help me pick a 26" tire

[AngryScientist]

let's say you were building an adventure touring bicycle...

a google image search yielded this inspirational photograph.

what tires would you use?

https://www.adventurecycling.org/default/assets/Image/blog/20091003_Interbike2009_052.JPG

[dustyrider]

Maxxis ikon, hollyroller, hookworm.

[AngryScientist]

thanks dusty.

i'm loving the looks of these vittorias, but they seem to be vaporware in 26" - not available anywhere...

https://www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Vittoria_Revolution_26x2-0_fast-rolling-urban-file-tread-tire_Graphene.jpg

[Benneke]

Schwalbe has a great line of touring tires. The Marathon is super popular, and I've heard good things about the Big Ben and Super Moto.

[mg2ride]

I love the Town and Countries that are on the one in the photo.

[JasonF]

Nick,

Are you thinking about converting a vintage mountain bike? I'm currently obsessed with getting a vintage steel mountain bike (e.g. Bridgestone, Spec Stumpjumper, etc...) and going that route over a "gravel grinder."

[bmeryman]

Schwalbe Marathons (dependable, proven)

or...

Michelin Country Rocks (inexpensive, nice riding)

[R3awak3n]

depends on the terrain you are going touring on. For a pavement and gravel Rat Trap Pass Compass tires.

[etu]

depends on the terrain you are going touring on. For a pavement and gravel Rat Trap Pass Compass tires.

1+, unless you're way out remote from anywhere. even then probably can easily pack a spare or two.

[rodcad]

I love Continental Travel Contacts in 2.0 width.

[HillDancer]

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion
https://www.bike24.com/p265651.html
http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/schwalbe-marathon-almotion-2016

[weisan]

http://www.cyclefar.com/best-tyres-cycle-toruing/

[MrDangerPants]

I've run both the Maxxis Hookworm (26x2.5):

http://68.media.tumblr.com/6299d23c355978c27d05658dfc8a5bac/tumblr_o8imcrSisB1tst9oeo1_1280.jpg

And the Schwalbe Super Moto (26x2.35):

http://68.media.tumblr.com/32e16c98bd8aadc477188baa0a18900c/tumblr_o85j4tBdFi1tst9oeo3_r2_1280.jpg

On my Ted Wojcik. The Ted is currently in queue for a rebuild (2x10 all-around drop bar adventure & urban assault creature) and I'll be going with the Super Moto tires again.

[AngryScientist]

Nick,

Are you thinking about converting a vintage mountain bike? I'm currently obsessed with getting a vintage steel mountain bike (e.g. Bridgestone, Spec Stumpjumper, etc...) and going that route over a "gravel grinder."

Thanks guys, and yes Jason, that's the plan. I picked up an old bridgestone MB-3 here and am going to take my time over the winter and build it with some kind of drop bars and make it an adventure rig.

[AngryScientist]

great bike dangerpants!

what shifters will you use for the 2x10 situation?

[JasonF]

Thanks guys, and yes Jason, that's the plan. I picked up an old bridgestone MB-3 here and am going to take my time over the winter and build it with some kind of drop bars and make it an adventure rig.

Very cool, I'd love to see the build progress. Good luck!

[bobswire]

Maxxis Holy Rollers, love'em on my GT Zaskar that I've been using as my adventure/errand do all. Roll on pavement and dirt alike,fat fun and you can gun'em. 2.4 in front and 2.2 in rear.
http://i67.tinypic.com/2dab0jr.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/11scfh4.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/wahv0w.jpg

[Andreas]

Road / Dirt / not loaded / low risk for sidewall badness: RTP

sturdier sidewall / backcountry touring / VT-NH: Schwalbe rock razor

softer ground / AZ etc: WTB ranger (if you can fit)

[MrDangerPants]

great bike dangerpants! what shifters will you use for the 2x10 situation?

Thanks! Most likely thumbshifters. I'm thinking of 2x8 also (or 1x8 even) as I have an 8-speed drivetrain hanging out in my parts bin. Here's what the setup looked like on my Firefly:

http://68.media.tumblr.com/f0d35b49cf6073cdaec8123d469995a1/tumblr_oi12c6aUeW1tst9oeo1_1280.jpg

[mg2ride]

great bike dangerpants!



