Touring Tyres / Touring Tyre Size

...they are bullet proof but not convinced about low rolling resistance when I used them. That squidgyness they have certainly does not feel like efficient rolling.

Duranos.

+1 on the Marathons, just the normal ones, personally I've never found the need for the plus's and their extra weight.

another vote for Marathons, handled the hot, thorny roads of West Africa no problem, as well as being sure footed on the cold,flooded roads of the British Summer.

...they are bullet proof but not convinced about low rolling resistance when I used them. That squidgyness they have certainly does not feel like efficient rolling.

the extra weight and rubber give it that impression.

want less rolling resistant; get lighter tyres.

the extra weight and rubber give it that impression.

want less rolling resistant; get lighter tyres.

don't agree, and I have used quite a few heavy, thick tyres. The Pluses have a definite squirmy feeling.

And how is weight associated with rolling resistance?

for road touring in europe on my 700c bike I used conti gatorskins, 28C, nice and quick and handled it fine.. with a light load. For heavier stuff Marathon XR or for mostly asphalt Marathon Supreme

And how is weight associated with rolling resistance?

weight + stiffness, the Marathon is puncture resistant, but the playoff is the ride quality.

Tyres the same size, but thinner and lighter = better ride quality.

what about the durano plus?

weight + stiffness, the Marathon is puncture resistant, but the playoff is the ride quality.

Tyres the same size, but thinner and lighter = better ride quality.

Okay, I will ask again - how is weight associated to rolling resistance?

A 200 gram knobbly tyre will have more rolling resistance than an 800 gram slick tyre. And how has ride quality entered into the criteria?

the rotational mass mean it may be harder to spin up but once you get going it's fine.

what about the durano plus?

They're good. Bomb proof and less 'squidge' than Marathon Plus.

so i have a question.

i'm doing a three week tour and since my current tyres are 4 years' old this seems a good time to refresh them.

i've decided they will be schwalbe durano plus. they come 23, 25, 28 etc. and given that i'm not using front panniers, is there a good reason not to go for a 28mm on the back wheel, to better support the weight of gear, and 25mm on the front, for a little extra speed?

road conditions will be reasonably good, mostly paved, throughout.

any thoughts?

Try posting in the "functional bikes..." thread, loads will help there.

Can't imagine it'd be a bad thing to do tho - difference will be tiny at 3mm, and there's lots argued about width vs rolling resistance...

p.s. If the bike has some red on it, it'll be pretty fast anyway...

Yeah I've recently wondered the same, 28c+25c sounds like a good mix, but would be good to hear some evidence/experiences with it

p.s. If the bike has some red on it, it'll be pretty fast anyway...

Ultimately this is what's going to help you most though

rhb good idea - will take it across to the other thread.

any further comments, please post here

So I'm looking to tour across Northern Spain in a couple of weeks averaging 50 miles a day or so.

I want some new tyres for the job, currently running 23c Armadillos.

I have seen recommendations for the Randonneurs, Marathons, Panaracer Pasela and the conti touring plus...

Anyone have any up to date recommendations? And any preference between 28 or 32?

I've got 28c Marathons (not the plus version) on my tourer and have no complaints. My father has run them for years as well with little problems. The Marathon Plus is considerably heavier, and not worth the extra weight.

I've been running Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy's over the winter....and left them on. They seem a really comfy, hard wearing tyre and the handling is good. I'm pretty pleased with them and thinking of taking them touring this summer. Not the lightest, but when packing the bike up perhaps it doesn't matter so much for a bit of extra comfort.

If it's going to predominantly on fairly decent roads, what about something like Maxxis Refuse (28c) or if you can still find them Bonti racelite hardcases (or whatever their modern equivalent is)?

Both have lots of grip and good puncture protection.

What style of tour is it? Fully loaded, credit card, etc. ?

If it's going to predominantly on fairly decent roads, what about something like Maxxis Refuse (28c) or if you can still find them Bonti racelite hardcases (or whatever their modern equivalent is)?

Both have lots of grip and good puncture protection.

What style of tour is it? Fully loaded, credit card, etc. ?

fixed, 20L Carradice longstrap, sticking to made roads mostly. 50 miles a day for two weeks. No tent and rely on hostel / guest house.

So you don't really need something that's going to last for thousands of miles with tread.

Especially as you're going fixed I'd be inclined to get a road training type tyre like the Refuse or Racelite.

I've got 32mm Racelites and like them - they role quickly and are grippy so if you've got clearance for them go for it. If not then the Refuse go up to 28mm.

But that's just my 2p.

conti touring plus...
28

My experience: thousands of miles - zero punctures

If it's going to predominantly on fairly decent roads, what about something like Maxxis Refuse (28c) or if you can still find them Bonti racelite hardcases (or whatever their modern equivalent is)?

This would be my recommendation too.

I tour on silks.