Tyre sizing advice
Discussion
So, after the actions of a t
t in a van I decided to ride half way home on the canal tow path last night. Turns out that whilst it is a little bit longer it takes about the same amount of time because:
1) No hills
2) No traffic or traffic lights
It is also much nicer than dicing with cars and buses and I can enjoy the ride. The only problem is some of it is a little rough. My bike seems to cope fine, with 700Cx32 Bontrager H5's, although it is a little rough at some points.
They are starting to look a little well worn along the middle, so I thought it might be time to splash out on some new tyres.
What I'm after is:
Something that will cope well with gravel and exposed stones on a towpath for 6 miles, and roll will on the road for the other 8 miles. I would also like something that lasts a little longer than 1500 miles. That quickly adds up.
I have been thinking about Schwalbe Marathon in a 700x35C. I think going a little bigger may mean I will be able to run pressures a little lower and be a bit more comfortable on the towpath without compromising on road speed too much.
So:
1) Any other suggestions on tyre choice? I don't plan to be doing it when it is dark, windy or muddy. It gets narrow at some points and I don't want to end up in the water.
2) Any idea how tires change depth with width? I have plenty of sideways clearance, but I'm not sure about death due to the space taken up by the bolt on my rear mudguards.
t in a van I decided to ride half way home on the canal tow path last night. Turns out that whilst it is a little bit longer it takes about the same amount of time because:1) No hills
2) No traffic or traffic lights
It is also much nicer than dicing with cars and buses and I can enjoy the ride. The only problem is some of it is a little rough. My bike seems to cope fine, with 700Cx32 Bontrager H5's, although it is a little rough at some points.
They are starting to look a little well worn along the middle, so I thought it might be time to splash out on some new tyres.
What I'm after is:
Something that will cope well with gravel and exposed stones on a towpath for 6 miles, and roll will on the road for the other 8 miles. I would also like something that lasts a little longer than 1500 miles. That quickly adds up.
I have been thinking about Schwalbe Marathon in a 700x35C. I think going a little bigger may mean I will be able to run pressures a little lower and be a bit more comfortable on the towpath without compromising on road speed too much.
So:
1) Any other suggestions on tyre choice? I don't plan to be doing it when it is dark, windy or muddy. It gets narrow at some points and I don't want to end up in the water.
2) Any idea how tires change depth with width? I have plenty of sideways clearance, but I'm not sure about death due to the space taken up by the bolt on my rear mudguards.
I've been talking to my local shop about tyres myself recently.
I'm running a pair of Continental GP 4 Seasons (700 x 25c) on an old road bike, but it's been relegated to gravel fire roads, and rutted tracks/bridleways. They are already damaged (torn sidewall repaired with a puncture patch on the inside) and past their best anyway.
I tried to fit some Continental Tour Rides, but they were either a 37 or a 40mm size, and wouldn't fit under the brakes.
The local shop swear by the Schwalbe Marathons, saying it's their best selling commute tyre. My big worry is that they are pretty heavy, at between 500g and 800g depending on model and tyre size. My bike is a heavy beast anyway, so I'm trying to go easy on adding weight.
My shortlist right now is...
Continental CycloX-King RS, 700 x 32c, 320g, £49.95 (RRP)
Schwalbe CX Pro, 700 x 30c, 400g, £17.99 (nextdaytyres.com)
Michelin Cyclocross Jet CX, 700 x 30c, 335g, £33.29 (wiggle)
This assumes that 30/32mm tyres will fit. If they don't, then the default option will be more Conti GP 4 Seasons, this time in 700 x 28c flavour, and only 250 grams!
Be aware, though, that I cannot vouch for any of these tyres in long term use on the terrain you describe, as I've not been using the 25c 4 Seasons long enough to get a good idea of their durability, and I've not owned any of the others. Good luck with your search, and I hope my little list has given you some ideas for alternatives.
I'm running a pair of Continental GP 4 Seasons (700 x 25c) on an old road bike, but it's been relegated to gravel fire roads, and rutted tracks/bridleways. They are already damaged (torn sidewall repaired with a puncture patch on the inside) and past their best anyway.
I tried to fit some Continental Tour Rides, but they were either a 37 or a 40mm size, and wouldn't fit under the brakes.
The local shop swear by the Schwalbe Marathons, saying it's their best selling commute tyre. My big worry is that they are pretty heavy, at between 500g and 800g depending on model and tyre size. My bike is a heavy beast anyway, so I'm trying to go easy on adding weight.
My shortlist right now is...
Continental CycloX-King RS, 700 x 32c, 320g, £49.95 (RRP)
Schwalbe CX Pro, 700 x 30c, 400g, £17.99 (nextdaytyres.com)
Michelin Cyclocross Jet CX, 700 x 30c, 335g, £33.29 (wiggle)
This assumes that 30/32mm tyres will fit. If they don't, then the default option will be more Conti GP 4 Seasons, this time in 700 x 28c flavour, and only 250 grams!
Be aware, though, that I cannot vouch for any of these tyres in long term use on the terrain you describe, as I've not been using the 25c 4 Seasons long enough to get a good idea of their durability, and I've not owned any of the others. Good luck with your search, and I hope my little list has given you some ideas for alternatives.
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