JWK

I have a number of decisions to make for my next bike. Because of the type of riding I do, I need to choose between 650b and 700c. I ride on extremely bad paved roads and gravel. Some rides are 50% of each, but even if it's mostly paved the roads are so bad most of the gravel is easier and nicer than the pavement. I have been riding on 700c x 38mm panaracer pasela tires. I now consider this size to be the minimum for me and would like something a bit fatter if I stick with 700c, but would not like anything knobby.

Any suggestions for 700c between 40mm and 45mm? I see the Compass Barlow tires in 44mm. I probably will get a pair, but would like something a bit sturdier that still rolls decently on pavement and doesn't weigh a ton. Thanks for any suggestions.

TimothyH

Schwalble G-One Allaround? I'm not sure about sizes but it is a fast rolling tire on pavement.

They wear very fast though;


-Tim-

Cyclist0108

I'd give the Compass a try. I'm using the 38mm on mine at the moment, on roads similar to what you describe. I've also lived in Lewiston, Me, so I have some idea of what you are dealing with.

Moe Zhoost

I recently mounted Panaracer Gravelking SKs in 43-622 on my hybrid. They have a micro-knobby tread that rolls well on pavement without much noise and handle the rougher stuff nicely.

ThermionicScott 

Unless you need really big-diameter wheels for your riding, I'd suggest that bigger 650B tires might serve you better than trying to find really fat 700C tires.

Chipbyrd 

I-Like-To-Bike

Schwalbe Marathon HS420 (NOT Plus versions). https://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_t...s/marathon_420

I have been riding these or their equivalents in size 47-622 (700 x 45C) for over 20 years. I almost never have had a roadside flat in over 60,000 miles of riding. I normally replace them with no less than 5,000 miles on the rear, and 15,000 miles on the front tire.





Size-700 x 45C
Execution-Performance Line, Wire Bead
Color-Black-Reflex
Weight-985 g
Load-115 kg
PSI-45-70
Price-$41.00

fietsbob

If your frame has clearance for it .. there is 622-40 & 42, 45 & 47, tires
and the 29er plus bikes can go even wider ..



Continental travel contact bike tires?
https://www.continental-tires.com/bi...travel-contact









..

wipekitty

Donnelly (formerly Clement) has some nice, wide options in both 650b and 700c. The Strada USH seems to be the updated version of Xplor USH. I have been happy with the Xplor USH for both actual gravel riding and cycling on bad roads.

https://www.donnellycycling.com/collections/adventure

5teve

You're getting right up near the point where 700c tires start to feel a little ponderous to me. I like 650b for anything bigger than 38mm-the smaller overall diameter helps front tire/toe clearance, keeps wheelbase length reasonable and helps maintain a more responsive handling feel. Of course, some conditions call for more stability and rollover, in which case 700c might make more sense for you. For me, riding 52-54cm sized bikes, the smaller diameter wheel just makes sense.

Hiro11

Lots of good options above.

Note that Compass / Rene Herse tires are unbeatable in terms of feel and speed but have extremely fragile sidewalls. Worth it to give them a try but might leave you stranded.

I'll also throw in:
Maxxis Re-fuse - more of a tough road slick, very fast
​​Maxxis Rambler - basically a Re-fuse with knobs. Still very fast rolling
WTB Resolute - tan walls, great tread design. For medium gravel and a bit of mud. Love these tires.
Schwabe G-One Bite - a more knobby version of the regular G-One. Supposed to be really good, fast.
Donnelly X-Plor MSO - my go-to gravel tires. Great puncture protection, durable tread, relatively fast rolling, good traction in a bit of mud. One potential drawback: don't clear mud as well as other options.

ericzamora

I had Clement MSO XPlor 40c tires on my gravel bike's stock 700c wheels. They were very very nice. WTB Riddler 37c and 45c are also very nice for mixed gravel/pavement.

I have since gone to 650b wheels with Teravail Cannonball 650b x 47 tires, and they are fun! still mixed gravel/pavement. I would have gone with the WTB 650bx47 Venture tires, but they had not been released yet and i didn't want to wait another 6 weeks.

All of these are relatively fast rolling for pavement but work well in gravel too. Not so much for mud (though i haven't tried the Ventures at all)

eric/fresno, ca.

JWK

I'll check them out, but I think I've got the "wears fast" covered with the Compass.

That's funny. My experience derives mostly from central Maine. Worst pavement I've ever seen, but lots of great gravel. I discovered it was all fun with fat enough tires.

