Tyre choice!
 

Hi guys,

I've ordered my Surly Cross Check, Ultegra gruppo, Mavic rims, DT Swiss double butted SS spokes. Have my Brooks saddle already too (just waxed it).

So now my question is what tyre to go for on these 700c's... my first thought was to go for the same Continental Sports Contacts that I loved so much on my MTB (26x1.25 - sweet tyres, but a ***** to put on). I loved them for their high pressure, puncture resistance and low rolling resistance despite their width

The only place I might take these wheels that I'm not sure about is the canal toe-paths. For those I think I'll need some tread, some side grip for cornering mainly (no fake threads to move water).

Any suggestions/comments?
Al Rocket.

The standard sort of powdered stone on rail trails and tow paths, is fine on any kind of tread. If you were doing mostly those paths then you might want to go for some tread. But if it's just something that comes up on occasion, then you can use something with or without, as you please. I did about 40 miles up hill on one section of rail trail and some other tires than the slick 37s I had would have been optimal, but that was only about 2 percent of the ride and I prefered having the slicks for the rest of it. The treads, not surprisingly normally rate higher in puncture proofness. Schwalbe, for instance, has a range of tires to choose from.

I know what you're saying about the slicks, but I have been touring on complete slicks (Conti Sports Contacts), and definitely any grip at all would have helped a huge amount on the off road sections. Going up a step wet grass section is just a nightmare on true slicks, and unfortunately that's quite a common occurance on canal toepaths (bridges!) :)

Thanks for the Schwalbe tip - I like the look of the 700 x 38C Marathon Cross, the original Marathon - except for it's pathetic max Load they list - I hit 100kg without the bike... the Hurricane also looks good, but a bit fatter than I'd prefer for something with more on than off road.


Anyone else like a little bit of grip on their touring tyres?

I've been pretty happy with my conti TravelContacts - slick in the middle with knobs on the sides. The knobs don't really contact the pavement, but when you're in gravel they give a little bite.

I prefer my TopTouring's for pavement, and they are fine on hardpack dirt and crushed lime towpaths, but leave something to be desired on any loose surface.

Hey valygrl, yeah I'm a Conti fan... I was looking at the TravelContacts too - they do look good. The advantage I can see for TopTouring is they go to 700x32 and 700x28 whereas TravelContacts are 700x37 min.

Yeah, I have run both 28 and 32 TTs, and the TC's are 35, I think, but they run a little smallish for a 35. I don't have any trouble getting them on my Trek 520 w/planet bike fenders & v-brakes. They do feel a little slower than the TT's though, so I go with the TT's unless I have plans for gravel. The TC is a big burly tire, for sure. Oh, by the way, the TC's suck in mud.

I generally like the TT's better. I heard they were DSQ'd. :(