Do it all tires
#1
Do it all tires
I'd like a set of tires that I can use year round here in New England during a wide range of conditions. Right now I ride exclusively on paved streets and plan on using these tires for winter training/running errands. I'd like to keep riding throughout winter, but don't commute, and so probably won't be riding when there's actually snow on the roads.
Would a set of 35s be overkill for what I'm doing? Should I look at 28s perhaps? I don't need the fastest tires, as I'd switch to my road bike once the weather clears up.
Would a set of 35s be overkill for what I'm doing? Should I look at 28s perhaps? I don't need the fastest tires, as I'd switch to my road bike once the weather clears up.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,304
Likes: 40
From: Victoria
Big and fast rolling is a real nice combo for many bikes - 35 doesn't feel slow to me on a commuter and really takes the edge off of things vs. a 23 or 25. You get a lot of comfort and traction with minimal speed loss from a wide tire that has a fast-rolling tread pattern. I say go for it if your frame has room. Save the 23/25's for the fastest bike in the stable (and maybe even consider lightweight 28's like Grand Bois for that bike).
Panaracer Paselas are nice enough, affordable, available in virtually any size, in tan or blackwall, and with or without a puncture resistant belt. I like 'em quite a bit for city bikes.
Panaracer Paselas are nice enough, affordable, available in virtually any size, in tan or blackwall, and with or without a puncture resistant belt. I like 'em quite a bit for city bikes.
#5
Interesting...so even in the dead of winter, as long as I go out when the roads are paved, I should be fine with regular tires? Do I need to invest in knobbies, or are those strictly for off road use? Thanks for the Panaracer suggestion.
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 34
From: Seacoast, NH
Bikes: Chinook travel/gravel/family tandem, Chinook all-road, Motobecane fatbike
+1 on Gatorskins and Paselas in 25-35mm. They're all fine in New England winter. I prefer narrower tires (25mm or 28mm) for riding in the gray Boston sludge of winter. All sizes are useless on ice.
#8
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 757
Likes: 34
From: Seacoast, NH
Bikes: Chinook travel/gravel/family tandem, Chinook all-road, Motobecane fatbike
If you're riding through the winter in Boston, you're gonna want fenders, too. The more coverage the better. Without fenders, you'll have a gray stripe up your back and your bike will be pretty scary looking.
#9
Utilitarian Boy
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,235
Likes: 5
From: Bronx, NY
Bikes: Check the sig to find out
I prefer wider tires. Yes narrow will always be faster, but comfort is what it's all about if you're just riding. A nice middle ground is 28-32mm. If you do get Panaracer Pasela's you may want to order the next size up as they tend to run small. (A 25mm is was close to 23mm, but that doesn't mean larger sizes follow the same pattern). A smooth tire give a lot of traction so consider one with a high TPI as well. Vittoria Randoneur Pro, Vittoria Rando Hyper, Schwalbe Kojak, Schwalbe Supreme are all good tires to consider in your choice.
#10
:)
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,391
Likes: 1
From: duluth
Bikes: '07 Pista, '09 Fantom Cross Uno, '8? Miyata, '67 Stingray, '0? Zoo mod trials, Tallbike, Chopper, '73 Schwinn Collegiate, '67 Triumph Chopper, '69 CB350, '58 BSA Spitfire, '73 CB450
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 2
From: Modesto, Ca
Bikes: klein quantum, litespeed tuscany, bianchi pista concept, centurion comp ta, centurion super le mans, traitor ringleader
i am going to throw in my 2cents and say my favorite tire that seems to handle allot of conditions well (dry to wet) are Fyxations.
they are expensive, yes, and people tend to dissmiss them as "vanity" tires (because they're good looking...or at least come in lots of tarck-ish colors)....
but of all the tires ive used i prefer the ride and traction on these the most.
the ones i have are 700x28c, but run a little big for 28s, more like 32s...they feel comfy and have a nicer ride being a bigger tire than your typical 700x25 or 23, but they dont feel as sluggish as some other 28s and 32s ive ridden. they seem to have good traction too, im not sure if its the compound or the wrap around tread or both, but this winter they feel good and grippy.
so yah, softer ride with thicker tires, but still feel fast, good traction, and look purty.
my only negative is they are quite expensive.
just my 2 cents ;p
they are expensive, yes, and people tend to dissmiss them as "vanity" tires (because they're good looking...or at least come in lots of tarck-ish colors)....
but of all the tires ive used i prefer the ride and traction on these the most.
the ones i have are 700x28c, but run a little big for 28s, more like 32s...they feel comfy and have a nicer ride being a bigger tire than your typical 700x25 or 23, but they dont feel as sluggish as some other 28s and 32s ive ridden. they seem to have good traction too, im not sure if its the compound or the wrap around tread or both, but this winter they feel good and grippy.
so yah, softer ride with thicker tires, but still feel fast, good traction, and look purty.
my only negative is they are quite expensive.
just my 2 cents ;p
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