DarKris

I wanted to ask around and see if anyone had a recommendation for a fast 27.5 tire between 1.75/2.0. I plan on using these tires with a set of wheels that I got to convert my CX bike to 650b. My only issue is that my max tire clearance is 50mm/2 in.

I also want to get recommendations from those who know the actual width of their tires. The last pair of tires that I tried were the Vittoria Revolution G+ tires which has a size rating of 50-589. Idk if it's because of my 21.5mm wide rims but tires were 53mm wide and did not fit my fork.

I was looking for a tire that was between 45 - 50mm wide, but not wider (Under-sized 2.1 tires would be nice as well). Also if the tires were around $40 or less that would be ideal. Thanks.

Spoonrobot 

I think most 650b non-knobbie tires are going to be up to 42mm or 47mm+.

I'd recommend the switchback hill from compass but the on paper rating of 48mm wide has been shown to be a little conservative and they are closer to 51-52mm so they probably won't work for you.

Which kind of leaves you with one option in the 47mm WTB horizon. It's pretty true to size so it should work for your fork.

Course $40 price point is going to be a problem. Barring any sales, tires at that price point are not going to be "fast" and most likely perform noticeably worse than the $59+ offerings.

*I only know about smooth tread tires. Any of the knobbie or hybrid styles I'm not up to date on.

mongol777

Surly Knards, Tires | Parts and Accessories | Surly Bikes
I have them in 700x41, 26x4.8 and 29x3, excellent all round tire.

DarKris

I guess I'm not looking for a pure slick tire. I would say more of a semi-slick or a knobby (more micro-knob) that is exceptional on pavement.

Another thing that I would prefer is a tire that's around 30-60 tpi, leaning more towards the 30. I know these tires are heavier and less supple, but I have had problems with glass getting in to my tires and it's a pain constantly checking my tire.

In addition because of my weight I have to run my tires pretty high to avoid pinch flats/damaging my rim. With this my rear tire gets worn out fast, at least I notice it more with 60tpi tires (I can't imagine being able to run a 120tpi tire for more than 3 months).

travbikeman

I put these on my son's bike: Kenda K841A 27.5" Bike Tire | DICK'S Sporting Goods

The kid notices a big difference from riding his knobbies to these Kendsa on the road.

But the info stated it's 2 inch, but for some reason I had thought it was 1.9 inch.

Specialized also has this tire in a 650x 1.9, but it's a bit more knobby on the outer edges. It's more like a hybrid type of tire for trails:

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/co...reflect/117825

fietsbob

compass cycles make high end spec 650B tires.

canklecat

Look for a chevron pattern tread, like the Surly Extraterrestrial, Michelin Protek Cross or Cross Max (the latter has a bulletproof puncture resistant liner -- my favorite tire so far), Innova IA-2068-4 (cheap, often sold under the Schwinn name, very good -- got a new set with a recently purchased used bike), or the popular Schwalbes. A couple of the Schwalbes have remarkably good ratings for low rolling resistance despite the all terrain tread, and may well be worth the extra money.

I've ridden two different tire brands with virtually identical chevron patterns and they do remarkably well on everything from smooth pavement to grassy and weedy pastures to gravel trails, including tricky diagonal off-camber ruts and sandy washouts. Only thing I couldn't do was ride mud or climb loose dry black gumbo dirt slopes. But I don't do enough off-road riding to justify knobbies.

Also, the chevron pattern doesn't pick up bits of tiny gravel between the tread like the Specialized Hemispheres, which have tread blocks. The Hemispheres are smoother rolling, especially on tight curves, and can handle higher pressures, but I'm constantly picking out bits of pebbles. And while more supple (whatever that means) with thinner sidewalls seem nice in theory, in practice they're not very puncture resistant and I'm often checking for punctures by goat head grass burrs and shards of metal.

jade408

I have Soma New Xpress tires. These are narrower than you are looking for but a good around tire.

38s are more like 35 actual. I run mine at about 80psi. Still experimenting. I have had them for over a year. Got one slow leak that got patched and no issues. The patch has been in place for 6 months.

We have load of potholes and glass in my neck of the woods. Streets are horrible.

My LBS picked them for the blend of durability / decent speed.

DarKris

I appreciate the recommendations, but I can run 700x38c tires already on my bike. I'm specifically looking for 1.75/2.0 27.5 tires

bikemig 

Soma grand randonneur 650b x 42c is a quality heavy duty tire.

dim

compass tyres .... the fastest, but not the most puncture resistant ...

https://www.compasscycle.com/product...ts/tires/650b/https://www.compasscycle.com/product...ts/tires/650b/

or if you want another good tyre in 650B that rolls ok, and has good puncture resistance, look at Schwalbe Marathon Supreme ... I have them fitted on my Bridgestone MB2 mountain bike (converted with drop bars and bar end shifters) and they are very good