RubeRad

Hey all, you've been so helpful whenever I've needed to choose new tires over the years (2013, 2017, 2019), the Schwalbe Hurricanes I bought in 2019 (29x1.6 front, 29x2 rear) are approaching slick.

For my next set, I'm thinking either ThickSlick or Big Apples (29x2 aka 700x50). I'm already confident they'll fit, since already I've got the 29x2 Hurricanes in there and they fit (barely!) even with side knobs, with these tires would not have.

I think the ThickSlick looks really cool, and it's cheaper, but would it be problematically slippery on light trails? Once in a blue moon I take the CC off the pavement.

Crankycrank

Yes. I sometimes travel on short stretches of mostly dry, hardpack dirt which is about the only dirt surface that my 25mm slicks can handle. Forget going up steep hills as there is no traction. For mud or soft dirt a slick will also be mostly useless unless you're Peter Sagan.

RubeRad

Would the 'tread' on a Big Apple be just as useless? I don't remember any problems on easy trails when I had Marathon Supremes

Iride01 

Once in a blue moon you go off on unpaved trails that are slippery? Do you know ahead of time? Just change tires before you ride them. Once you get used to it, it doesn't take much time at all.

I'll always favor a slick tire for pavement.

Crankycrank

That would be an improvement for sure. Noticeably better traction in the dirt than any slick. The Apples have more nubs than the Marathon does at the center of the tire so probably slightly better riding in the straights too.

canopus 

How about some Soma Tire Supple Vitesse in 48 or 56?
Or some Rene Hearse Antelope Hill (2.2) or the Hatcher Pass (48)?

Papa Tom

I have a set of Big Apple 26" X 2.35" and a set of Big Apple 26" X 2.00". The 2.35's deliver a phenomenal ride, mostly because of their wide footprint. The 2.0's (much narrrower) provide only an average ride. Given that you are looking at no more than a 2.0" tire, I personally don't think the Big Apple will be anything special for you. I'm sure there are many, many 2.0" tires that will make you just as happy as the Big Apples.

RubeRad

I'm def. too cheap for Rene Herse. Soma seems to be the layman's Rene Herse, but still kinda spendy, and their website says VItesse only goes up to 42

canopus 

Soma Tire Supple Vitesse TC EX 700c should available in 48.

These appear to be available from bike somewhere in 48, SOMA Fabrications Supple Vitesse SL tubeless K tire

I thought I was to cheap for Rene hearse also but I finally broke down and bought some for the schwinn because i wanted the size and the tread.. They are nice....

I have had one set of schwalbes and they cracked on the side down to the core after 200 miles. I acknowledge that others think they are great, I doubt I will ever own another pair.

mtbikerjohn 

Universal list these..
https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...&category=3286

RubeRad

yikes $81 each? I don't care if they feel like gliding on marshmallow streets with a unicorn giving me a scalp massage, I could never enjoy riding tires knowing I had spent that much on them!

I once splurged $138.60 on a pair of Marathon Supremes to see what all the fuss was about, and I couldn't see what all the fuss was about. That probably makes me a philistine, but if I can't tell good tires from bad by 'feeling' anyways, that just means spending extra money on good tires is wasted money.

Which I think means the answer is ThickSlick, they're pretty cheap.

canopus 

When you get used to supple tires (I would not put the marathon's in that category), you can really tell the difference in different ones and the price becomes less of an issue.