Choosing a tire is fun, but stressful with all the choices. I have an itch to do RAGBRAI this year, and my Pathfinder Pro 47c is a bit too much rolling resistance for touring like this, although an incredible gravel tire. Low rolling resistance I think is the biggest goal, because I'll likely run TPU tubes with a bit of sealant for flat protection. I'm not trying to be a speed demon, just looking for efficiency. For touring, I'm not ready for tubeless. I'd like to stick around a 35mm width, and top contenders are the Conti Grand Prix Urban or maybe even the Pirelli P Zero Race or Road. All thoughts and opinions are welcome. What's your go-to for touring on pavement?
by New-Syllabub-7394
10 Comments
Schwable Marathon
Panaracer Pasela PT or T Serv or whatever
A lot of people will recommend the Marathon. It rides like a brick in my experience so consider if you need that much flat protection.
On the flip side, a racy tire like a GP5k or P Zero provides little sturdiness…
Lots of water in between, for 35mm I’d probably look at Panaracer and some of the Conti Contacts, 36mm Speedero, G-one Allround comes in 35 I think.
TPU mostly don’t have removable valve cores in my experience so good luck w/ the sealant. I’d just go tubeless or go TPU but of course to each their own.
This [site](https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com) has a lot of good info on bike tires. I’m a fan of tubeless due to improved: flat protection, comfort, rolling resistance.
Assuming you are carrying a touring load ie panniers front and rear to keep center of gravity low I would stick with Schwalbe marathon plus tyres in the widest tyre your setup can handle and reduce the tyre pressure a fraction for more comfort. Touring usually means long hours in the saddle and you want comfort and reliability over everything else.
I’ve had good luck with gravel kings or paselas.
28mm Schwalbe Marathons
Panaracer Tourguard Plus.
Better than Schwalbe Marathon imo. I had Marathon once, the grip was poor in wet weather, didnt last as long as I expected. I can buy 2 tourguards from the price of 1 marathon, better grip, still no punctures.
Alternatively, Maxxis Overdrive.
Vittoria Revolution Tech is not very well known but they are my personal favorite precisely because they have ridiculously good rolling resistance paired with bomb-proof durability. The wet weather control is also second to none. The weight penalty is very real, but very worth it to me.
Go with 700×38 if your bike’s frame will handle the bigger size. You’ll find it’s a more popular size overall and may help with more choices.