Originally Posted by
barnabaas
Sorry I can't quote yet....
Seamuis,
no defense needed but thanks for adding that extra info. Sorry I left a lot of info out. I'm not new to riding but I'm def. new to proper setups and maintenance - I have a lot to learn but I'm excited to get into all this. I have a Wabi Classic which came with 700x23's Kenda tires. Brakes are Tektro R540 calipers. I did have a commuter bike before this...well still do, a Cannondale Quick 5 with Schwalbe tires in fact. They're 700x35's actually...and I agree with what you said about them, solid tires and I do really like them for commuting. The downside to that bike was just the weight, I got the Wabi for a lightweight commuter since I have to take my bike on the train, carry it around, etc. I won't be carting much with me usually. It's also for simple fun rides with the kids when possible. So I'm kinda looking for that balance. I was leaning towards 700x28's after all this discussion, which brand / style is still up in the air as I learn more about each one so I appreciate the suggestions. I only weight around 145-150 so I don't think I need anything TOO beefy but enough to not get those pinch flats you mentioned.
Well based on your equipment, you should be able to handle a 700x32, depending on how accurate wabi is with measuring, you might even be able to fit 35. Wabi specifically lists 32mm and I don’t see any reason why your brake wouldn’t clear it (though I can’t be certain about that.) so you should be good to go as a commuter. The wabi classic is a really good frame, so I can see you spend your money wisely. Excellent choice. If you want to run 28’s, at your weight, I’d say you’re fine, but I would still recommend you choose 32mm to better ‘future proof’ your setup if you start carrying more weight. With the right tires you won’t notice any increase in weight between a 28 and a 32, just an increase in smoothness of ride and a reduced chance of pinch flats. I can’t stress enough, that one of the main reasons people get pinch flats is riding on tires that are too small in volume. Of course not keeping proper pressure more or less creates the same effect and increases pinch flats.
as far as recommendations go, well the schwalbe marathon plus, is the gold standard for commuting tires and for good reasons. Of course it’s a heavier tire that doesn’t lend itself well for anything else. But if you want something that can pull double duty for commuting and for more fast&fun riding there are a few I could recommend, all of which can be had in both 28 and 32mm: panaracer RiBMo, panaracer pasela protite, vittoria randonneur (and the pro version), soma shikoro, continental top contact II, schwalbe durano, and if you really want the closest thing to a racing tire, you could go for the continental grand prix 4 season, but it will cost you more and likely have to be replaced sooner.
if a good balance of speed performance and reliability as a commuter is important, then vittoria probably has the widest choice of tires:
https://www.vittoria.com/us/tires/ur...nd-beyond.html but I should stress again, that one of the most important aspects of a commuting tire is tread life. A thicker tread, or at least a tread compound designed to wear slower is best. No racing tire is going to properly give you that, by design.
anyway, update us with photos when you’ve got it all sorted eh? Cheers, mate.