Dangerpants was rocking fat tire drop bar bikes at least 10-15 years before it was cool to do so.

[JAGI410]

Surly ExtraTerrestrial

[Stevemikesteve]

IMHO unless you're set on something really gourmet like Compass, consider Resist Nomads. Especially if the Schwalbe Marathon/Marathon Supremes are a candidate, give the Nomads a look. I think they offer a 26 x 2.25 option.

[ColonelJLloyd]

If you can afford to, keep the tire weight down. Compass RTP or Schwalbe Thunderburts or something like that.

[vitaly66]

Yes I'm in exactly the same search for my Troll. Want something like the Compass, light and plush and lively, reluctant to pay the Compass prices. (FWIW, I do have 2 pairs of Compass in 700c already.)

Currently running Big Apples on the Troll, 2.35", after reading loads of recommendations for them. Very solid and bombproof. But to me they are *very* heavy and dead feeling, good grief, they are like 900g each.

Before the Big Apples I was running Michelin Pilots in 2.0". These were a pretty good kevlar bead slick, and not so heavy -- but nothing like them from Michelin seems to be available now. I have the impression that selection in 26" tires is decreasing. For example, not seeing much availability of Marathon Supremes any more.

The Surly "Extra Terrestrials" are said to be like a bigger Big Apple. So that rules that out!

My shortlist includes some already mentioned, like the Thunder Burts, plus Kenda Small Block 8s, TIoga Powerblocks...

Most curious about this, anybody have anything to say about the Maxxis DTH skinwalls?

[Mikeys]

Been on the hunt for a good fast rolling yet dirt capable 26" tire as well

My experience...
Schwalbe big apple: Good on pavement. Zero flats so far. Not good on hard dirt unless you really let pressure out. They're a little too stiff for that though.

Compass rat trap pass: Great on pavement and okay at low pressure on dirt (if you're running them tubeless). Too delicate though. Seemed like I was getting sprayed in the face with stans sealant every time I rode them off road. Forget about riding them off road with inner tubes.

Next up to try...
Maxxis DTH: Tread looks better for dirt. Comes in gumwall...

[Ronsonic]

Kenda K-Rad, wear like iron, roll nicely good on pavement, gravel and dirt, cost pennies and available in 1.95, 2.3 and 2.5. The 1.95 fits nicely under fenders, the others need more room.

First got them years ago for an "Urban XC Race." Fell in love and they've been on my townie ever since.

[bobswire]

Kenda K-Rad, wear like iron, roll nicely good on pavement, gravel and dirt, cost pennies and available in 1.95, 2.3 and 2.5. The 1.95 fits nicely under fenders, the others need more room.

First got them years ago for an "Urban XC Race." Fell in love and they've been on my townie ever since.

Wow those look cool, same pattern at the Maxxis Holy roller that I love but cheaper, the K-Rad 2.50 DTC folding is only $21.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Kenda-K-Rad-26-Tire
I'll have to score a couple of those. :beer:

[MrDangerPants]

The Surly "Extra Terrestrials" are said to be like a bigger Big Apple.

I've been eyeing this for awhile and really want to try them.

[Frankwurst]

Rat Trap Pass. :beer:

[heartattackride]

I dig the Kenda Kwik's...decent road tire, long life, and pretty confident on the sandy hardpack here in So Cal

[sfhbike]

Schwalbe Marathon Mondial (https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/road_tires/marathon_mondial) (folding version is the higher quality one). Beefy, nice tread, bombproof. I have them on my Surly DT. Probably on the heavier side.

[adamhell]

Rat Trap Pass. :beer:

^^^

[RFC]

There is a world of good 26" allarounder tires out there.

I've had good luck with WTB slicks on my Russian "Titanium Red" SS bomber. I think they are 1.85".

(Seat is flat. Perceived angle in photo due to rear wheel being slightly higher than front).

