Best tire width (and tire) for true mostly-paved "allroad" centuries?
#26
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so if the argument was 36 strada bianca 36 TLR vs Panaracer Gravel king slicks 38
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#27
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This weekend, I will be riding a century through an area that (I suspect) will include some smooth pavement, some rough chipseal, a little insanely rough crater-pavement, and some light gravel. I'm accustomed to either doing gravel races or doing centuries on smooth pavement, but I've never done a road century that I knew would have substantial amounts of sketchy surface. I've got my "allroad" tires ready, but I thought I would ask what the forum thinks is the ideal tire width (and tire) for this kind of century. For reference, I'm thinking of running 36mm Challenge Strada Bianca TLR's. But . . . I've also got a set of 25mm Conti 4000SII's (that measure 28mm) if I change my mind.
What do you think? What tire would you use?
What do you think? What tire would you use?
38mm Barlow Pass. I never wish I was on a different tire on any surface short of mud.
I was also pretty happy with the 35mm Bon Jon Pass tires I had before this, and they are quite a bit lighter.
#28
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I haven't had a problem with the GK slicks in wet weather-they seem grippy enough riding them on pavement in the rain. At least, I haven't felt much slippage through normal riding scenarios.
I commuted through winter on a singlespeed with narrow GK slicks, which was what sold me on getting a wider pair for the Topstone for road riding.
I commuted through winter on a singlespeed with narrow GK slicks, which was what sold me on getting a wider pair for the Topstone for road riding.
#29
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You are basically describing the mix that I ride all the time. A mix of pavement, chip-seal, really crappy pavement, and gravel.
38mm Barlow Pass. I never wish I was on a different tire on any surface short of mud.
I was also pretty happy with the 35mm Bon Jon Pass tires I had before this, and they are quite a bit lighter.
38mm Barlow Pass. I never wish I was on a different tire on any surface short of mud.
I was also pretty happy with the 35mm Bon Jon Pass tires I had before this, and they are quite a bit lighter.
#30
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I'm gonna stick with Continental Speed Rides. Been happy with 'em for two years in mixed terrain/condition riding, no reason to change. It's more like a balloon tire with a little tread. Cheap too, only around $20-$25 each, wire or folding bead. Got my first set, a pair for half price on special. Made me a believer.
One size only, nominally 700x42 but measure closer to 700x38. Fast and smooth on pavement, comfy on chipseal with the right pressure (I weigh 150, usually keep 'em around 45-50 psi front, 50-60 rear, lower for gravel). Competent on gravel -- as competent as I am, which is oh-kay. Fine for dry grass, not for mud or rain-slick grass.
Durable too. The diamond/file pattern main tread feels soft, like it would wear prematurely, but nope... it's been good for a few thousand miles since autumn 2016. Reasonable flat protection without feeling sluggish.
I keep trying other comparable tires but always go back to the Speed Rides.
One size only, nominally 700x42 but measure closer to 700x38. Fast and smooth on pavement, comfy on chipseal with the right pressure (I weigh 150, usually keep 'em around 45-50 psi front, 50-60 rear, lower for gravel). Competent on gravel -- as competent as I am, which is oh-kay. Fine for dry grass, not for mud or rain-slick grass.
Durable too. The diamond/file pattern main tread feels soft, like it would wear prematurely, but nope... it's been good for a few thousand miles since autumn 2016. Reasonable flat protection without feeling sluggish.
I keep trying other comparable tires but always go back to the Speed Rides.
#31
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#32
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#33
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- Price
- Brand Loyalty
- Availability
- Looks
Recently was in same boat, looking at Strada Bianca, ended up with 32GK slicks because:
- They offered a red color
- I can get them for under $25 ea.
- I have 38GK SK for more adventurous endeavors
- Less likely to be blown over by cross wind.
- Faster? Well they feel faster
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