I've had Panaracer Pasela Tourgard 700x35 on my main commuting, load carrying bicycle for some years now. Probably eight or nine years, although I've replaced at least one of them during that time. I seem to remember a sidewall getting sliced when I lived in MD, which would make it some time between 2001 and 2005.

Last week, when I was ready to go home one day, I found my tire flat: the sidewall in my older, rear, tire had blown out. I don't remember noticing any real wear there, so it was a bit of a surprise. I carry a scrap of old tire for use as a 'boot', so I was able to make it home. I replaced the tire temporarily with an old Kemba tire I had sitting around, but it isn't a permanent replacement.

I'm looking for a replacement tire, and my priorities are as follows:

Reliability: I usually have time to change a flat, but not always, and I don't want to have to change too many. The Paselas were good in this respect, although the sidewall seems like it may be a weak point.

Traction/Grip: On pavement only, I'd like something that grips well, especially on slicker surfaces in wet weather. I fell on my hip and elbow last fall, cornering on some recently coated asphalt. While I realize that this was my fault, I'd prefer as much grip as is conveniently possible.

Longevity/Durability: I'd certainly pay more for a tire that I can expect to last proportionately longer.

Little or no tread: I never ride anywhere that I wouldn't be comfortable with slicks, so I'd prefer a tire with as little tread as possible.

I've gotten the impression that Schwalbe marathons tend to do exceptionally well in both reliability and durability, but the more durable and reliable ones seem not to be as treadless as I'd prefer. The Dureme seems like it might work well, but I'd like to hear from any of you who have used it. Would it make a noticeable difference in efficiency as compared with the Pasela? I'm also interested in suggestions.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

I'd consider the Marathon Supreme. I'm not sure about the durability -- Schwalbe rates them a bit lower than the Dureme. I had a pair that I used for about 1500 miles with no obvious signs of wear before I sold the bike they were on. The tread is minimal and the wet grip is excellent. The only flat I had was an inch-long screw that buried itself in the tire, and that would have punctured any tire.

I think having the Paselas for that long is quite the testament to them, if you do any amount of riding at all.
The Pasela TG are my tires of choice for touring/commuting duty.
I like the Panaracer Ribmos a lot, too. One that I haven't tried yet is a Panaracer city/commuting tire... shoot... the name escapes me right now and I can't do much Googling here at work.
(I'm obviously a fan of Panaracer tires...)

I think the nearly-universal recommendations are going to be Pasella TG or Schwalbe Marathons for what you're looking for.

I love my marathon supremes. Not light, but they're really really nice tires. Reflective sidewalls too.

I had the RibMos for awhile too, they're pretty good, and far less expensive.

I went ahead and ordered a Marathon Supreme last night. On Amazon, it was $53.52, with free shipping. At that price, it wasn't much more expensive than the RiBMo, which also looked pretty good.

Thanks for the advice.