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/IMG_0355_zpsdspwjkhf.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/IMG_0355_zpsdspwjkhf.jpg.html)

[AngryScientist]

i wound up with Vittoria Evolution tires.

very inexpensive and a good way to determine if the set-up of this bike is going to work before i spring for something more pricey. only a short ride on them so far, but pretty good i think.

https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cu7d-3yqcbM/WF2HXeT7h_I/AAAAAAAACq4/-nB88wttIjc3HqTSeE0V8HeDQIcEY4AKACLcB/s1200/IMG_0007.JPG

[RFC]

I have put together several vintage MTB drop bar bombers. They are fun to build and a blast to ride. Just dig into the parts bin and have at it!

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b384/RCopple/Fisher%20GG%203r_zpsluoapuz3.jpg (http://s23.photobucket.com/user/RCopple/media/Fisher%20GG%203r_zpsluoapuz3.jpg.html)

[MikeD]

Thanks! Most likely thumbshifters. I'm thinking of 2x8 also (or 1x8 even) as I have an 8-speed drivetrain hanging out in my parts bin. Here's what the setup looked like on my Firefly:



http://68.media.tumblr.com/f0d35b49cf6073cdaec8123d469995a1/tumblr_oi12c6aUeW1tst9oeo1_1280.jpg



7 speed shifters?

[NHAero]

In the balloon tire world, let's say 2" and over, it looks as though the Rat Trap Pass is the lightest tire by a considerable margin. Have I missed a contender?

[Hindmost]

7 speed shifters?

These shifters had a mysterious extra click the purpose of which came clear in about 1994.

[MikeD]

These shifters had a mysterious extra click the purpose of which came clear in about 1994.


7 and 8 speed spacing is different. They don't work well as 8 speed. I tried, even with a J something adapter. Better off with Pauls thumbies if you want proper shifting.

[vitaly66]

In the balloon tire world, let's say 2" and over, it looks as though the Rat Trap Pass is the lightest tire by a considerable margin. Have I missed a contender?

Just noticed some Continental "Speed King II RS" tires on Wiggle this morning, 26x2.2, weight spec'd at 420g, that's some 30+grams lighter than the standard RTP, and about matches the extralight...

[NHAero]

That is an awesome tire! Some light side knobs for the dirt. Just ordered a pair - they also have a savenew discount code on Wiggle.
Thanks!

Just noticed some Continental "Speed King II RS" tires on Wiggle this morning, 26x2.2, weight spec'd at 420g, that's some 30+grams lighter than the standard RTP, and about matches the extralight...

[MrDangerPants]

These shifters had a mysterious extra click the purpose of which came clear in about 1994.

Yup, they had the ghost click making them 7 & 8 speed.

7 and 8 speed spacing is different. They don't work well as 8 speed. I tried, even with a J something adapter. Better off with Pauls thumbies if you want proper shifting.

Indeed the spacing is different but it's minuscule: Shimano 7 speed spacing is 5mm and 8 speed spacing is 4.8mm (http://www.sheldonbrown.com/cribsheet-spacing.html). I've used the Shimano 7-speed thumb shifters (both MT62 and the M732) with a M900 8-speed cassette dating back to 1992 and don't recall ever having issues.

[Keith A]

I've run both the Maxxis Hookworm (26x2.5):

And the Schwalbe Super Moto (26x2.35):

On my Ted Wojcik. The Ted is currently in queue for a rebuild (2x10 all-around drop bar adventure & urban assault creature) and I'll be going with the Super Moto tires again.Where have you bought the Super Moto in a 26"?

[zambenini]

Bumping this. Need some fat 26” tires. I would definitely go with Surly Extra Terrestrials but I am pretty sure they won’t clear my frame in the rear but just barely. I want something at truly 2.4” in the back and can go bigger in front. Thinking Holy Rollers, or in MTB tires Minions of different sizes.

Thoughts??

[zambenini]

Oh yeah and use will mostly be bike path baby trailer plus occasional dirt fun

[simplemind]

Bumping this. Need some fat 26” tires. I would definitely go with Surly Extra Terrestrials but I am pretty sure they won’t clear my frame in the rear but just barely. I want something at truly 2.4” in the back and can go bigger in front. Thinking Holy Rollers, or in MTB tires Minions of different sizes.

Thoughts??

So I'm guessing you're not building a dedicated gravel bike if you're looking at much over 2.1...no? I don't think I'd want the drag on 35 miles of gravel on a 2.4 tire, just say'n.