Help me pick some all-round tyres for commuting

[mojones]

Hi all,

I've just figured out a new route to work that is mainly cyclepaths and towpaths. I have 23 mm slicks on my road bike right now, so I want to swap them for something that will cope a bit better with the different surfaces. The route is a mixture of nice smooth tarmac, well-packed gravel (which my current tyres are fine on control-wise, but not very comfortable), loose gravel (which I am skidding quite a bit on), and the occasional bit of sand. I put some 28mm tyres on tonight to check the fit and I still have quite a bit of clearance, so I reckon I'm looking at 32mm or 35mm at a push. Not bothered about speed, but I want something fairly puncture-resistant as I'm sure there will be broken glass at some point.

Any suggestions?

 

[dan_bo]

Rubino's. Close thread.

 

[slowmotion]

If speed isn't an issue, Schwabe Marathon Plus. They will not puncture.

 

[ianrauk]

Agree with slowmotion. For the riding you describe, M+'s would be ideal.

 

[mcshroom]

Marathons are my choice for that terrain. Good puncture protection but a bit lighter and easier to fit than the M+

 

[mrmacmusic]

I had "bombproof" Marathon Plus tyres on my first commuter, and they certainly went for several thousand miles without any unscheduled deflations, although I did get a flat in the first week (big nasty thorn), so they will puncture in the right (wrong) circumstances. Either that, or I was just unlucky.

I originally ran Continental Tour Plus tyres on the Boardman when I got it last October, and wasn't impressed – felt slippy in the wet, and I had several punctures. I have to say it's not the first time I've been underwhelmed by Continental tyres, but I appreciate everyone has their own views on these things. I suspect for every thumbs up to a tyre, someone will give it a thumbs down!

My suggestion? I've been running Marathon Supremes in a 32C size since March and have to say I really, really like them – feel good, roll well, are grippy in the wet and no flats so far

 

[evo456]

Recently moved to M+ 32C tyres, been out on a few rides on tow paths - most things it copes without a fuss- not awfully comfortable vs the 45c I had beforehand. Only reservations is when riding through wet sludgy patches of mud the confidence drops a little after a a few slips. I would prefer 35c if travelling over wet muddy surfaces often. Alternatively I find the 32c a good compromise.on towpaths and roads

 

[srw]

M+. End of story.

 

[Sara_H]

Marathons.

 

[jessand]

M+ are very good but depending on how much of your ride is sand and gravel - you may want to look at cross tyres. M+ aren't great in those conditions.

 

[User6179]

M+ or specialized armadillo , the latter being easier to put on and a bit quicker than the m+ and nearly as puncture resistant.

 

[Blurb]

I'd say standard Marathons. Very good P protection for the weight, and decent tread for the loose bits.

I have M+ 35c on the regular commuter which is all London roads and Standard M 26x1.75 on the hack which I use on similar terrain as your description.
No Ps on the M and only one freak deflation on the M+ when an allen key somehow embedded itself. This is over the last couple of thousand miles on each type.
I have M Supremes 32c on the Tricross and also like them, but they are a bit slick for the loose stuff. Only done about 400 deflation free miles on them so far though.

 

[Sittingduck]

Make sure your rim will be ok with 32-35mm tyres... if you're running 23's currently I am guessing it may not.