Touring/commuter tires

Joined
Apr 17, 2012
Messages
3,696
Location
West Michigan
Replacing my 15 year old Continental Contact Extra Lights and it looks like the closest model these days is the Top Contact. Size is 37-622 (700x35). Any other suggestions? Would prefer folding bead with a woven flat protection for lighter weight and better ride quality. Right now I'm trying some Schwalbe Mondial and they are pretty nice but a bit heavy.
 
I always run Schwalbe Marathon's. I prefer the Plus.. got the regular's last time and don't care for them. Got over 10k on a set of plus's and still running them on the spare bike. There's probably more energy saving options but I rarely have flats if any with these.
 
I've been running the Bontrager R3 hard light 700x32. I have also used the schwalabee same size. Both seem to be the perfect weight and protection for Road use.
I've looked at a lot of tires through the years and gone down the high priced Rabbit Hole of race crap that Flats out on you the first time you hit a pebble. I have friends that use Continental same size as well and seem to be happy with them but I think they're a little heavier. Just my two cents
 
I've moved to the Gatorskin's in 32mm x 700c. Although they are close to slicks, they have great grip and last a good long time. In the end, they are tough, low enough rolling resistance and the size makes for a great ride.

Not my bike, but you get the idea. I won't claim that tiny bit of tread does anything, but I've never had these tires slip on anything. They just work for me.

kwnsnlf7earc1.jpeg
 
Just bought a new Trek sport FX 6 all carbon and it came with these tires. The tires are great but they are 42 mm wide. I will probably go down to a 35 once these wear out after summer riding, and upgrade with some fenders.

20250417_080958.webp


20250417_080858.webp
 
I'm pleasantly surprised by the Kenda tyres on my bicycle, also in 37-622. It's a semi slick though, but has loads of grip in the wet and on dry surfaces. I hadn't expected that.

Have not driven in a while but 1k miles on them without complaints. And apparently they're cheap too.
 
I've moved to the Gatorskin's in 32mm x 700c. Although they are close to slicks, they have great grip and last a good long time. In the end, they are tough, low enough rolling resistance and the size makes for a great ride.

Not my bike, but you get the idea. I won't claim that tiny bit of tread does anything, but I've never had these tires slip on anything. They just work for me.

kwnsnlf7earc1.jpeg

just a little less thread than on my kenda's, but similar experience. the kenda's thread looks like what you find on high performance motorcycle tyres
 
How wide a tire can you fit? I just finished a new pavement bike for myself with 700c x 41mm Surly Extraterrestrials. I really like em. Folding bead and flat protection.
 
Back
Top Bottom