I need something relatively robust and puncture-resistant for a 1-month trip through Vietnam and Laos. I narrowed it down to these three because they're about the same price ($40USD) where I live, and come in 700×50, which I would like to run for this trip. Is the Rambler too off-road focused? Are they about equally robust? Anyone with direct experience willing to comment would be much appreciated.
by lowbandwidthb
3 Comments
What size? This makes a difference
The rambler is not a good bikepacking tire in my opinion, it’s not nearly durable enough. It was endless flats for me when I ran it.
I’ve never liked describing tires in percentages of on/off-road. For both bikes and motorcycles, I feel you have to base your tire decisions on the gnarliest stuff you plan to actually ride. Knobbies on pavement are inefficient, but slicks on a black diamond route will actually force you off the bike, hopefully just for a hike and not a crash. It’s mostly a tradeoff between road efficiency and hiking time, with safety and reliability concerns arguing to go a little tougher than necessary.
That said, I don’t think any of these are bad choices. You might check https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/ to see how they stack up with rolling resistance and puncture resistance.
I will say I’ve had problems with WTB tires in the past. Of the four I’ve used, two 26″ touring tires both developed bubbles while inflated to about 10 PSI below their max pressure (I did force them down a lot of gravel though), and one 650b (I think it’s a Ranger? Not my bike) that just absolutely refuses to stop weeping in a way that honestly feels like it shouldn’t be physically possible. The second 650b is tire is fine, but it’s also chunkier.