Tires
 

I’ve read countless threads and read reviews. I just got my ogre but it had 50mm wtb ventures. I’m going to be primarily road touring with an occasional smooth gravel (very occasional and will be well graded). I’d like something nice that isn’t a son of a gun to mount if possible. Open to tubeless. The ventures do come in a 42 but rolling resistance may be an issue. Looking at of course marathons and Vittoria in a 700x38.

Conti Top Contact II. The II is the key. 700x37. When you research them they will be labeled as 35c, but Conti notes that the true measurement is 37c. I have confirmed the width.

Marathon Supremes.

I can offer a minor caution about Schwalbe Marathons. I have a set of Marathon "Dureme" (no longer made) 700x40c, which is a touring/smooth gravel tire, more or less. They have good puncture protection, and they seemingly last forever. I estimate 5000+ miles so far, and only recently wore the rear tire center ridge down so the shoulder treads might get a little wear. They aren't very supple, though, due to the stiff sidewall. I run 50/55 pounds pressure, but even at higher pressure they are kinda slow. But I've had maybe two flats in six years, so there's that. Denali Hiway survivor.

I am very happy with the Marathon (with Greenguard) in 40mm width for 26 inch bikes. I have used that on some gravel but that is my go-to tire for paved touring. I would assume that the closest tire to that size in 700c would be good too, if it does not come in 40mm, then 35 or 37mm width. I have only used tubes, I have no comment on tubeless.

You probably will get about 15 to 20 recommendations here, so good luck.

Also check out bicyclerollingresistance.com. Lots of good information.

I use and like the Schwalbe Marathon (Greenguard) in 700x35. Pretty bombproof puncture protection, and great mileage before wearing out. I have ridden a lot of gravel on these as well. Not the most supple tires out there, but i have always thought they roll smooth and with fairly good efficiency. Lots of size options available.

I like the Schwalbe Marathons in 700c 38 with a little over 2000 miles in two just over months I can say that I have had 0 flats they wear well and I run them at 80psi. My last set of Schwalbe Marathons had 6k on them 26x2 when I sold the bike. I did have a bump appear in the tire tread of a new tire once (<150) miles and contacted Schwalbe I sent a pic and they sent a new tire.

I like the Dureme's as well. Got them in 700x50c. I thought they rolled well and were a good all purpose tire. Best I can tell is the Almotion fits the same niche. I just couldn't spend $80 on a bicycle tire.

The Supremes roll much better.
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...faa477daf1.jpg

These , come in 29er 42 & 50. are made for that paved/gravel road mix : https://www.continental-tires.com/bi...contact-travel

Another vote for Schwalbe Marathons, 700x38