Wanting to try some tires besides Gravelkings - suggestions?

[Patrick B. Smith]

I've got three 650b bikes. A 650mm x 42mm flat bar touring bike (Jamis Aurora Elite) that is my main commuter and always wears fenders. A 650b x 48mm drop bar all road/gravel bike (Black Mountain Road+) that is just for day rides/fast riding. A 27.5 x 2.1" flat bar all arounder (Bassi Hogs Back) that's kitted up for commuting or bike packing. 

The reality is that I live in the middle of Washington, DC, where there is pavement everywhere. Yes we have the C&O Canal trail but that's hardpack gravel. Thus, almost all my bikes wear gravelking slicks/file treads. The exception is the 27.5 x 2.1" as Gravelkings only come in the short knobs. 

I'm just looking for a change of pace, and accepting suggestions for tires at all 3 widths to try out once I wear through my current sets. 

Smitty in DC

[Will Boericke]

Well, they're all going to be Panaracer :).  Actually, I've been very happy with the set of WTB byways that I have on one 650b wheel set.  You might try their slick version (though the Byway is pretty damn close to slick). 

Will near Boston, replacing the Byways with Senderos because I basically use those wheels on singletrack only.

[Kim H.]

@Patrick,

May I suggest that you look at SimWorks Homage tires. I have the 27.5x43mm tires in tan sidewalls made by Panaracer. I have had these on my Rivendell Clem Smith Jr. "L" bicycle since this past May. I really like them a lot. I ride mostly on pavement, like yourself.With the outer thread design, I have an option to ride gravel, of which I have done. They perform very well. I  recommend them. According to Richard Rose of the RBWOB group, he has gotten 5,000 miles out of them using the 55m tires on his Clem.

The Homage tires are on sale right now:

https://www.sim.works/collections/panaracer-tire/products/the-homage

Kim Hetzel

on the west coast.

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[Josh Zielinski]

Patrick,

I get by just fine with slicks for a lot of my rides as well but found myself in a similar position as you a while ago with all my bikes migrating to 650b 42mm + or minus a size and all minimal tread patterns.

I swapped in some Senderos (47mm) on the most dirt capable bike (old Trek MTB that I converted to 650B).  It buzzes a little on the road but it's actually kinda fun like that.  With a improved tire for the job hitting dirt tracks has been something I seek more and definitely feel more confident in.  Sweet tires.

If I commuted more on my other 650B bikes I'd try these from Blue Lug/Fairweather:

https://global.bluelug.com/fairweather-for-cruise-tire-black-skin.html

They'd be right at home on your Jamis set up IMO.

SimWorks Homage is awesome, I have them in 26" and they are smooth on roads but can get through burly stuff on trail and such well.  They've proven quite durable for me.  I think they updated the Volummy in 1.75" size so it's actually quite light now.  Looks promising.  If I could fit them (2.3") I'd try some Super Yummy (maybe fit your Hogsback?).

Lastly, and probably not a popular idea on the 650B forum but get a cheap old road bike and ride around on 700c 28-35mm if you want to have something truly different to mix things up.  I've been enjoying mine a ton lately after years of 650B plush tire focus.

Check Blue Lug before you order tires.  Shipping is spendy but I think they have a great (sortable) selection and prices are somewhat substantially lower on things made in Japan (all Panaracer and Nitto made goods) meaning you probably what you want for same or less.  Shipping is faster for me than ordering from East Coast shops.

Good luck.  GravelKings are always going to be among my favorites but kudos for daring to explore. 

Josh Z

"Never tired of tire talk" in Oregon

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[Bernard Duhon]

Strictly road riding I had the grand bois extra leger 32

they were fantastic never let me down but I was afraid of their fragility and they were to narrow

graduated to the Pari Moto's 38 and 42 have always been happy with them as well as Gravelkings

 

while not a 650 B I am very pleased with the René Herse 700 C 38 and 35s

I suspect the Herse 650 B would be the same and as soon as I wear out my Gravelkings I'm going to jump over to the René Herse.

I often wonder if the difference in price over the pari Moto and is justified.

Also I preferred the old Gravelkings with the file thread now you are stuck with the slicks or the tiny knobbies

 

currently running Cazadero on a city bike and they seem to work fine. (That's because I have them to go gravel riding, the simplest option was to put them on my city bike to swap out when you going graveling.

I don't notice any noise on the road from the knobby's and they are reasonably supple.

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[travi...@gmail.com]

Rene Herse tires are fantastic.

[David Dye]

Schwalbe G One All Around is my favorite commuter tire, but I also tend to choose my route without regard to surface type, so dirt/grass/gravel are all common. If you prefer smoother roads, the Speed version might be a better choice. 

[Kevin Mulcahy]

The Challenge tires are pretty dang nice. 46mm is perfect for the Road+

[jemima]

Conti SpeedKing Racesport 27.5x2.2 if the frameset can fit them. 

I've run them tubeless no probs with OrangeSealEndurance for ages. Or use a light tube.  
Very fast rolling, and supple. 415gm?

[Aaron Harris]

I think folding bead Surly Knards might be worth considering for mixed terrain, because they're cheap, reasonably light, and have well-spaced low-profile knobs.  I've enjoyed using 2" Schwalbe Big Bens for touring and commuting and especially liked how easily they mount without tools or bead--seating issues.  Hetres are always worth considering, especially now that the price is comparable if not considerably cheaper than other options.  I've enjoyed using them on both gravel and road.  Almost everything else I've used and might recommend has already been mentioned.

I'm glad Kim mentioned the Homage.  I'm about to build a 26" wheelset for gravel touring, reverting my 650b conversion bike back to 26" in order to fit wider tires.  My list of light tires over 2" that I can afford to purchase right now is anemic, and lately I'm all about avoiding anything over 600g.