Originally Posted by
kingston
I wouldn't use Compass tires for touring either, but Calgary to Vancouver is under 1,000k. Pretty sure the RTP's will make it that far. Yes, they will wear out faster and flat more easily than a proper touring tire, but they will roll a lot faster too. That's always the trade-off with tires.
The idea of using some delicate lightweight tire to "roll a lot faster" on a fully-loaded, 26" wheeled touring bike is fairly meaningless.
What will be noticeable when loaded for touring: roadside debris, cracked/potholed pavement, slower bike handling/response, limited space for maneuvering on the shoulder, etc. The desire for a durable tire will increase with each pound added to the bike, and each flat that could have otherwise been avoided.