bicycle tire recommendations
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bicycle tire recommendations
Thank you in advance to all who answer. I have an inexpensive tandem that came with knobby tires (26 x 2"--559 mm) and I would like to replace them with smoother tires for less resistance. My wife and I (both fairly lightweight) mostly travel on city streets and bike paths for recreation. We would like tires that not only are smoother but that are less flat-prone and would maintain some traction if the road were wet. Not looking for anything cheap nor very expensive either. I'd probably like to stay with something in the 45-70 psi range. There are so many choices and mixed reviews for example on Amazon. I was hoping to get some opinions here (I'm a newbie). Thanks again, Jerome
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We recently switched to Compass Rat Trap Pass tires (26X2.3"). They are out of this world. The ride is super smooth. Rolling resistance drops and, speaking as the 185 pound stoker, their comfort is outstanding. We haven't gotten enough miles in to make any assessment of their flat resistance or mileage life, but I suspect they will do well on both counts.
Here's a blog post from Jan Heine, owner of Compass:
https://janheine.wordpress.com/2015/...nd-a-new-book/
We previously used Compass' Slumgullian Pass tires (26X1.75). Those have a lot more tread and last many thousands of miles. Flats were very rare; in 20,000 miles on them we got one when we ran over a large piece of glass in the dark and another on a tire that was over 4000 miles into its life on a large-rock gravel road. These tires also rode nicely, but weren't quite as plush as the Rat Traps.
https://www.compasscycle.com/product...tires/26-inch/
Here's a blog post from Jan Heine, owner of Compass:
Originally Posted by Bicycling Quarterly
This year’s PBP saw a significant number of riders on Compass tires. Of course, we (Jan, Theo, Hahn) rode them, too, but it’s always nice to hear from others how our products are doing.
J. O. from Vancouver, B.C., and his wife rode a tandem. We gave them our samples of the Rat Trap Pass 26″ x 2.3″ tires, which were hand-delivered to the bike check the day before the start (above). Putting on new tires just before the big ride takes confidence, but these riders were not disappointed:
“The Compass Rat Trap Pass tires were an immediate upgrade in terms of comfort. Cobbles and chip seal went from being a jarring distraction and energy sink to a slightly noticeable background hum. My wife noticed and appreciated the extra comfort the Rat Trap Pass tires provided, and she doesn’t want to go back to other tires, either.”
J. O. from Vancouver, B.C., and his wife rode a tandem. We gave them our samples of the Rat Trap Pass 26″ x 2.3″ tires, which were hand-delivered to the bike check the day before the start (above). Putting on new tires just before the big ride takes confidence, but these riders were not disappointed:
“The Compass Rat Trap Pass tires were an immediate upgrade in terms of comfort. Cobbles and chip seal went from being a jarring distraction and energy sink to a slightly noticeable background hum. My wife noticed and appreciated the extra comfort the Rat Trap Pass tires provided, and she doesn’t want to go back to other tires, either.”
We previously used Compass' Slumgullian Pass tires (26X1.75). Those have a lot more tread and last many thousands of miles. Flats were very rare; in 20,000 miles on them we got one when we ran over a large piece of glass in the dark and another on a tire that was over 4000 miles into its life on a large-rock gravel road. These tires also rode nicely, but weren't quite as plush as the Rat Traps.
https://www.compasscycle.com/product...tires/26-inch/
#4
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I really like these: https://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Kwest-Co...BT0NDWPC5Y7ZJH
but you may like these better:
https://www.amazon.com/Kenda-163026-S...2Cp_89%3AKenda
but you may like these better:
https://www.amazon.com/Kenda-163026-S...2Cp_89%3AKenda
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I have these, Specialized Hemisphere Armadillo Tires and have been very happy so far.
#6
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I recommend the Schwalbe Marathon.
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I think you will find Schwalbe at the top of many lists. I'm looking into the new compass line, they have good write ups.
R&J
R&J
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Vittoria Hypers for moderate cost, comfort and reasonably durable and low rolling resistance.