RFC

Sorry, I know that tire rec requests are a major source of posts on this forum.

I am looking for a tire that is good on pavement, MUPs, canal paths and fire roads, and is reasonably light.

Right now, I'm using Vredestein Perfect Moiree, which are almost bullet proof (I dig chunks of glass out with a knife and the tire doesn't even flinch), but are very heavy (around 800 grams). I would love to find a good tire in the 300 gram range.

Thanks

Andy_K 

So you want a tire that is extremely light, has good grip in all conditions and is puncture resistant? Do you want it to be under $20 too?

Seriously though, you should be able to find a cyclocross tire that does what you want, but you're going to have to go above 300 grams (unless you go tubular). A CX tire with file tread would meet most of your qualifications. Puncture protection (assuming you want to keep that) is the tough part. I find myself becoming more and more of a shill for Scwalbe these days, but at the risk of furthering that, I would say the Schwalbe Sammy Slick CX looks like your best bet. I haven't used them, but they're on my wish list.

The CX tires I have used are the Michelin Mud2, which is light and a very good tire but reputed to wear fast on pavement, and the Maxxis Locust CX, which is a bit heavier, clings to mud, and isn't good at all on pavement.

knobster

I have really enjoyed the Specialized Borough CX Armadillo tires. 700x32, 360 grams so quite light for a tire this size and has great flat protection. What I was VERY surprised to see was how well they roll on pavement. They are almost as fast as 700x25 slicks. Folding as well so easy to get on/off. What I don't like is the price. $60 each doesn't make me happy.. Hopefully they'll last awhile.

veloduffer

I like the Bontrager Jones CX cross tires and Kenda Kross Supreme. If you don't want knobbies, try the Rivendell Rolly Polly or Jackie Brown tires. (www.rivbike.com) The Riv tires have a round profile and provide good cushioning on rough roads, and they don't feel heavy.

DG Going Uphill

I've been very happy with Michelin Jets for what you describe. They are quite light, good volume, and I haven't had a flat. I have a pair of Vittoria Rando Hypers on order for drier conditions and days that are almost all road. These are light and have a lot of puncture protection, so may be better for you.

knucklesandwich

Panaracer Paselas or Urban Max are a nice grippy but not too knobby tire. Cheap and durable. T-Servs are a little more pricey but also good.

mrtornadohead

+1 on the Pasela's. In the conditions you talk about there's no real need to run knobs of any sort. The Pasela's a cheap, you can get a wider model and run with lower air pressure for a more comfortable ride (32 or 35's), and Bicycling Quaterly has rated them one of the fastest 700c tires (and BQ has done one of the most extensive test on this subject).

FWIW, I have used 35c Pasela's on MTB trails and the only place I had issues was in real rooty- or rocky terrain.

RFC

Thanks all.

boss4774

Kenda Small Block Eight....you won't regret it

RFC

Thanks all. I went with the Urban Max and am very pleased. Yes a bit heavier than the Paselas, but maybe a bit more protection. And they are infinitely faster than the Vredestein Perfect Moirees -- a very nice tire that weighs over 800 grams.