Peek the Geek

Requesting a bit of help here, as I'm in need of some advice quickly. I've got a Gunnar Sport that I'd like to put some 700x28 tires on for day touring. I bring the bike along on camping trips and want a tire that will handle various road conditions better than the current 700x23 slicks, including the occasional gravel/crushed limestone fire road or bike trail.

Since this will mainly be for lightly loaded (handlebar bag and rear rack) day touring, I'd prefer lighter-weight as opposed to extra flat-resistance. Folding as opposed to wire bead. And ideally the tire would be available via Amazon.com Prime, since I need it within the next couple of days.

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much.

staehpj1

I like Continental Ultra Gatorskins pretty well. I used them on my last couple tours and was very happy with them. I think the compromise in ride feel, weight, flat resistance, and wear is a good one. My bias is toward a good ride and lighter weight though.

They don't come in a folding bead but fold nicely using the three ring fold. Not an issue to me since I don't carry a spare, but the three ring fold is fine if you need to carry a spare.

Carbonfiberboy 

I'm liking the Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech. Folders. Good sidewall protection.

Peek the Geek

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but are those tires suitable for gravel/limestone, or should I be looking for something with a defined tread?

chasm54

Schwalbe Durano. Lightweight (275grams for the 700x28), folding, durable.

Edit. if you want something with tread for gravel, you'll need to go heavier. I'd feel reasonably OK with these on crushed limestone, though...

SBRDude

I've been thinking I'll try the Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons for a 28c tire. I agree that for gravel you'll want to go bigger.

staehpj1

That depends on how rough the surface is and whether it is likely to include much sand or mud. If we aren't talking mud or sand I don't think tread is really the issue. That said if you will be riding a lot on gravel and the surface is especially bad wider might be a good idea.

I have used them on a crushed limestone MUP and found them adequate, but probably not ideal for the rougher sections. Not great for mud or sand.

If their primary purpose is riding rough surfaces and sand and mud are likely then something wider and with tread is called for. If they are for road touring with a bit of riding on nice crushed limestone paths and dry smooth trails they are probably fine.

bmike

conti 4 seasons, pasela 28s (non tourguard as they roll nicer, not sure if they fold...).

lots of dirt roads, packed single track, some gravel.

wider would be better for true gravel, but that depends on size of the stone.

Bacciagalupe

I've done pretty well with the Conti GP 4 Seasons. Worked out fine for the D&R trail, which is gravel. AFAIK they're a little zippier than Gatorskins but not quite as tough.

For a 28c I don't think tread will do much more than slow you down.

Peek the Geek

Thanks for all of the suggestions. Ended up ordering some of the Schwalbe Duranos.

tacreamer

Panaracer Pasela, cheap with low rolling resistance. Stay away from the tourguards as they are quite sluggish. I used these on timed brevets and like them quite a bit.

stringbreaker

Doesn't appear the OP is looking for speed but a more all around tire. I'm runnign Panaracer Pasela TG's folders on three of my bikes and I like them a lot. I don't get the sluggish feeling from them at all. That said if you are looking at riding in gravel I'd go with at least a 32c

SBRDude

That's good to hear you had a good experience with them.

tacreamer

Then I would suggest to you to try the non TG tires and then get back to me! :-)

stringbreaker

Don't think I would like to ride on a gravel path without a bit of tread and a wider tire than a 28

bmike

the non TG have a 'bit' of tread, looks similar to the TG version.
and they come wide too.


TG:


Non TG:



the TGs do not roll as nicely as the non TG, IME.
but i ride gravel and dirt all the time on Conti 4 seasons and Challenge PRs.

YMMV

stringbreaker

Why would you take more of a chance riding a non Kevlar belted tire on gravel than a kevlar belted tire? I would think rolling resistance would be the least of your worries on crummier roads.

bmike

the non TG have the same tread, which is what i was responding too.

because i roll even on hand made clinchers and conti 4 seasons just fine on much of the dirt i ride. and i can't leave the back door and not have some pavement to get to the dirt.



i do not like how the cornering on the TG feels 'squared off'. the center ridge / protection - however subtle - definitely changes how the bike feels.

why not run schwalbe marathon + tires then?
even more stout and puncture resistant than the Paselas!



the 700x28s weigh 740 grams each!

stringbreaker

cool have a nice day. Guess I'll have to try some of those magical Continentals sometime

bmike

these are nicer: challenge paris roubaix



but YMMV on the dirt and gravel.

lots and lots of this where i live:



the contis work well too. 28s run more like a 26 on a mavic open pro.
they run at a bit higher pressure. roll ok, and have good flat resistance.
seem to be resistant to sidewall cuts too.

Deanster04

For winter riding I use Conti Contact 700 x 28. Not the most lively tire but excellent for highway and dirt. 4 seasons or gatorskins are also an excellent choice but not so much for dirt.0