best bang for buck in 32 tires
#1
Thread Starter
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best bang for buck in 32 tires
I have an old Trek 750 I am refitting into a commuter, looking for a fairly light and fast 32 tire, or close to that size (28 or 35 would work ok)
I can get Panaracer Pasela PT for $27 each, which have a good reputation, and I've heard Vittoria Voyager Hyper are good too, I've seen those around $35
Anything else in this price range that works well?
thanks!
I can get Panaracer Pasela PT for $27 each, which have a good reputation, and I've heard Vittoria Voyager Hyper are good too, I've seen those around $35
Anything else in this price range that works well?
thanks!
#2
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I run Nashbar Streetwise kevlar on my bad weather bike. They're relatively slick and decently rolling. They're only available in 35s. $18. The non-kevlar version is $13. Probably hard to beat if bang for the buck is the criteria. I have about 2000 miles on my first set and they don't appear to be worn much yet.
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#3
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From: Escondido, CA
Bikes: 2015 Motobecane Fantom Cross, 2012 Giant Escape 2, 1982 Trek 710
I'm running the Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pros and they seem excellent so far. I've ridden Conti Gatorskins, Performance Strada-K's, and Conti Touring Plus Reflex before. These Vittoria's are excellent tires so far, but they were hard to mount initially. This was mostly due to my inexperience with Kevlar bead tires, though.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
#4
Jedi Master
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Lake Forest, IL
Bikes: https://stinkston.blogspot.com/p/my-bikes.html
I'm running the Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pros and they seem excellent so far. I've ridden Conti Gatorskins, Performance Strada-K's, and Conti Touring Plus Reflex before. These Vittoria's are excellent tires so far, but they were hard to mount initially. This was mostly due to my inexperience with Kevlar bead tires, though.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
#5
Lost at sea...
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Western PA
Bikes: Schwinn Paramount (match), Trek 520, random bits and pieces...
I'm running the Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pros and they seem excellent so far. I've ridden Conti Gatorskins, Performance Strada-K's, and Conti Touring Plus Reflex before. These Vittoria's are excellent tires so far, but they were hard to mount initially. This was mostly due to my inexperience with Kevlar bead tires, though.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro City Tire
For $24.95/tire they are great.
#6
The Paselas have an excellent ride quality, probably the best of those mentioned in the thread. The trade off is the sidewalls (not the treads, mind you) are a little fragile compared to the others. IMO these will look and ride the best on your Trek, but they might not last quite as long as some of the others.
#8
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
I do not know the "PT" of that Panasonic. (I have paid little attention to the letters.) I have had a couple of sidewall failures, none catastrophic in 8 years of using those tires in 28c. No problems the past 3. Never had a problem in the past three years using 25cs. I have only used one pair of 32s which have been on a little used bike for about the past 3-4 years and just swapped to the bike I just set up and they are riding great now!
I am a huge fan of Paselas. Probably the best tire for the money of any type or price I have used over 40+ years. The tread is a little slippery if you ride high pressures but they run so nicely at lower pressures there is no need to. I find (at 150 lbs) that the 32s are a sweet ride at 60 psi. I rode very rural roads I have never seen before yesterday in the wet and the those 32s were confidence inspiring on very steep and sharp corners. (I didn't push it. My New Year's resolution is another year of rubber down in deference to my 61 body that has see way too much pavement.)
The tires don't get many flats. No magic. Just a good tire; tread that doesn't pick up stuff and that glass, etc. doesn't glam onto.
Ben
I am a huge fan of Paselas. Probably the best tire for the money of any type or price I have used over 40+ years. The tread is a little slippery if you ride high pressures but they run so nicely at lower pressures there is no need to. I find (at 150 lbs) that the 32s are a sweet ride at 60 psi. I rode very rural roads I have never seen before yesterday in the wet and the those 32s were confidence inspiring on very steep and sharp corners. (I didn't push it. My New Year's resolution is another year of rubber down in deference to my 61 body that has see way too much pavement.)
The tires don't get many flats. No magic. Just a good tire; tread that doesn't pick up stuff and that glass, etc. doesn't glam onto.
Ben
#9
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From: Portland, OR
Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder
Marathon plus is very high quality, compared with it's price it is very much bang for the buck.
Are you looking for acceptable tires for the next year (or even less time?) or for the next multiple years? Depending on your mileage, you may get several years out of a set of marathon plus tires. You may also get little or no flats when you use them.
