Also posted on "Commuting" forum...

Based on the 100% over-the-top positive reviews I've read of these tires, they seem to be great for something, but I'm not sure it's touring. I love the look, the potential comfort, and the reported durability of these 26" X 2.5" steel-bead/single-ply tires and I'm ready to pull the trigger on them for $34/each on Amazon. It appears they will fit the frame of my 1996 GT Outpost Mountain Bike, which is what I use for commuting and for the couple of road tours I take each year.

The two negative things I've read are that the tires are heavy, which is not a big deal to me, as I'm not concerned with speed and (as a "credit card" tourist) I don't carry a whole lot with me on the road; and that they don't handle wet roads very well, which also doesn't matter much, as I don't really ride much in the rain.

Can anybody think of any other reason I shouldn't buy these for myself for Christmas?

There's a lot to be said for a wide cushy tire. I'd be tempted to get the schwable big apple 26 x 2.35 tires though. I like schwable tires and I really like having a reflective stripe on a commuting bike.

Just because it isn't raining does not mean water isn't on the road.

I do personally like the looks of the tire.

Good luck getting them off of the rim if you get a flat. Or ever.

OK, you dropped the bomb...how about some details?

I put a pair on some standard 26 inch wheels and they were so tight that I pinched the rear tube putting them on. When I tried to remove the tire to repair the flat, I could not get it off. I feel like if I tried any harder, I might damage the rim. So I had to cut them off. (previously used tires, so minimal financial loss). I thought it was just me and/or my wheels, but when i got to work the next day (bicycle collective) I talked to a fellow employee who had similar stories.

All I've heard is that I might need a set of "professional" tire levers to get them on and off. I definitely do not want to be fighting with a tire out on the road, so this is something I'm going to have to explore further.

Meanwhile, I'm starting to hear some buzz about Schwalbe Big Apples and CST Cyclops, the latter of which sells for under $20. Has anyone (other than bigmig) used either?

I was looking for the tires that I got for Cheryl, but didn't find them. Panaracer somethings...they were alright.

Were I looking for something like what you want I think I might check into these Vittoria tires. I have NO personal experience with these tires or even the company, but they have enough positive comments that I would look further into them. Same price range, or better. Less than half the weight. You might get up to speed by the time you get to work.

From the OP: Today was the day I ran out of patience and decided I was going to buy SOMETHING. The only set of two tires I could put together at any of the local stores was a set of Schwalbe Big Apples (26" X 2.35"). To the minute I plunked down my credit card, I was still drooling for a set of Maxxis Hookworms, but the LBS owner did a great job of convincing me these would be better for commuting and light touring, and that the 2.5" Hookworms probably wouldn't fit my frame. I had committed to supporting one of the bike retailers in my area (rather than an online seller), so I decided to reward this guy, even though I think I paid too much for them ($43.50 each).

I got them on the bike just fine. They fit the frame of my 1996 GT Outpost with no problems (except for a minor adjustment to my rear rack support system) and I didn't experience any struggle to get them on my existing rims. I'm disappointed that they are not as robust as they look in all the photos, but I guess looks are not what I was supposed to have wanted them for. More importantly, I'm really not that impressed with the ride they provided on my test drive around the neighborhood. All the stuff I'd heard about how cushy and comfortable they would make the bike didn't really come to life for me.

Overall, I'm not too happy to have spent $90 on these, but they are dirty now, and the LBS won't take them back. Can anybody convince me that I will learn to like them better?

No body needs to convince you. Since you already have the tyres, let them convince you.