Hybrid tyres

[srw]

I'm finally getting around to doing something with a mountain bike that needs repairing and am thinking of setting it up as a hybridish sort of thing - tarmac and roughish tracks. The sort of thing I'm thinking of is sandy, gravelly but made paths, not rough stony ground or mega downhills.

Is there a reason, other than your own prejudice, why I shouldn't go with my gut instinct and whack on Marathon pluses?

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I can't think of a reason not to. They'll manage those surfaces fine so go for it.

 

[raleighnut]

Perfect tyre, just keep em up to max rated pressure on the road but be aware you can drop pressure a bit if the going gets muddy/slushy.

 

[srw]

I have one 26" wide M+ already, from one of the tandems. Unless someone gives me a good reason I think another one will be on order tomorrow.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

None whatsoever. My ss-atb is thusly shod. It handles the SDW with ease.

 

[srw]

Along with the derailleur, hanger and chain, a second 26" x 1 3/4 Marathon plus is on order. Now all I need to do is clean the bike, work out whether I need to replace the cabling, assemble the lot and then work out whether a rack and mudguards would be sensible.

 

[Tom B]

What they said, but consider Landcruiser Tyres if you are going soft. I run 26" Landcrusiers on tarmac on a daily basis. They have a good dome so they sit on the dome on hard surfaces and sink in nice on grass/mild mud. I run them at about 65-70psi and let a bit out if it is snowy /soft.

Originally recommended by the LBS and cost about £12.50

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Along with the derailleur, hanger and chain, a second 26" x 1 3/4 Marathon plus is on order. Now all I need to do is clean the bike, work out whether I need to replace the cabling, assemble the lot and then work out whether a rack and mudguards would be sensible.

save the headache; you know all three need sorting...

 

[srw]

Along with the derailleur, hanger and chain, a second 26" x 1 3/4 Marathon plus is on order. Now all I need to do is clean the bike, work out whether I need to replace the cabling, assemble the lot and then work out whether a rack and mudguards would be sensible.

Only 7-odd months later it's finally ready to ride. I was right - Marathon pluses are a joy on the sort of roughish track I've tried it on so far. The M+ from the tandem turned out to be wrecked (it had had a fight with the rim, and lost, which was annoying), so I've got a new one.

I've replaced the cabling, installed a bar bag and a seatpack and am about to strap on a saddlebag. So far no rack or mudguards, but I suspect they might come later in the year. And I have a feeling I'll be splashing out on a dynohub so that I can keep using it through the winter.