Originally Posted by
Trav1s
Glad the information was insightful. I've done a fair amount of reading here on the forum and cannot take credit for most of the info. ;-)
When it comes to puncture resistance, the Schwalbe Marathon line is hard to beat. I have Marathon Racers on my Cannondale Hybrid and I'm happy with them. A friend has Marathons on his Giant Boulder and is very happy with them. If you are focused on durability, the Marathon line is hard to beat.
I really like the DoubleFighter III on my around town bike. They are quiet, smooth and feel quick. They are large enough to handle bad streets when needed but I spend most of my time on paved bike trails. I think they are a solid value. Obligatory bike pic below
I used the Comet Hardpacks on two bikes I rebuilt and sold. I rode one of them a fair amount and liked the response and feel. They are no where as quick, nimble, or quiet as the DoubleFighter III but they have more bite. Both bikes has the 26x1.90 size. Solid option for sure.
The Crossroads Armadillo seem to be nice middle ground between the DoubleFighter III and the Comet Hardpack. Easy rolling, quiet, and yet grippy on dirt and paved. If my around towner spent more time on singletrack, these would be my choice. I'll be putting them on my daughter's 26" bike.
Beautiful bike! I also love the way the DoubleFighter IIIs look on it - very clean and classic look! Not sure if it’s a “thing” for many, but the tire plays a big role in the overall aesthetic of the bike, so choosing a nice looking tire is a factor for me. That said, I wont let it get in the way of the more important issues at hand.
So, I’ve decided to go with the Crossroads Armadillos. They seem to be the best fit for my current riding style, I found a nice deal on them and bonus - I love the way they look.
My only concern is that they only come in 26x1.9, which again is replacing 26x2.2, and my front tire is 26x2.25. So replacing those with 1.9 I’m hoping they will not readily look thinner than the tires I have on now and detract from the aggressive stance of the bike. I really love the way my bike looks and this is the first time I’m changing tires so I’m slightly nervous the overall look will be altered... for the worse.
I haven’t pulled the trigger yet. Maybe I’ll wait to get your thoughts on my above-stated madness
. Otherwise I will do it by Friday.
Thanks again for your insight and for talking this out with me!