Originally Posted by
LuckySailor
On a touring bike, are you really trying to get super low rolling resistance, quick, agile, nimble, high performance? I prefer reliable, good ride, flat resistant personally.
Different touring cyclists will emphasize different tire aspects. I've ridden on 700x-35 Schwalbe Duremes and found them very heavy and "dead". If I was doing the same gravel/road combinations I'd probably go with a 28 or 32 Gatorskin or Paselas for the deeper tread.
I tour mostly on roads with a lightweight set up so 25mm Gatorskins work nicely. They have good flat resistance for the weight and roll nicely on the roads. If I wanted less rolling resistance I'd go with a wider tire, or a wider rim to make the tire work like a wider one. I like my bike to feel a bit agile and climb well and I find the Gatorskins do that for me.