The fastest/lightest 700x32
 

Ye, I know that is a bit of a contradiction in terms.

However - I need a 700x32 to comfortably ride the series of potholes that pass for a road around this stupid 5th world island. I've gotten everything sorted - switched my Excalibur for an X-Fire, got a handbuilt, heavy-as-sin Psimet PT wheel, etc.

I am running Schwalbe Marathon Pluses for now - but they are stupidly heavy. I'm looking for something lighter/with lower RR. Dont need stupid amounts of flat protection (have had only 1 flat in the last year here).

Any ideas? Panaracer Paselas, Vittoria Randonneur Hypers, what else?

I've checked the archives - most of the discussion on 700x32s centers around flat protection and durability. I dont care about either.

V.

If you don't flat much, then get some fat tubulars from Dugast or FMB. You'll have a much lighter wheelset but the savings will be in the wheel. Of course that means getting more wheels. But then all of your rides will feel like you are floating on a cloud!

Check out Challenge. I have some Parigi-Roubaix clinchers that say 700x27 but are actually closer to 30mm wide. I've also never flatted on them (aside from the bad batch of latex tubes I got which caused flats from rubbing on the cloth rim tape--no joke).

...just to be clear here we spec'd them to be heavy as sin. So...it's not like he was thinking they'd be lighter. Just FYI.

Welcome to the world of contradictions: http://www.compasscycle.com/Tires.html

I haven't tried them, but I've got my eyes on these babies for when my Globe Live3's OEM tires wear out:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

Hehe, sorry Rob, didnt mean to cast aspersions on your kick-ass wheels. Yes, I did ask for wheels that would be indestructible, with as many spokes as possible, and "weight be damned."

@Lukasz - well, I have the wheelset I'll be using - the above-mentioned Psimets. Just want tires, not a new wheelset for now :)

@JunkYardBike - those look nice, but damn, $64 a pop for training tires hurts.

@Chris - I checked those out. 500gm apiece - not the lightest. The Vittoria Randonneur Hypers have a similar mostly-smooth tread and clock in at 350gm, and I was leaning towards them, unless anyone has any experience between these 2. The Grand Bois do sound appealing, though...

panaracer pasela normal version.
the TG version has the extra liner like marathon plus.

others I would try are schalwabe marathon normal, not the plus version and continental top contact.

Schwalbe Kojak 700x35c

Yes, they are 35c not but when I measured mine they were 30.5mm. Claimed weight is 330grams which is pretty light. I haven't tested them yet (damn winter) but they sure look promising.

@AEO - yeah, Paselas is what I was thinking of, unless I can convince myself to splurge on the Grand Bois.

@Reif - will check out the Kojaks as well - those werent on my radar before, so thanks for that.

V.

My Bontrager Hardcase 700 x 32c tires feel pretty fast, I think they go up to 100psi.

I've run the hypers and been quite happy on my touring bike. Good flat protection and ride pretty decent.

I ended up buying the Kojaks mainly cos of the smooth tread and cos I got them for $38 a pop, instead of $50 apiece for the Hypers. The Hypers will be next change.

Thanks for the help, everyone.

V.

Cool, post a ride report when you have them. I believe others could be interested of them too. It's still about 4 months before the snow melts and I'm able to test mine.. I'm going to put them on my carbon CX bike and hopefully it makes a pretty smooth and fast ultra-light touring bike.

Hell no.

Will do. I am putting them on my carbon CX as well (Ridley X-Fire), and am hoping to have a smooth/fast training bike for riding on the local hellpaths.

Agreed, those are some sweet tires. The Grand Bois 32mm tires might be just what you want.

Hmm... I never rode Hardcase road tires, but whenever I felt them at the shops they seemed like they would be terribly uncomfortable being so rigid. And remember he said flat protection isn't that big of a deal.

I went from 700x25c Marathon Pluses to 700x35c Marathon Supremes and Supremes actually feel faster.

I tried a pair of 28's a couple years ago, and they were without doubt the WORST tires I've used in 35 years at this game. Slow, harsh, "greasy" cornering feel, and even worse thant Conti Gatorskins to get on or off the rim. Couldn't even stand to keep 'em on the bike long enough to wear 'em out.

SP
Bend, OR