The perfect combination tire

[Bruce Byker James]

Hi all,

I'm considering replacing the stock 45mm Kenda tires on my 650b Clem and wondering what you all think would be a good combination of all these factors:

2" - ish (probably not narrower)

Decent traction on trails

Low rolling resistance on roads

Flat-resistant in some way (I ride on a lot of Philadelphia street glass gravel)

Not too expensive

The one I'm most willing to skimp on is trail traction, because I'm surprised by how well the relatively traction-less Kendas do off road, maybe that's the geometry magic? At least a little more traction than those, though.

I'd love to hear if anyone has something like this used for sale, too!

Thanks,

 - Bruce

[Will Boericke]

I like WTBs offerings.  I've used the Byway and now the Sendero in 47mm.  I would argue that knobs are not necessary on big tires unless you're riding in lots of mud.  I ride singletrack in file treads all the time, substituting volume for knobs.  I have a pair of Byways I'd let go for not much money.  They do have some sealant residue and a patched sidewall cut on the front.

Will

[Nick Payne]

Schwalbe Marathon Almotion is available in 2.15" width. They roll out pretty well and I haven't punctured one yet.

https://www.schwalbe.com/en/Marathon-Almotion-11654055

These are not the same as the ordinary Schwalbe Marathon tyres, which are considerably heavier and slower.

Nick Payne

[Garth]

Schwalbe Big Bens, the Raceguard versions, are made in that size and fit the bill perfectly. About $45-50 retail USA, very resistant to flats, roll easy, have a modest tread to them light off-road use, and they are just plain fun to ride. Riv has sold these for a long time as they are a perfect tire for a balance of road feel, weight, cost and puncture resistance.

[DTL]

I will second the Marathon Almotions - they are great. Roll great but all the puncture protection. 

[Bruce Byker James]

Thanks for the suggestions! 

I've looked at the Byway in 700c for another bike, but hadn't thought about it here.

I've used many variations of Schwalbe Marathons before, but hadn't seen the Almotion, so that's definitely a contender.

I've looked at Big Bens before, but they seem not that different than the Kenda Kwick 6, though maybe a little deeper tread? Trying to figure out which Kenda I have, though, revealed that they're having a big sale, so I'm off to peruse their offerings next.

Happy to hear any other ideas, too!

 - Bruce

[Jason Fuller]

The Continental Terra Trail in 650x47 are a wee bit undersize based on your criteria but they can be found for quite cheap while being lightweight and fast rolling. They do have puncture protection but they won't offer Marathon-level protection. Depends if giving up a little protection for speed and comfort is acceptable - for me, this is true in warmer temps but less true in winter