best tire for communting
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,401
Likes: 1
From: Buffalo, NY
Bikes: 2012 Surly LHT, 1995 GT Outpost Trail
After a lot of research I figured a Schwalbe Marathon Supreme would do the trick.
... and on my first commute I ran over a staple and punctured. Hah.
However the tire kept the pressure high enough that I was able to ride it home with no issues. Plus I've been using them for another 700 non-commuting miles before that anyway, so they're pretty good. Not sure of any tire that can withstand a frigging staple to be honest.
... and on my first commute I ran over a staple and punctured. Hah.
However the tire kept the pressure high enough that I was able to ride it home with no issues. Plus I've been using them for another 700 non-commuting miles before that anyway, so they're pretty good. Not sure of any tire that can withstand a frigging staple to be honest.
#4
Schwalbe Marathon. I use cheap tubes filled with "Flat Attack". No need to change tires mid commute.
Panaracer Highroad V's were my choice before I discovered Schwalbe. They are good tires when on a budget.
Panaracer Highroad V's were my choice before I discovered Schwalbe. They are good tires when on a budget.
__________________
I miss bicycle commuting.
I miss bicycle commuting.
#5
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 483
Likes: 0
From: Halle, Germany
Bikes: Surly Troll
I use Panaracer Pasela Tourguard, but my local streets are generally smooth and don't have much glass or junk on the pavement to worry about. I get an occasional flat, but sometimes I am lucky and go 6+ months (3K to 4K miles) with no flats.
#6
That got my attention. I have visited NOLA many times, and pedaled around there as well. The street surfaces in New Orleans are in typically worse than most other cities in the US - and I have visited all 50 states. If you have good results with rimbo in NOLA, that has me curious - I have never seen that tire.
I use Panaracer Pasela Tourguard, but my local streets are generally smooth and don't have much glass or junk on the pavement to worry about. I get an occasional flat, but sometimes I am lucky and go 6+ months (3K to 4K miles) with no flats.
I use Panaracer Pasela Tourguard, but my local streets are generally smooth and don't have much glass or junk on the pavement to worry about. I get an occasional flat, but sometimes I am lucky and go 6+ months (3K to 4K miles) with no flats.
I rotated my tires at 3,000, front to back. Not really sure why, the back looked a little square, but still rolled out.
On the other bike, I run the Marathons, they are also very good tires. I just feel the rimbos ride better. Plus I found rimbos in 23 for my road bike.
Really I don't think you could go wrong with either.
Of course we don't have goatheads here!
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,119
Likes: 159
From: Kalamazoo, Mi.
Bikes: Sam, The Hunq and that Old Guy, Soma Buena Vista, Giant Talon 2, Brompton
#11
I rode T-Servs for a whole season last year. Liked them well enough, but had a couple issues with sidewall tears or punctures. Light and supple, though.
This year, I switched to the RiBMo tires and they have held up better. A bit heavier than the T-Servs, but not as heavy as the standard Marathons. First and only puncture this season was at just about the 1300 mi mark.
I prefer the flat protection of the RiBMo tires over the lightweightness of the T-Servs, heaviness of the Marathons. If I was getting any more flats with these, I am more than prepared to switch to Marathons.
RiBMo tires have an odd, tall, almost parabolic profile, so they ride like a narrower tire, just with bigger volume. I might try something else with a more traditional round profile once these are done, but I got no complaints about them.
This year, I switched to the RiBMo tires and they have held up better. A bit heavier than the T-Servs, but not as heavy as the standard Marathons. First and only puncture this season was at just about the 1300 mi mark.
I prefer the flat protection of the RiBMo tires over the lightweightness of the T-Servs, heaviness of the Marathons. If I was getting any more flats with these, I am more than prepared to switch to Marathons.
RiBMo tires have an odd, tall, almost parabolic profile, so they ride like a narrower tire, just with bigger volume. I might try something else with a more traditional round profile once these are done, but I got no complaints about them.
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 960
Likes: 80
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 6
From: Binghamton, NY
Bikes: Workcycles FR8, 2016 Jamis Coda Comp, 2008 Surly Long Haul Trucker
I have the Panaracer RiBMo's on my LHT. After about 2 years (maybe more) I got my first flat. I like them well enough that I will probably switch to them on other bikes when the time comes.
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Iowa
Bikes: surly cross check
I run specialized all condition armadillos, they are 700x28 and provide a decent enough ride. They are a little stiff so they don't roll as nice as some others, but have never had a flat with an armadillo tire in 8,000 miles.
I use my cross check for commuting and touring so flat resistance is a really big deal for me. I will definitely be sticking with armadillos in the future
I use my cross check for commuting and touring so flat resistance is a really big deal for me. I will definitely be sticking with armadillos in the future
#16
700x28 Schwalbe Marathons Heavy but have yet to puncture. Wearing very well after 3K and may just switch back to front for kicks as the back looks nice still. Handled hardpack trail just fine with a little less air pressure.
Next time I may actually go for 700x25 as my daily routine does not warrant hauling a lot of weight, just need some flat protection and long wear. May try the lighter Ribmos others have said.
Next time I may actually go for 700x25 as my daily routine does not warrant hauling a lot of weight, just need some flat protection and long wear. May try the lighter Ribmos others have said.
#19
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Hi guys,
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
#20
Hi guys,
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 0
From: Henderson/Las Vegas NV
Bikes: Giant Defy 2
Hi guys,
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
Working for Michelin you may be entitled to say that I'm biased be that as it may the RiBMo 7 looks similar to the Michelin Pilot City which also has pucture resistance built in (Protec), others to consider might be is the Michelin City and the Michelin Pilot Sport, an added advantage is that they will probably cheaper so that would be a bonus.
Bryan
#24
I had a set of Ribmos that kept my pump in my backpack pretty well for about 2500 miles. I didn't really care for the ride quality. I like Marathon Supremes and Grand Prix 4 Seasons much better. Of course, those cost twice as much. I've been thinking about trying the T-Servs.
#25
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Athens, ohio
I bought some fat Marathon Supremes for my mountain bike-turned-commuter. (700c x 40) and I love them.
I did manage to get a puncture but this would have flattened nearly anything.

My best guess is that I flipped it up with my front tire and the rear caught it just right.
The old rusty nail was about 1.5 inches (38mm) long
It went in the tread and out the sidewall and totally shredded the tube.
To top it all off this was on my way home from work on my first ever ride on the tires.
Compared to some of the tires I was looking at for my mountain bike (Schwalbe Big Apples) these were considered light.
Now I only hope I can fit them on my vintage ride-turned-commuter.
Lots of volume for a smooth ride and smooth tread for easy rolling.
Depending one where you get them they can be pricey but these get my vote.
I did manage to get a puncture but this would have flattened nearly anything.

My best guess is that I flipped it up with my front tire and the rear caught it just right.
The old rusty nail was about 1.5 inches (38mm) long
It went in the tread and out the sidewall and totally shredded the tube.
To top it all off this was on my way home from work on my first ever ride on the tires.
Compared to some of the tires I was looking at for my mountain bike (Schwalbe Big Apples) these were considered light.
Now I only hope I can fit them on my vintage ride-turned-commuter.
Lots of volume for a smooth ride and smooth tread for easy rolling.
Depending one where you get them they can be pricey but these get my vote.






