theery

Hey there,

I'm training to ride my first century.

I'm riding a Salsa Vaya with Schwab Marathon's on it. I was just wondering if it would be worth getting Gatorskins, or some or slick tires for the longer distance rides, since they;re all on improved roads.

Think it's worth it? If so, recommendations?

Thanks!

Phil_gretz

Marathons are a very widely-used, functional and durable tire for long distance riding and touring. They should be fine.

When is your century, and what is your riding plan and/or weekly mileage profile to get there? If you're on track riding the Salsa with the Marathons, why would you change? Even nicely paved surfaces can have road debris, and those are good tires for that...

bikemig 

Schwalbes are fine tires and changing tires for just one ride is a bit of a pain frankly.

That said, Schwalbes can be heavy tires as well (which is part of the reason why they are so bulletproof). The schwable marathon plus tours that come stock on the Vaya appear to weigh right around 890 grams in 700 x 35c: Marathon Plus Tour HS 404 | Schwalbe North America

A continental 700 x 32c folding tire weighs 325 grams: Continental Cycle Tyres UK

rumrunn6

you certainly don't have to, and ppl even do centuries on MTBs, but for a little fun you can certainly get a slick that is a size narrower. it might "feel" a little livelier, and that will be nce on your last 15miles ... :-) plus it's always fun to change things up anyway. cool bike btw!

Velo Dog

I'll always go for the fatter tires, for stability and comfort. The speed and weight penalties are overrated, I think. I've done the same 25-mile RT commute 75-100 times a year for 30 years, on several bikes and tires from 700x19 to 16x2.25. My time depends way more on how I feel and what I had for breakfast than on the tires.

rydabent

Unless you plan on being the first ride to cross the finish line, what tires you use is pretty much meaningless. The criteria should be----------round, black, fit your rim, and properly inflated.

kingston 

I would stick with the marathons if the century on paved roads is going to be an infrequent event. Consider a set of compass tires if you are planning to more of this type of riding.

StanSeven

Don't switch just for one ride. However if you regularly ride on decent roads without a lot of debris, you might want lighter tires. They also ride better and feel much more responsive.

A pointer I will pass on. A LBS employee once told me to watch for glass and things that cause flats and I'll rarely get them. He added wear cycling glasses to help see. I did that and seeing road debris is second nature. I never consciously look now and almost always avoid things.

Fastfingaz

Thank you rydabent,,,,,,

OldsCOOL

I do long rides all summer on Michelin Krylion 23's at 115psi. You should do well on any tire if you keep a close eye on your line. As mentioned above, debris is there. Be well trained at fixing a flat, bring an extra tube and small patch kit. Do not depend on a tire's features to keep you from flatting. Sooner or later it will happen. Read my sig line.