Cream23

I recently purchased a Novara Safari from REI and I plan on biking across the US starting June 1st. I've read that the stock tires are not ideal for touring and was wondering what touring tires I could purchase for the trip and keep the stock as back ups. Also, do I have to get the exact tire size (700 x 42) or could I fit 700 x 40, 700 x 45 etc.?

3speed

It sounds like you still have some pretty basic bike knowledge to learn. Are you sure you're ready for a tip across the country?

In any case, you can use whatever size tires your frame/fenders will accommodate. That will always include tires smaller or the same size as stock, and often/sometimes tires larger than stock. As for a tire suggestion, we'd need to know what type of terrain you plan to cover to offer any educated suggestions.

Mongoeric

My son just bought a 2014 Novaro Safari for a summer tour we are taking from Vancouver, BC south.

The tires that came with it are Continental Town Ride 700 x 42. I couldn't find reviews on the Town Ride but they appear similar to the Tour Rides that are well reviewed. My current plan is to keep the Town Rides unless there is significant evidence to bail.

I think some of the poor comments on the tires were on older models.

whatbrakes

[QUOTE=Cream23;16681481]I recently purchased a Novara Safari from REI and I plan on biking across the US starting June 1st. I've read that the stock tires are not ideal for touring and was wondering what touring tires I could purchase for the trip and keep the stock as back ups. Also, do I have to get the exact tire size (700 x 42) or could I fit 700 x 40, 700 x 45 etc.?[/QUOTE
I have read some using 700x35 but I have not seen anyone talk about putting anything larger than 700x42 on the safari. I have a ? of my own about the safari. Does the safari still come with brazons for 3 water bottles and disk brakes?

pdlamb

OP, just ride them. They're plenty good, and until you've worn out two or three sets of tires you won't understand what the detractors complain about.

Check the tires, especially the rear tire, at every state line crossing. If you notice the color or material at the center of the tire seems different from what's on the edges, or if you notice lots of flats (like one a day), replace the tire ASAP. Check local bike shops to see if they have anything that'll fit, or log in to a mail order outfit with a good selection of tires, and have them ship one to a place a day ahead of you.

fietsbob

bring an extra tire , for insurance .. if one tire fails , you're prepared .

BigAura

Those tires are Ok but they are not a tough as "touring specific tires". I would use them unless you meet one or more of these criteria:

• You plus your gear weigh more than 220 lbs
• Your tour includes a good bit of riding on unpaved roads
• Every flat tire you get sends you into a tizzy
• You have plenty of budget money and only want the toughest tires for touring

Personally I would never carry a extra tire on a cross-country tour. If in the unlikely event that you needed a tire, you could just buy one at a bike shop along the way. Plus if you're going to buy an extra, then get a touring-specific one and put it on leaving the original at home.

BTW: If a tire or anything else failed on a single cross-country trip I'd complain to REI and try and get a refund under their 100% satisfaction policy. After all it is a touring bike.

rebel1916

If a tire failed? Really? I think REI has recently changed their policy because of people like you.

BigAura

All I'm saying is that the touring tires should be able handle the trip. I've never abused anyone's return policy nor was telling the OP to. Everyone gets it, that normal wear-and-tear is not covered. I was only trying to instill some confidence that the OP will be fine. Lighten up!

Cream23

I'm 200 lbs and my gear will probably be 25 to 35 lbs since my brother has bulkier items such as the tent. I will most likely only have back panniers, so the back tire would wear much more than the front. We're planning on riding the northern tier, so I wouldn't have a problem relying on the original tires. The route should mostly be paved. I would however like to have an extra. There probably aren't too many bike shops with suitable tires while travelling through North Dakota, Montana etc. I'm only asking because I couldn't find any 700 x 42 on Schwalbe's website and was wondering about the size. I was skeptical about the Continental Tour just because they were so cheap online, but if they work as a good back up then I could buy that and start worrying about my next items for the trip. Thanks for the help!

BigAura

In your circumstance I would definitely recommend the Schwalbe's. Obviously the current shortage does pose a problem.

You may want to look at these guys or other European retailers.

Here's another

boomhauer

Look at it this way....

If you pay $80-100 for a set of Schwalbe (marathons?) you won't get a flat.
Your peace of mind is worth that.

You won't have to worry about taking a spare.

The Schwalbe's will eventually wear out. You will have to buy tires anyway but you have the original tires that came with the bike sitting at home. I'm assuming you will be riding your bike around town after the tour.