Yes, I hear what you're saying. That's why I'm trying to do research to determine whether I want to go the 650b route or not. I have no experience with 650b at all, and I have no experience with 700c tires over 38mm. Well, once I put some Vittoria cheapies on from Nashbar that were 42 or 44. They had them described incorrectly in that they weighed over 850g, but were listed somewhere around 550 - 600. They were horrible. I took them off after 6 miles and got a full refund. I couldn't believe how much difference the tread (noise) and weight made.

I also know what it's like going from a 38 to a 28 tire. I hate it. After riding 38s, the 28 tires feel twitchy and overly responsive. This is on a Surly Disc Trucker. So I guess I'm shooting more for the cadillac type ride, but with better handling and lighter weight. Long, comfortable rides is my goal.

Bikes I'm looking at in 700c are Kona Sutra (I know - weight), Salsa Cutthroat (expensive with gearing challenges), Kona Rove, Black Mt Cycles road+ and MCD, Canondale Topstone. Bikes in 650b, well, I just don't know. Any bike would also have to be capable of some light touring.

Those look like a great option for me in 700c. Thanks!

ericzamora

If you're like me, and you go bigger on 700c, you're interest would still be piqued about 650b. a gnawing, ever consuming interest that could keep you awake at night. just jump the 700c boat and have fun!

eric/fresno, ca.

jade408

My completely minimally informed perspective (as someone who doesn't ride particularly fast). In actual experience, it feels like a bike with 650b tires feels pretty much like riding a 700c bike. Other than being a tiny bit lower to the ground. And as a small frame rider - less toe overlap with fenders for sure.

The only thing that sucked is finding tires in stock at every bike shop. That has improved, but on the scheme of things is easily remedies by keeping one on hand at home.

As mentioned, there are wider tires easily available in 650b. And really I see no reason not to do it, unless for some reason you don't like the proportions of a 650b bike.

dsaul

Terrene Elwood 650b x 47 are very nice tires. I find them to have much lower rolling resistance on pavement than Gravel King SK's and they are better at absorbing bumps at similar tire pressures.

DrIsotope

Maxxis ReFuse 700x40 (also available in 650x47)
Specialized Sawtooth 700x42 (also available in 650x42)
Vittoria Terreno Dry 700x40 (the Terreno Zero only comes in 700x35)
Hutchinson Overide 700x38 (they mount to ~40, my 35s are right at 37 mounted)

jlaw

Soma Supple Vitesse 700 x 48 - 'EX' (extra wear) or "SL" (super light). There is also the Soma Shikoro - significantly heavier but may be more durable.


https://www.somafab.com/parts/tires

Marcus_Ti

Strange, I mounted Override 38s, they measured 37.5mm after they snapped in. That is on my 21mm wide-internal carbon hoops. Maybe they'll stretch in overnight?

BirdsBikeBinocs

I understand you said no knobby tires. This is my experience....

I have a hybrid Schwinn. Ran stock tires for about 1,000 miles. I recently bought a road/gravel bike so I wanted a more aggressive tire on the hybrid. Through BikeTiresDirect I bought a pair of Surly Kinards, 41c. I was utterly amazed when I first these tires on the 40lb. hybrid. They are very light and I noticed that right away in the pedal stroke. But what I noticed more was the rolling resistance. My average speed increased by 2mph and I moved up 2 gears for cruise speed. Just incredible for a tire that costs $25. Utterly amazed. I love these tires.

If you look at the center ridge you will notice there is very little rubber on the pavement. These tires are fast.!! Coast forever....

intransit1217

intransit1217

JWK

I sometimes wonder whether I should buy a pair of those inexpensive 650b wheels from Velomine and try them on my GT Grade. The only problem is I don't think I could put 47s on. 42s for sure, but if I went the 650b route, I would definitely want the two sizes for my riding. Anyone know exactly how far I measure from the dropouts to measure?

Even though the wheels are pretty heavy, I think I would know if 650b would be for me or whether I'd be better off sticking with 700c. Expensive experiment, but maybe worth it over buying a new bike that doesn't work out.

jlaw

FWIW I just purchase a set of 26" wheels with Velocity Dually rims from Velomine. They came in a 'Wheelmaster' box with what appeared to be original packaging inside - so I assume that this means they are machine built and from the factory. I checked them for true, round, dish, and tension. No adjustments necessary. The only thing I noticed is that that tensions are not quite as consistent as if I had built them myself - not sure if this will effect long-term trueness.

Hiro11

I've used the Supple Vitesse EX, it's extremely similar to the Compass tires and Rivendell's Jack Brown tires. I think they're all made by Panaracer. Very high quality tires that roll superbly but not exactly bulletproof.