Folding Tire
#1
Folding Tire
What would you all recommend for a folding tire to pack as a spare? I have marathon + on the bike right now and was going to use a Marathon XR but they don't make it in 700x32. That is the key it needs to be 700x32 to fit on my xtracycle.
Thank you
Thank you
#2
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 0
#4
If you already have Marathon Plus tires, you might not need a spare. I carried a spare Marathon Plus tire for a couple thousand miles through Canada and Alaska. It arrived folded in thirds from wallbike.com and I left it that way, zip tied to the back of my rear rack. After I got home that spare sat around for another year and a half. I recently got a very slow leak in my rear tire after about 6000 flat free miles. Only then did I finally use that spare tire to replace my rear Marathon Plus. My main motivation for replacing the old tire was because the tread was worn flat in the middle, I wasn't too concerned about flats occuring more frequently.
I know tires can get cut beyond repair. So you just have to weigh the odds of that happening (and having to delay your trip to get a new tire) against carrying a spare tire you may never need. How far you'll be riding and in what terrain/environment will obviously affect this decision.
I know tires can get cut beyond repair. So you just have to weigh the odds of that happening (and having to delay your trip to get a new tire) against carrying a spare tire you may never need. How far you'll be riding and in what terrain/environment will obviously affect this decision.
#5
If you really need a spare, rolling it in three rings like in the movie Dan the Man linked works well and it will fit even in a small pannier. A rolled tire fits nicely around my MSR cookset.
The Marathon + is supposed to be bullet proof (it better be since it weighs as much as two of some other nice tires, and rides like an anchor). Anyway I doubt most folks carry a spare unless touring somewhere very remote.
The Marathon + is supposed to be bullet proof (it better be since it weighs as much as two of some other nice tires, and rides like an anchor). Anyway I doubt most folks carry a spare unless touring somewhere very remote.
Last edited by staehpj1; 04-17-09 at 06:55 AM.
#6
ah.... sure.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,107
Likes: 1
From: Whidbey Island WA
Bikes: Specialized.... schwinn..... enough to fill my needs..
I found the cheapest non folding tire I could get my hands on last summer for my cross country. I think it's a serfas or some other piece of junk. It was always intended to be for emergency use only. Never needed it but.................. put my worries to rest. YMMV
#7
I read a journal on CGOAB where they carried spare tires. They chose Panaracer Pasela Tourguard tires because they come folded in a small tight package when you buy them. I haven't personally used those tires (I have Marathons), but the Tourguards can be found in a wide variety of sizes and are pretty inexpensive ($22.99 here). I found an image that shows them rolled up in the package they are sold in:
#8
Tinkerer since 1980
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 922
Likes: 1
From: London
Bikes: Coppi racer, Old school BMX, some random a fixed wheel convertion
I've never been touring anywhere remote but in my tool kit I carry a section of plastic milk bottle and some gaffa tape. This has worked several time for me as a tyre boot. Cut plastic to size and tape in place. I had to use it yesterday actually. Not tried it but I was thinking about carrying a braddle and some dental floss to sow up any big tears.
#11
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 764
Likes: 0
From: White Bear Lake Mn
Bikes: 88 Schwin Voyageur, 84 Schwinn World Sport, 85 Univega Alpina Uno, 85 Fuji Espree, 09 Novara Strada, 06 Jamis Durango, 03 Specialized Expediton Sport, 09 Surly LHT, 12 Novara Gotham
Barbara savage somehow just folded her spare tire into the spokes of her wheel.
#12
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 8,896
Likes: 7
From: Raleigh, NC
Bikes: Waterford RST-22, Bob Jackson World Tour, Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Soma Saga, De Bernardi SL, Specialized Sequoia
I second the Panaracer Pasela TG. They are inexpensive, foldable and light weight. Just make sure you buy the ones with kevlar beads not wire.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,670
Likes: 43
Bikes: Rivendell Quickbeam, Rivendell Rambouillet, Rivendell Atlantis, Circle A town bike, De Rosa Neo Primato, Cervelo RS, Specialized Diverge
I don't really see the need for a spare tyre, I just change tyres before I set off on tour and carry some Park tyre boots. If I was going on a long expedition tour I'd keep an eye on the tyres and change them well before I saw wear.
#14
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 8,546
Likes: 5
From: Boulder, CO
I carry this one:
https://www.avocet.com/tirepages/cross_2_specs.html
Scroll down to the bottom of the page - lightweight folding version comes in 700x32. I might be carrying the 28, not sure.
I've used it a few times, until I could buy another touring tire, then folded it back up and put it back in my bag. It seems fine. Once I loaned it to a guy I met on the road who road over something that ruined his tire. His tire had a 4" ragged-edged gash in it. Would have been tough to boot.
https://www.avocet.com/tirepages/cross_2_specs.html
Scroll down to the bottom of the page - lightweight folding version comes in 700x32. I might be carrying the 28, not sure.
I've used it a few times, until I could buy another touring tire, then folded it back up and put it back in my bag. It seems fine. Once I loaned it to a guy I met on the road who road over something that ruined his tire. His tire had a 4" ragged-edged gash in it. Would have been tough to boot.







