Tires for tandems

93legendti · #1 03-21-2008, 04:27 PM

It's snowing again and the thought of riding the tandem with my daughter seems a long way off. Despite the weather, I am wondering what kind of tires people are using on their tandems. Any good suggestions?

J.Greene · #2 03-21-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93legendti

It's snowing again and the thought of riding the tandem with my daughter seems a long way off. Despite the weather, I am wondering what kind of tires people are using on their tandems. Any good suggestions?

I use a 32c bontrager road tire.

JG

maunahaole · #3 03-21-2008, 04:33 PM

I'm no tandem expert, but what rims do you have and what is the total weight of your captain and stoker?

Ti Designs · #4 03-21-2008, 04:47 PM

On the road tandem I've tried Conti GP4000's, Conti 4 season's, Michelin Pro2's and Vittoria Evo's. The vittoria's sidewalls didn't like the tandem much, they were thrashed in little more than 100 miles. The Conti tires seem to run hard for the same pressure, I never felt comfortable carving a turn on them. The Michelin Pro2 700x25 is my pick for the tire that does it all. I would love to try a Michelin Grip in that size, but it's not gonna happen.

dwightskin · #5 03-21-2008, 04:52 PM

Search the archives on the "Tandem@Hobbes" mailing list and you'll find more than you ever wanted to know!

http://search.bikelist.org/

I run Specialized Fat Boys on my 26" wheeled tandem.

93legendti · #6 03-21-2008, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maunahaole

I'm no tandem expert, but what rims do you have and what is the total weight of your captain and stoker?

We're around 200 lbs (my daughter is only 5) and, iirc, the rims are Mavic ma-40's--but that maybe no more than a guess. The bike is in the garage and I need to pull it out do a spring cleaning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ti Designs

On the road tandem I've tried Conti GP4000's, Conti 4 season's, Michelin Pro2's and Vittoria Evo's. The vittoria's sidewalls didn't like the tandem much, they were thrashed in little more than 100 miles. The Conti tires seem to run hard for the same pressure, I never felt comfortable carving a turn on them. The Michelin Pro2 700x25 is my pick for the tire that does it all. I would love to try a Michelin Grip in that size, but it's not gonna happen.

I have a set of the Michelin Pro2's in 700x25, I think I will give them a shot.

Bradford · #7 03-21-2008, 05:13 PM

I like the 700x28 Gator Skins.

On the tandem, I like to err on the side of safety...I leave feel for my other bikes.

GregL · #8 03-21-2008, 05:23 PM

I've been running Panaracer Pasela TGs, 700 x 28. While their treads wear well and they are reasonably resistant to punctures, I have found their construction quality to be hit and miss. I had one develop a sidewall bulge for no apparant reason.

Regards,
Greg

maunahaole · #9 03-21-2008, 05:32 PM

Weight wise, those will probably be fine. I use those on my ride sometimes and I weigh a good deal more than your entire tandem team. They give a nice ride and handle predictably.

Kirk007 · #10 03-21-2008, 05:48 PM

fasgrip 700x25. can get with or without kevlar built. Glenn Erickson recommended these to me years ago and I love 'em for the tandem and singles.

Greg

regularguy412 · #11 03-21-2008, 05:53 PM

I'm using Specialized Infinity 32's on my C-dale tandem. Not sure what the rims are , since there is no name anywhere on the outside. They 'kinda' look like something from Sun -- 40 holers.

The Infinitys are decent for an inexpensive tire. They have some tread with a, basically, solid center stripe. There tends to be 'some' tread squirm at speed on hard corners, but they should shed rain well (even though I've not had the opportunity to ride my tandem in the rain). I don't have many miles on this set, since my daughter doesn't ride with me anymore.

Mike in AR

Too Tall · #12 03-21-2008, 05:56 PM

What Ed said. Mich. Pro Race 2 is great stuff. I've had GREAT luck with Veredestine 25's also.

dvs cycles · #13 03-21-2008, 05:57 PM

Santana Team Scandium came with 28c Gatorskins w/wirebead.
Switched to GP-4000 in 25c with kevlar bead.
Much better ride and faster rollout also.

Orin · #14 03-21-2008, 06:02 PM

Pro2 Race or Krylion 25s at the moment with as much air as I dare.
Panaracer Urban Max 32s for the winter.
Tried Specialized Aramadillo 28s... horrible - slow and ride like they are made of concrete.

Orin.

93legendti · #15 03-21-2008, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orin

...Tried Specialized Aramadillo 28s... horrible - slow and ride like they are made of concrete. Orin.

I think our tandem came with those tires (it was 8 years ago) and, iirc, they did nothing for the ride.