I know this has been discussed here probably 1000's of times... But I am looking for a good set of loaded touring tires for a guy 220+ mostly on road but also considering doing the C&O Canal trail. Ive got a contenital 28c wire bead on theres now. Soma Saga 700c - so what's a good all around tire? Thanks for your help.

On the C&O, particularly in rainy season, I'd want the widest tires that could fit my bike. Can you cram some 37s in there on the Saga? On the road, 28 might work at your weight, and if it seems a bit rough, try some 32s.

Unfortunately, by the time I need new tires, the ones I bought last time aren't made any more, so I'm not much help. Continental Contacts seem to last forever, or until you screw the tire up trying to get those tight things off the rim to repair a flat. Specialized Armadillo Nimbus wore out after 4,400 miles (pretty spectacular longevity in my case), but they felt heavy and less responsive than some others. Schwalbe Marathons are pretty decent, except for the flat I got in one last week. I'm taking a break from Panaracer Paselas and Vittoria Randonneurs because of some quality issues I ran into.

according to Soma you can get up to 47mm tires on there. You won't regret putting the fattest tires on there for any kind of bumpy dirt roads. If they aren't bumpy dirt then 35mm is a great size for your weight on paved roads but I'd try and get 40mm+ tires in there for bumpy dirt. Put a tough sidewall rear tire on if you're carrying weight there. Sidewalls suffer sliding off/through half buried rocks.

700x37/42 Continental Travel Contact
700x37 Continental City Ride
700x38 Schwalbe Marathon Cross
700x38 WTB All Terrain (front)
700x40 Schwalbe Marathon Mondial / Supreme /Dureme
700x38 Specialized Crossroads
700x42 Specialized Hemisphere

ride whatever .. just don't be reduced to blowing out one of your 2 tires,
So bring a third.

conti travel contact is good , for what is essentially an un paved road.

They add the mesh to the sidewalls on those.. aka gatorskin.

I'll throw Maxxis Overdrives into the mix, 38mm. Reasonably priced, easy on/off, durable, puncture resistant.

As for the idea of taking a spare, I wouldn't. Instead, take a small kit of Park Tool boots/Gorilla Tape. In the unlikely event of a blowout, that'll patch the tire enough to ride to the next bike shop. A buddy rode three days after booting his Schwalbe Marathon. Use the tape to reinforce the boot, and around the outside.

I just built up my first touring/commuter bike and I am using Vittoria Randonneur Cross Pro 32's and have no problems after around 1000 miles.

I think a 32-35 mm tire is a good range for a dual purpose bike. I ride on some 35 mm Forte Gothams (rebranded Pasala) and I've had them on non technical single track mountain bike paths without any issues. They're fine on pavement also, but they're not the best for one or the other.

Brad

Hey I appreciate all the help - Thanks Rob

I have purchased a couple of 700x45c Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires