650b tires for tandem
 

We are having our tandem wheels rebuilt with Velocity Atlas 650b rims to allow clearance for fatter tires. Looking for recommendations for something 650bX38ish.

Rene herse!

Gravelkings or Parimotos if you want allrounders. Schwalbe makes a few in that size too but it's a bit uncommon.

Those don't have enough tread for a tandem IMHO. We had 38-622 Gravelking Slicks on our tandem, and they wear too quickly. Rene Herse have more rubber where it needs to be.

Maybe the knobby varieties of the Gravelkings fare better...

Panaracer T-SERV 27.5 x 1.75
 

If your tandem can fit this tire, that's what I would recommend. I had it on my coupled spectrum during my oversea biking trips this past year and its durability and versatility to handle both road, and gravel can't be beat.

https://www.panaracerusa.com/product...34487835656354

I might be reluctant to try a superlight tire like Parimoto or RH on a tandem. I have a set of Gravelking slick 650x38s that ride nice and are pretty durable. You could try the SS flavorr for more durability (I think the tread is thicker). Not sure if there's a Plus variety of the 650 GK.

The Rene Herse 650Bx38 Loup Loup Pass tire is available in either the standard or the extralight casing. I've been using the Herse 650BX48 Switchback Hill with standard casing on my e-bike for the past 10,800 miles with no issues.

That's some impressive mileage! Wider tires really do live a lot longer (and kudos to RH for on not skimping on tread rubber to get to a lower advertised weight)

Mark from Tandem Diversity runs 650b wheels on his travel tandem. I'd give him a call to see what tires he recommends.

https://www.tandemdiversity.com/home.html

I did not mean to imply I got 10,800 miles out of one set of tires, far from it. I get around 2,000 miles on the back and around 5,000 on the front. I've been through quite a few tires in the past 20-odd months. (I tried to post this yesterday but it was lost in the forum's non-responsiveness.)

I found a new pair of Schwalbe Marathon tires stashed with all of my bike parts. They are ~15 years old. Is it okay to use these? I know that automobile tires have an expiration date.

New Wheels/tires for the tandem - thanks for the tire suggestions
 

Today we went for the first tandem ride since the 650b wheel/tire conversion. After having the White Industries hubs refurbished with new bearings they were laced to some really sweet Velocity Cliffhanger 27.5 rims. I finally decided on Rene Herse 650B x 48 Switchback Hill tires with standard casing. There is just enough clearance in the rear. I was a little concerned that this new wheelset and tires would be perceptibly heavy, sluggish and slow to spin up. They are none of that. We are really digging them. Especially my GF who is enjoying the more plush ride compared the the old 700x28 Gatorskins.

Yeah, goal!

We are using 700x35mm Gravel Kings slicks on our tandem. One day we will switch to 650b x 42mm or maybe follow your lead try out 48mm and see whether my wife likes it better.

Same Bike! I swapped in new 650b wheels on our tandem this past summer because I was bored - Astral outback rims with new White Industries tandem hubs (Sugar Wheels) and ultradynamico tires. I kept the old wheels as is. My wife and I haven't ridden this bike since we had our kids (10 years ago!).

A suspension seatpost does wonders for a stoker. Highly recommend.

The Rene Herse Loup Loup Pass 650Bx38 tire is available with both the extralight casing and the standard casing.

https://www.renehersecycles.com/shop...oup-loup-pass/