Replacement tires for Soma Shikoro 42 x 622mm (700 x 42) cream sidewalls

[David Jones]

My Soma Shikoro tires need to be replaced.  I'm seeking recommendations from the hive.  The new tires will be paired with 700C Velocity NoBS wheels.  I ride mostly on pavement, but the tires need to be able to handle gravel, too.  Suggestions?

[Tom Wyland]

I'm sure I won't be the only one to recommend Rene Herse tires. I have some regret getting the standard casing, as I had more than a couple of flats on my suburban commute. Glass that any Schwalbe tire would shrug off just works it's way in there.  The same with small wires. I run tubes.

Tom

[Gene B]

They are not 42s, but I really like my SimWorks Volummy 700 x 38s that I set up tubeless on my drop bar gravel bike. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but to the touch, their peanut butter sidewall appears to be similar to RH's endurance options

[Chris Halasz]

I went down to the local bike co-op to drop off a bunch of like-new stuff, and purchased a 38mm Conti touring something or other, and a 43mm GravelKing SS+, $20 for both basically new tires. 

Slight difference in cushion from the previous RH Oracle Ridge tires, slight road performance improvement from the Oracle Ridges (I suppose I am the uncommon proponent of Grant's outlook on tires). I found I was leading all of the group ride climbs, by a lot, whereas I was front third of the pack on the RH tires. 

The mismatched 43mm front and 38mm rear reminds me of the old 69er Ibis Mt Trials bike (but it shouldn't), makes me happy to enjoy stuff someone else couldn't. 

[Ryan Mulcahy]

Just my experience: Rene Herse roll really fast, but they're expensive and I would try them tubed because set up tubeless on my hilsen they have been a huge pain -- weepy sealant and you can't go two days without having to top off the air. So I'll be switching to ultradynamico slicks, which I've had good luck with. For what it's worth my wife has specialized pathfinders on her Joe App (650bx47) -- they don't roll as fast as RH but I've never once had to put air in them in six months. I think given the choice between no-fuss and a little more speed, I favor the former.

[Jason Fuller]

I'm also a big fan of the Rene Herse, and find the Endurance casing to be quite robust and comparable to the Shikoro's but with improved ride feel and traction.  I would also suggest considering the Teravail Washburn in this size, which features some cornering knobs for a little more confidence off-pavement or off-season pavement with dirt and debris. They are a little slower, but work great and have added versatility. 

[David Jones]

Thanks, Tom, Gene, Chris, and Ryan for taking the time to offer your ideas, and especially the comments about whether to go tubeless. I will keep them in mind for the future.  I ended up going through my local bike shop and bought a pair of Specialized Pathfinder Pro's, 700 × 38.  Ryan's preference for no-fuss over more speed resonated.  Thanks, guys!

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