due ruote 

I am looking for 26" tires for an old Ibis I picked up recently. The team is under 300# and at this point we are doing fairly short (under 20 miles) recreational rides, almost entirely on decent roads, although eventually we plan to mix in some packed gravel trail rides, and perhaps longer distances.

I am focused on finding something fairly plush, so I've been looking at 1.75 and above. At this point I can't see investing in the Compass Rat Trap Pass tires, although they look fantastic. I have heard good things about Schwalbe Fat Franks, but I am a little put off by the weight (>2# per tire). I suppose it's fair to say high volume/light weight/inexpensive - pick two. But I am curious to hear what others think about the merits of various options in 1.75 - 2.33 tires. Have I overlooked my dream tire?

uclamatt2007

I was just looking for the same thing and ended up with the 2" Schwalbe Kojaks. 570g in the wire bead and has a flat protection belt built into. I was impressed by the one ride that we have on it so far.

I would love to try the Rat Trap Pass, but these rank approx $30 a piece on Amazon, making the set the same cost as a single Compass tire.

bikemig 

Schwalbe Supreme Touring 26 x 2.0 is a sweet tire.

uclamatt2007

The problem with those is cost. They are as expensive as the Rat Trap Pass tires he talked about above.

bikemig 

That's not a problem. If the OP doesn't think they are worth the price, he can get a different tire.

It is for the OP to decide whether they are worth the price after doing a cost benefit analysis. They can be generally bought from online European vendors for less than in the US.

Plus they are very tough, flat proof, and lightweight tires. I commute on a pair and they have held up remarkably well.

fxsvelo

We use the Rat Trap Pass on our old mountain tandem. No, not cheap but they're nice and comfy.

But the bike still doesn't feel as efficient as our Cannondale with Compass Cycles Cypres. I want to do some roll down tests to compare, but that's probably another discussion.

rickbyb

Amazon.com : Continental GatorSkin Urban Specialty Bicycle Tire with DuraSkin (26x1 1/8) : Bike Tires : Sports & Outdoors

Although not immune to all road hazards, I have been satisfied with the GS brand for our tandem and my road bike. However, GS's don't seem to be long-wearing, especially on the rear of our Santana.

due ruote 

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I'm going to try a set of Schwalbe Big Apples. They're a bit heavier than ideal, but we aren't weight weenies, and the price is right - about $30 from Chain Reaction. Plenty of volume so they should smooth out the bumps. I'll report back eventually on how we like them.

Perdido

So how'd you like them Apples??? I'm thinking about getting a pair.

nfmisso

Another suggestion: Kenda K-Rad 58-559 (26x2.3) - rugged urban tire, rated 40-85 psi.

Perdido

Do those K rads have puncture protection? There are thorns where I ride so I'm willing to pay a weight penalty for a barrier strip.

nfmisso

Some, I just got a puncture on my rear tire, despite thorn resistant tubes. It was flat the next morning, and I haven't had a chance to look at it. I am suspecting glass though.

Any tire can get a puncture from aggressive enough debris. I suggest considering tire liners in addition to thorn resistant tubes, and a armoured tire.