Tire recomendations for an A. Homer Hilsen and Sam Hillborn

[Eric Douglas]

Folks--

I have both an A. Homer Hilsen and Sam Hillborn  (both in 54cm) on the way and need  to decide on some tires.

Both tires will be used on mostly pavement and  dirt roads, so I don't need mixed use tires--slicks are fine. I figure one set of tires will  be for "fast " riding and the other set should have a bit more puncture protection for riding after dusk or other situation where fixing a flat can be a pain. I have tried to ride Schawalbe Marathons and found them unbearable sluggish.  I'ce also tries Rene Hearse tires and loved the feel but did not enjoy the flats.

 I'll be installing fenders on both so I imagine tires between 40c-43c would be best.

Any thoughts?

Warning--I'm new to this list and am still being moderated, so it may take me a while to respond.

Eric Douglas

[EGNolan]

You've ridden near the extremes, so maybe try a more middle of the road Schwalbe G-1 or Soma Shikoro? 

I end up with regular casing versions of Rene Herse tires on all my bikes. They're the cheapest option and do really well for me. I have never flatted much (maybe 3 times total on 3 different sets) with them when ran at lower pressures. People love Gravel Kings, but for whatever reason they were extremely flat-prone when I tried them. 

[Toshi Takeuchi]

I recently switched my Homer to 38 mm gravelkings. I flatted in the first 10 miles with a steel-belted radial tire wire, but haven't flatted during the next several hundred miles. I'm a fan of Grand Bois Hetre tires (42 mm). The Rene Herse Babyshoepass should be similar, but slightly more expensive.

I've heard that the fatter gravelkings roll slowly (I've heard very UNcomplimentary remarks), but I haven't tried them myself.

I've also used 38 mm Parimoto tires, and they have been good fast-rolling tires, but the thinner tread compared to the GB tires, probably mean they will not last as long. There is a 42 mm version of the Parimoto tires too, but I have not ridden them.

Toshi

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[Collin Birkett]

Hey Eric, 

I've got an older 58cm Homer that takes a 650b wheel, and am currently riding the 42mm Rene Herse Pumpkin Ridge with endurance casings. For the mixed terrain (50/50 road and dirt) it sees I think they're a wonderful complement to the bike. On the Homer, I run the tires with tubes. However, on two other bikes, I use the regular casing Reneherese tires (tubeless) and haven't had any flating issues that were abnormal on any of them. What was the extent of the issues you had with your Rene Herse tires? 

I find that tires are as much a personal preference as they are a poorly controlled case study performed by each of us as riders. Myself very much included. What one person likes, another has had terrible flatting issues with, and what one person finds a fast and comfortable ride with great cornering, another finds a harsh or sluggish ride. (Tire pressure?...) FWIW,  other tires I've had good luck with have been the Ultra Dynamico and Terravail offerings, but not as much success with WTB or Continental over the years. But of course, your mileage may vary.

Collin

[Eric Douglas]

EGNolan- I think you're correct--something in the middle is worth a try. Like the Soma Shikoro.

ttoshi- I was considering the Gravel King slicks, but they seem to have gotten mixed reviews as compared to the Rene Herse and Soma Shikoro.

Collin-- Yes, tires like so many things, are very personal. Especially the "feel" of a tire.

For now, I've ordered a couple of sizes of the Shikoros from Rivendell.  I will also try the Rene Herse again, but mostly for rides where I won't mind taking a break to fix a flat (rides after dark etc.)

Eric in Brooklyn

[Andrew Scherer]

I've got Gravelking slick 43s on my AHH which travels on a mix of pavement and light gravel/trails, and various Rene Herse, Soma Supple Vitesse and Jack Brown models/widths on other bikes. I find the GKs compare favorably, but I don't have enough miles on them to speak to reliability. They're not as magic carpet as RH lightweight casings, but they're not that far removed. None of the above have been particularly flat-prone in either of my locations.

Andy Scherer

Manhattan and Woodstock NY, USA

[RichS]

I'm in Toshi's camp with the 38mm Gravel King slicks. I have run them on a Homer and a Sam (650b). Currently have them on my Mercian.

38mm has been a Goldilocks size for my mostly road riding. Back when Soma offered their B-Line (really a Pasela) it was a pretty good tire for not a lot of money. Perhaps no longer available?  The Grand Bois line of tires is a fine choice as well.

Best,

Rich in ATL

[Nick A.]

I have about 1300 miles on my pair of Gravelking Slick 700x43s on my Atlantis, and love them. One flat (also a metal filing) in all that time. I like them so much I bought a back-up pair. They roll very well and have great grip; highly recommended.

[Donzaemon]

I started off with RH Switchback Hill tires, but hve since moved to 42mm Grand Bois Hetre. Big fan so far.