Another Thread on a tired subject.
 

Hi all,

The rear tire on my Rockhopper finally developed a gash on the sidewall and worn smooth the knobbly tread. I've put in a temporary boot but I do realize it's time to get new tires.

I've been researching tires on various internet sites (yes this one too) and I've narrowed it down to either the Kenda K838s in the 26*1.95 size:

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Bicycle-...cmu_pg__header

... or Panaracer HighRoad Vs in 26*1.5:

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Produc...1#ReviewHeader

I'm having a bit of trouble deciding which one to get and I would like some advice. BF threads on the subject seem seem to flip-flop all over the place. I'd like to keep it under $20 per tire.

I like the Kenda because it has a more aggressive tread for all-weather and I can get it to my front door in two days or less, but it's quite wide.

The Panaracer is narrower but I already have a set of 26*1.5-2 tubes that I'd like to use before buying some more. It's the cheapest option.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

I had the Highroad V's and never liked them. They only claim to be rated for 40psi which for me was way too low for mostly road riding. Even at well above rated pressure they still seemed sluggish compared to the Nashbar/Performance brand 1.5 inch tires. I eventually gave them away and happily ran the puncture resistant versions of the Nash/Perf tires for several years. I have no expereince with the Kendas, but at 1.95 inches they strike me as awfully large for a road style tread unless you are doing some goofing around, jumping, curb-hopping and what not. I do do some goofing around and still like to run 1.5 inch tires.

Also with care during installation I'm sure you can use your tubes in a 1.5 (or even 1.25) inch tire so don't let that be the deciding factor.

I've been riding on my Panaracer Crosstowns now for just over 500 miles. It's just incredible to me, as to how resilient they are to broken glass. I've gone over a bunch of broken glass in the evenings and haven't had one flat yet. I love Panaracers!

- Slim :)

My school's LBS (what, your school doesn't have a campus LBS? :D) has 1.5" Kenda Kwests for $16 a pop and I may have a 25% off coupon.

Good deal? Even if it isn't, would I be wrong in saying that 1.5" seems to be the ideal commuting width? Ritchey Tom slicks look so great but they're a bit out of my price range. :twitchy:

I got my Sunlite City Slick 26x1.5" tires for pretty cheap, and they weren't bad. I'll be using Panaracer Pasela 26x1.75" when spring rolls around, though. ;)

- Scott

Sorry, I wouldn't hit a dog in the hind end w/a set of Kenda Kwests. Worthless waste of good rubber. Double down on your cost and get some real mtb street tires. Mr. Tuffys added will go a long way in helping lower your flat rate. 1.5" is a good width for cushion/rolling resistance issues in regards to cycle-commuting. But, I'd stay away from the KKs.

Cheap tires make me sad. I suspect you're going to say they're out of your price range, but I have to recommend Panaracer T-Servs. I've got them in 26x1.25 and I like them a lot. They're worth saving up for...so much more fun to ride than the Michelin Country Rocks I used to have on the same bike. They're also available in 1.5 and 1.75. You can get them for about $32 at eBikeStop right now.

My bike came stock with Tioga City Slickers in 26x1.5 format. The rear is just now starting to show some wear after almost 2 full years of commuting. Amazon has them +/- your target price depending on width. I did have some flatting issues early on, but that was because I erroneously thought that the air compressor at the c-store cranked out enough p.s.i.'s. After getting a floor pump, the rate of flats has dropped dramatically- though not eliminated entirely.

those tioga city slickers last forever. i had a couple with their own retirement accounts. eventually had to just toss 'em. although i wouldn't be surprised if my neighbor pulled them out of the trash for HIS commuter.

The Nashbar slicks were quite nice in my experience. I was less impressed with the Panaracer Highroad-Vs but they served fine on my commuter for 2+ years.

Anybody try the 26" Serfas Secas?

Not in 26", but I tried them in 622-28 on my Hybrid.
I didn't like them because they tended to allow small irregular shaped "pebbles" to stick. Thunk, thunk....

I've used the Sefas Drifters in 26x1.50" with no complaints. Probably would be good for 3000 miles at least, but I wanted something lighter/faster and went to these in 1.25". I've had them for about 6 months and I've been totally happy with them. Not good for wet leaves, but otherwise they have been great.

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...et-runner-tire