Black_Thunder

Any recommendations on a set of quality 700x23 tires with skinwalls? The only tire I've come across, The Panaracer Pasela, has mixed reviews. Has anybody used these or have a better recommendation? I'm surprised there aren't more tires like this on the market. Thanks in advance for the input.

Scrodzilla

The Pasela TourGuard is one of the best tires I've ever used.

Nagrom_

There's a GP4K with a skin wall.

Scrodzilla

It's a really dark brown sidewall though.

Kayce

Second vote on the tourguard being a nearly perfect tire.

calv

Agreed. The ones of my gf's townie are freaking bombproof.

Six jours

What do you want from the tire? Someone looking for a light and supple performance tire will be disappointed by Paselas and TourGuards. But someone looking for good puncture resistance and long life while skidding around Detroit will be equally unhappy with a Grand Bois Col de la Madeleine or Veloflex Master 23.

TheRealFaux

I have +4500 miles on my set of Pasela TGs. I've had one flat and it was from a box staple that would've punctured any tire. I wish they were a little faster, but that's the price you pay for flat protection.

BoSoxYacht

Seriously?

Please give a brief review of the tire(strengths/weaknesses). I've used a ton of different tires in my time, but have never considered these.

Scrodzilla

Not necessarily. The folding version of the Pasela TG is pretty light and if you keep them inflated 5-10 over recommended PSI, the rolling resistance improves greatly.

Without writing an entire page, I had a set of 25c Pasela TGs for nearly 3 years that were used on several different bikes without getting one single flat (aside from one pinch flat that was my fault for riding on an under-inflated tire). One of them is still hanging in the shop that will be most likely used again as a backup when the the rear 23c on my Bare Knuckle eventually wears out. The other was given to a friend who is still using it.

The sidewalls are plenty stiff (unless you're using a 32c on a 19mm rim) and have proven themselves to be extremely durable despite the outer layer drying out a bit and the rubber compound used on the tread is very durable without offering a harsh ride like a piece of solid plastic (like some Continental tires).

Kayce

Highlights: Great puncture resistance, long lasting, relatively light for a commuting tire, come in a variety of sizes, great price.

Lowlights: the little strip of plastic over the printed logo is weird.

Scrodzilla

That's common on a lot of tires. It peels off pretty easily.

Leukybear 

Don't forget veloflex if you want a classic looking yet high performance tire! A bit pricey though.

All panaracer sourced tires have that. Even my panasonic (yup, if you had a hunch from the "pana") made everwears came with them. It's to protect the logo in transit/ drying out.

hairnet

Unfortunately my rear Pasela is self-destructing right now, but it is near its end anyway. My only flats have been from goatheads. I only wish the tread was slick

Reeses

Panaracer Pasela TourGuard are great, best tire I've had although I've only used cheap stuff like Bontrager and Kenda in the past. You can get a good price here. If you're buying a pair, offer them $50, they accepted it for me.

yummygooey

in my experience

TGs have great flat protection and are a good tire for the daily gnar...

but the ride quality sucks (25c @ 100psi)

skin walls also look uggo after about a week of use with brakes if you live in a rainy area

thewilson 

I love my tour guards I've only gotten a couple of flats, but they were from hitting who the hell knows and getting complete punctures.

nightfly

Love the cream/white 28mm Paselas I have. Think they are kevlar but not TG. Ride really nice, wearing well. Had the skinwall ones on another bike and loved the ride as well. Not sure what people are talking about them not riding well.

Scrodzilla

+1

garlic_rice

I luuuuurve my Paselas. Got a 28 up front and 32 rear after some recommendations here. Not only do they ride great, but aesthetically there's something about the combination of gumwall and hard ano rims. Probably gonna buy a pair of 28's from Scrod again, for my singlespeed.

Not adding anything new here, but +1 for keeping them properly inflated (a little above what's recommended on the sidewall) or they do ride slugglishly.

hairnet

luggish, a bit, but very plush. I usually stick to 60psi in 28s for my commuter since I'm not riding it all that fast. very nice

Robofunc

I got these Gran Bois Cyprés a few weeks ago and freaking love them. I've done about 200 miles on them now. They only come in 32c and no flat protection, but the ride is great and I haven't had any issues over our rough brick streets.

Black_Thunder

thanks for the input guys. i think ill give them a shot. sounds like mostly positive responses!

Six jours

I despise TourGuards. To me, they manage to combine a harsh ride with the sensation of riding through mud. But I compare every tire I ride with handmade 27mm silk tubulars. With that as a baseline, very few tires perform the way I want them to. Of course, I also have a lower threshold for reliability and lifespan than average: I won't ride a tire that doesn't have world-class road feel, but I also don't mind if I have to replace it every 1500 miles. Hence the question to the OP, because there really is no such thing as a "best" tire.

Leukybear 

So what tires have met your palette of rubber? Do tell.