs where puncture protection has a "cost" to performance so low that they actually perform better than tires with no puncture protection designed in.
You should also consider some Continental tires such as the Super Sport. I believe that model has a reflective strip available. These companies have made some breakthroughs where puncture protection has a "cost" to performance so low that they actually perform better than tires with no puncture protection designed in.
They wear like iron - I tend to get over 15000 miles on a set of tires, and rarely have a flat during the life of the tire.
They roll pretty well
They are not bad in the wet so long as they still have some decent tread on them (first 12,000 miles or so)
They have reflective side walls
As far as the bad goes, they are very hard to mount.
My LBS has to special order them for me - but since you are in Portland, you can probably find them off the rack!
They are not cheap, unless you consider per mile costs.
#42
Senior Member
I'm surprised, I probably picked enough glass out of my Gators to make a six-pack but they never made it through. Guess I didn't meet the right piece of glass. Not that it would have made a difference but what tubes do you use?
Last edited by trailmix; 10-30-14 at 06:19 PM.
#43
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
I don't know how long the piece of glass had been in there. Perhaps if I inspected my tires regularly it would help. But this time of year, it is usually dark and raining when I ride, so my motivation to fuss with a dirty, wet bike is low.
Last edited by jyl; 10-31-14 at 07:19 AM.
#44
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,474 Times
in
1,437 Posts
@Riveting and @sauerwald write amazing endorsements for the Marathon Plus. I guess I should try the, one day. Maybe I can get over the weight.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#45
Senior Member
Not sure, whatever my LBS carries. Rubena? Your basic cheap butyl tube. Been patched 4x before, which probably doesn't matter.
I don't know how long the piece of glass had been in there. Perhaps if I inspected my tires regularly it would help. But this time of year, it is usually dark and raining when I ride, so my motivation to fuss with a dirty, wet bike is low.
I don't know how long the piece of glass had been in there. Perhaps if I inspected my tires regularly it would help. But this time of year, it is usually dark and raining when I ride, so my motivation to fuss with a dirty, wet bike is low.
#46
Senior Member
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any Schwalbe tire with the name Marathon before it.
#49
aka Tom Reingold
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Posts: 40,503
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
Mentioned: 511 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7348 Post(s)
Liked 2,474 Times
in
1,437 Posts
It's not just the flat protection that interests me. In fact, I don't care about that much, odd as that may seem. But 15,000 miles from the Marathon Plus amazes me, and it does end up being a good value. The downside of a long lasting tire is that I can't change tires as frequently and see what different tires are like. Half joking there.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#50
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 12,906
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Mentioned: 129 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4806 Post(s)
Liked 3,931 Times
in
2,556 Posts
I read your post and thought "Paselas" before I got that far. Not reflecting and average for traction in the wet. But decent rolling and few flats. They have served me well over the winters of Portland. I run 28s on my winter geared and fixed bikes, changing to CX tires when ice/snow hits. My old Mooney has 32s on it, allowing me to ride gravel in style. 25s on my good fixie. I rode 55 miles yesterday on those 25s with 92 psi front, 96 rear on wet roads. Felt really good.
My good wet road tires are Vittoria Open Paves, great grip but quite prone to cuts. (I glue dacron sailcloth casing patches on with the old "bad" contant cement. Makes for permanent repairs that last the life of the tire. Still, when I don't need the performance or grip, I ride the Paselas and save a lot of hassle.)
Ben
My good wet road tires are Vittoria Open Paves, great grip but quite prone to cuts. (I glue dacron sailcloth casing patches on with the old "bad" contant cement. Makes for permanent repairs that last the life of the tire. Still, when I don't need the performance or grip, I ride the Paselas and save a lot of hassle.)
Ben