Howdy,

I'm looking to purchase a new set of MTB tires for touring (200 - 300 miles at a stretch) purposes and am a bit mystified as to my options: Specialized Aramdillos do not appear to be available any longer and I've heard mixed things about Continental tires (and have had difficulty finding a set at the 26x2 wheel size.)

Thoughts and opinions would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Morska

Schwalbe Marathons are available in various 26" sizes, including 26x2.

Schwalbe makes several. Why the 2" width? I run a narrower tire for touring than I would for off road. I typically run a 1.5" or so.


Aaron

A few days ago I purchased Continental Cruise Contact tires 26x2.0:

https://tinyurl.com/9u3yc4u

They seem to be Continental's answer to Schwalbe' Big Apple balloon-like tire. I've got about 120 miles on these tires now and can say they are the best tires I've owned. They are comfortable because they adsorb and dampen road vibrations, roll well with little resistance, and seem to have good anti-flat protection. I plan to buy a second set for my other bike soon.

In short, I recommend giving these a try.

Bryan

Morska, are you riding on pavement or mixed dirt?

I like 1.5 - 1.75" myself. I've even been wanting to try some of the 26 x 1.35" Schwalbe knobbies if I get out on a mostly dirt trip.

Toured earlier this summer part paved/part dirt roads on 1.5" Michelin Country Rocks. I like them cuz they're cheap. Put Mr Tuffy in and they're tough also. I brought a folding 1.95" IRC Mythos semislick for backup. Also cheap @ $15 and light as well.

I toured with 2" wheels (schwalbe big apple) and they were great tires, but definitely tooooooooo wide!!!! Please get something more reasonable unless you weigh 300 lbs with gear. I thought the "all day comfort" would be worth it... but it's better to go faster and take more breaks then peddling with inefficient tires all day long. I'd say 1.5" or less. Have fun!

Depending on road surface condition, 2" tyres may be more efficient than 1.5" (i.e. when riding not perfectly flat surfaces).
As long as you're not riding in wet mud, I'd recommend the slick 2" Schwalbe Kojaks. They are lightweight, quiet and have supple sidewalls.

I like Continental Sport Contact 26x1.6". They are fast and provide very nice comfort. Vittoria Randonneur Pro 26x1.5" should also be suitable.

For gravel rail to trail riding have been very happy with the 26 X 2.0 (559 X 50) Schwalbe Marathon Dureme on the front and Extreme on the rear. I think the Extreme is no longer made and it was quite noisy on pavement. Their Mondial may have replaced the Extreme, I have not seen a Mondial. I have not used the Dureme on both front and rear but I think that would work very well too, if I was going to do a trip that was half gravel and half pavement, I would consider the Dureme on both front and rear in 2.0 width.

On pavement I have been very happy with the 26 X 1.5 (559 X 40) Schwalbe Marathon (with Green Guard). Takes high pressure and rolls very well. The reason that I specify the Green Guard is that it helps you figure out which tire I used since there are so many in the marathon series. I used the 1.5 width at the time of this photo.

For road touring I'd consider something more like Continental Gatorskins in the 26"x1-1/8" size. If you like fat cushy tires then maybe something bigger, but 2" is kind of overkill IMO.

I'm happy enough with 1.75 width Marathon plusses , fail to see the benefit of that extra .25"..

I use both a 406 and a 559 in that width..