I have a set of panaracer pasela gt and while they are more comfortable, and cheaper I have not out many miles on them so I can't speak more about them. Some reviewers suggest the Paselas rot in the sun, and won't make it multiple years regardless of use. If you keep your bike inside and in a low ozone environment (some electrical devices produce ozone which will "age" the rubber) then perhaps the aging process is more forgiving, I don't know.
For me, the marathon plus are a real no-brainer. Personally I like marathon plus tour version.
Are you looking for acceptable tires for the next year (or even less time?) or for the next multiple years? Depending on your mileage, you may get several years out of a set of marathon plus tires. You may also get little or no flats when you use them.
I have a set of panaracer pasela gt and while they are more comfortable, and cheaper I have not out many miles on them so I can't speak more about them. Some reviewers suggest the Paselas rot in the sun, and won't make it multiple years regardless of use. If you keep your bike inside and in a low ozone environment (some electrical devices produce ozone which will "age" the rubber) then perhaps the aging process is more forgiving, I don't know.
For me, the marathon plus are a real no-brainer. Personally I like marathon plus tour version.
Ben
#10
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Joined: Aug 2014
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From: Escondido, CA
Bikes: 2015 Motobecane Fantom Cross, 2012 Giant Escape 2, 1982 Trek 710
I have not ridden the Marathon Plus tires. I was considering them, and I might still get a pair if the Vittorias don't last.
The price on the Marathon Plus runs around $50.00/tire. They also weigh 900 grams a piece. 1.8 Kilos for the pair or around 4 lbs. Marathon Supremes are much lighter, but run at $60.00+/tire.
I felt the Randonneurs were a good compromise of weight, puncture protection, and price. Of course, my opinion may change after I get a puncture at 5:00 AM on my way to work...
The price on the Marathon Plus runs around $50.00/tire. They also weigh 900 grams a piece. 1.8 Kilos for the pair or around 4 lbs. Marathon Supremes are much lighter, but run at $60.00+/tire.
I felt the Randonneurs were a good compromise of weight, puncture protection, and price. Of course, my opinion may change after I get a puncture at 5:00 AM on my way to work...
#12
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From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
I want to say that electric motors create ozone, which I've read is especially damaging to the skin walls on Paselas. If you have a refrigerator, for example, running in your garage you may be suffering some tires damage from the ozone produced. I'm definitely on the edge of my knowledge here.
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#13
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From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I've used 32 mm Panaracer Pasela PTs and Vittoria Voyageur Hypers extensively for commuting and touring and can recommend both of these tires heartily. The Hypers roll nicer and have reflective sidewalls, but generally cost more than the Paselas. The Hypers have no tread at all, which could be an issue if you ride at all on unpaved trails, dirt roads, etc. Paselas have enough tread that they are much grippier on unpaved surface, but also creates more rolling resistance, so they aren't quite as fast as the Hypers. Paselas are available with tan or black sidewalls, which is nice if you are trying to achieve a certain appearance with your bike. I would recommend the folding versions of both tires to save weight, but they are more expensive than the wire-bead versions.
If shopping around, you might also want to consider Continental Gatorskins and GP 4 Seasons, both of which are available now in 32s but might be harder to find and probably at high prices than Paselas or Hypers. Contis tend to run narrow, so I doubt if they run a true 32 mm unless you are using wider rims. Gatorskins ride a little rougher than the other tires mentioned, but GP 4 Seasons roll very nicely.
I've also heard that Vittoria Rubinos are now available in 32s and, if so, that would be a viable option. I've run Rubinos exensively in 25s and 28s, and they roll very nicely and are relatively light weight in folders. However, they also tend to run narrow, like the Contis. Rubino 25s and 28s are often available for excellent prices from on-line dealers.
If shopping around, you might also want to consider Continental Gatorskins and GP 4 Seasons, both of which are available now in 32s but might be harder to find and probably at high prices than Paselas or Hypers. Contis tend to run narrow, so I doubt if they run a true 32 mm unless you are using wider rims. Gatorskins ride a little rougher than the other tires mentioned, but GP 4 Seasons roll very nicely.
I've also heard that Vittoria Rubinos are now available in 32s and, if so, that would be a viable option. I've run Rubinos exensively in 25s and 28s, and they roll very nicely and are relatively light weight in folders. However, they also tend to run narrow, like the Contis. Rubino 25s and 28s are often available for excellent prices from on-line dealers.
#14
I love my Pasalas, I use them on my road and commuter bike here in Colorado, 2Kmiles, no flats even during goathead season. Life is too precious to waste time on the side of the road fixing a flat....
#15
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Also cannot find the Rubino in 32, but if the 28 is actually 28mm that would work for me, as I would trade the 4mm in width for the 100 grams in weight reduction over a 32. Are the Rubinos true weight and size (they advertise the 28 at 280g) ?
Ideally I'd like a 32 that weighs 300g, but you can't have it all. Did you find the vittoria hypers true to spec weight (350g)?
#16
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From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
Thanks, I ran Conti GP4S on my road bike all last winter, and the 28s were really about 26.5mm. I have looked and never found the new 32mm version for sale, and I suspect they will be over $50 when available
Also cannot find the Rubino in 32, but if the 28 is actually 28mm that would work for me, as I would trade the 4mm in width for the 100 grams in weight reduction over a 32. Are the Rubinos true weight and size (they advertise the 28 at 280g) ?
Ideally I'd like a 32 that weighs 300g, but you can't have it all. Did you find the vittoria hypers true to spec weight (350g)?
Also cannot find the Rubino in 32, but if the 28 is actually 28mm that would work for me, as I would trade the 4mm in width for the 100 grams in weight reduction over a 32. Are the Rubinos true weight and size (they advertise the 28 at 280g) ?
Ideally I'd like a 32 that weighs 300g, but you can't have it all. Did you find the vittoria hypers true to spec weight (350g)?
To find the Rubinos or Contis in 32s, I think you would have to buy them from overseas vendors, which are generally less expensive anyway.
#17
The Paselas have an excellent ride quality, probably the best of those mentioned in the thread. The trade off is the sidewalls (not the treads, mind you) are a little fragile compared to the others. IMO these will look and ride the best on your Trek, but they might not last quite as long as some of the others.
#18
aka Tom Reingold




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Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I'm riding Paselas (not PT, which is the new name for TG) in 35mm on my Volpe. I recently got some Hypers in 37, and I'm eager to try them soon.
Edit: For the archives: I'm wrong about the name change, as noted below.
Edit: For the archives: I'm wrong about the name change, as noted below.
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Last edited by noglider; 01-13-15 at 03:31 PM.
#20
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
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From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
I have Paselas. They ride nice. I have the no-prophylactic version, and they do get flats from thorns. Buying again, I might sacrifice comfort for armor.
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Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#21
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From: SF Bay Area
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This thread is almost an ode to the Paselas. I have the regular Paselas (not TG or PT) and have been lucky so far - just one flat in more than a year, thorn in the side wall. I'm sure I've jinxed myself now - but really, it depends on where you ride.
#22
aka Tom Reingold




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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
I stand corrected! Where's the web page, so we can read it?
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Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Last edited by noglider; 01-13-15 at 03:36 PM.
#23
Here: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vi...versus-pt.html
And I've confirmed the difference with Panaracer's global go-to-guy (via email).
And I've confirmed the difference with Panaracer's global go-to-guy (via email).
#24
Disco Infiltrator




Joined: May 2013
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From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Panaracer: Professional Bike Tires from Panasonic | Technologies
[h=2]Tourguard[/h]Tourguard is an Aramid fiber belt placed under the tread to improve puncture resistance without increasing tire weight or sacrificing performance.
[h=2]PT Shield[/h]The PT Shield fabric layer is over 3 times more puncture resistance for a tire of comparable weight than other currently available casing reinforcement systems.
[h=2]PT Belted[/h]PT Belt offers the same great puncture protection that PT Shield offers. The difference is that whereas PT Shield is bead to bead protection, PT Belted is placed only under the tread. Offering puncture protection while shaving off grams.
[h=2]Tourguard[/h]Tourguard is an Aramid fiber belt placed under the tread to improve puncture resistance without increasing tire weight or sacrificing performance.
[h=2]PT Shield[/h]The PT Shield fabric layer is over 3 times more puncture resistance for a tire of comparable weight than other currently available casing reinforcement systems.
[h=2]PT Belted[/h]PT Belt offers the same great puncture protection that PT Shield offers. The difference is that whereas PT Shield is bead to bead protection, PT Belted is placed only under the tread. Offering puncture protection while shaving off grams.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
#25
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