Tire Suggestions?
07-14-08, 09:28 AM
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Tire Suggestions?
I am currently converting a bike into a tourer and Im having some problems selecting a tire. I believe I want to ride 26mm tires so they are semi- fast but still comfortable. Does anyone have good experience with any particular brand. I would like some texture on the tread for all weather ability, and most likely 26 x 700, but I would be open to 25s or another size if y'all have good experience with these. I would like some durability and to not break the bank with these.
07-14-08, 09:49 AM
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Schwalbe Marathon XRs seem to be the platform of choice for maximum ruggedness on unpredictable surfaces, but they're a wee bit fatter than you've suggested. 700x35?
07-14-08, 10:04 AM
#3
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I am currently converting a bike into a tourer and Im having some problems selecting a tire. I believe I want to ride 26mm tires so they are semi- fast but still comfortable. Does anyone have good experience with any particular brand. I would like some texture on the tread for all weather ability, and most likely 26 x 700, but I would be open to 25s or another size if y'all have good experience with these. I would like some durability and to not break the bank with these.
# 700x25 (25-622 ISO, 300g, 120 max. psi)
# 700x28 (28-622 ISO, 320g, 116 max. psi)
Since they are narrow for their nominal width I would go up to the 28.
BTW: Tread is really not a requirement for wet roads. Bike tires are too narrow to hydroplane at least in the sizes you are considering. The grippiness of the rubber will be a bigger factor. I have often ridden on theses tires in the rain and found them to be fine.
07-14-08, 11:24 AM
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If you are thinking of touring with 700x25 tires make sure your credit card is fully loaded before you leave. As a large guy with fully loaded bags I go with 700x32s on tour. Then I can choose less maintained, more scenic roads, even stretches of rocky dirt.
07-14-08, 03:09 PM
#5
Sore saddle cyclist
I swear by Specialized Armadillo tires, use them on all my bikes. On my touring bike I use 700X28, road bike gets 700X23. These tires ride well and are very puncture resistant. Best tire I've ever used, and I'm old!
07-14-08, 04:50 PM
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My fave for ultralight, mostly supported touring has been a Michelin Krylion Carbon 700x25. They run as big as many 700x28's, roll much better than the average 23 on bad chip seal and other rough road surfaces, and the extra casing ply has left them pretty flat resistant for a 250g tire.
07-14-08, 05:59 PM
#7
Professional Fuss-Budget
FWIW I'd go for some 28's. The speed difference between 23's and 28's is quite minimal, IMO.
When you get past 28's, IMO the difference is not so much the width as it generally is the type of tire you're dealing with. I.e. road tires are 21's to 28's, mountain tires are wider and tend to use different types of tread, different compounds and so forth.
I'm using the Continental Grand Prix 4 Season in 700 x 28c's. Haven't done a full-on tour with it, but speed and handling are decent & so far it's done well resisting punctures.
When you get past 28's, IMO the difference is not so much the width as it generally is the type of tire you're dealing with. I.e. road tires are 21's to 28's, mountain tires are wider and tend to use different types of tread, different compounds and so forth.
I'm using the Continental Grand Prix 4 Season in 700 x 28c's. Haven't done a full-on tour with it, but speed and handling are decent & so far it's done well resisting punctures.
07-14-08, 09:10 PM
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yeah, I am probably going to go for 28s on the tourer, the bike im using is a Bianchi Strada from 1987 i believe, is that a good starting bike for a build? I also have a Fuji I could use but I would really rather keep it as fast as it is now. The Bianchi unfortunately has stem shifters, which I have understood to be undesireable. I dont really understand this though, the only downsides I can think of are 1. restricted movement/ get in the way 2. can smack you in the chest in a wreck. but why are they not as good?
