38mm tubed tires ranking

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dailyrandonneur

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Apr 8, 2021, 1:56:37 PM4/8/21
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I'm getting my Rivendell Bleriot back on the road for mostly paved riding. I dug out some NOS Pacenti 650b x 38mm tires, the ones from before the Panaracer version. They're great but so thin.

I'd like tubed tires that are more robust. For reference, we have used Hetre/GravelKing smooth/Pasela PT 650bx42s with tubes on our tandems and tubeless WTB Venture 47mm.

So in 38mm, are the main good choices the GravelKing or Panaracer Pacenti and RH Loup Loup Pass in a luxe tier? I'm also seeing the Panaracer Ribmo but it doesn't sound great.

I'd like it if WTB made the Horizon or Byway in a 650b 38mm. I've used those in 47mm with tubes --nice tire for the price.

Ed Felker
Washington, DC




Alex Israel

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Apr 8, 2021, 3:03:15 PM4/8/21
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I’ll just mention I love the (older branding Compass) Loup Loup Passes I have on my 650b. Great ride, little noticeable wear after 1,200 miles or so. Two rear flats: one pretty big glass shard I missed with the front but hit with the back, and one slow leak staple I managed to roll over somewhere. I’m using the standard casing ones, bought them new in bag off this list actually. Mount easily on Pacenti Brevet rims, using with butyl tubes but intrigued to try latex. If you need a width I can measure tonight. Whenever I wear them out I plan to do a cursory review of what’s out there and probably just buy them again, but maybe go extra light to see the difference.

Have some Col de la Vies hanging in the garage, in case I tear up a LLP and need a temp replacement. My experience is that they belong there on the hook, not on the bike.

Alex, riding Loups in CO

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Ray Varella

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Apr 8, 2021, 10:02:18 PM4/8/21
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Gran Bois makes a 38mm tire. 
I haven’t tried them because my bike fits 42s. 
The EL 42s are very nice riding and last a long time. 
I’ve run them back to back with the Rene Herse/Compass tires. 
I’m not sure if you give up much in handling/traction but they are significantly less costly. 

I never hesitate to buy the best tires I can source but I got my current Hetres at a nice price and I never feel like I’m riding a lesser quality tire. 

YMMV
Ray 

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Ray Varella
IAABC Parrot Division
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David Cummings

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Apr 9, 2021, 3:56:48 PM4/9/21
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I have both the Loup Loup Passes and the old Pacenti Pari-Motos. I put the PMs on bikes that don’t see a lot of miles. I think I got the Loup Loups used (not worn out) and I’ve put over 2000 miles on them. The rear is going to need replacing soon, but the front is still going strong. I’m inclined to get the extra lights next time. God forbid I start a flame war about puncture resistance, but I don’t have any more trouble with flats on RH tires than any other tire and I run generic Panaracer Paselas on most of my 700c bikes. 

David in MT

Brad

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Apr 9, 2021, 6:15:23 PM4/9/21
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I have Col de la Vie's on two bikes.  There is nothing special about them.  I have foldable parimoto's nearby and on a tour one would go with me as a foldable spare.
My son is testing the Serfas Drifter in an urban environment (Montréal) and took it on tour to Kamouraska and Tadoussac last October without issue.  The tire has a very round profile.  Visually it looks like a tubular.

David Hays

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Apr 9, 2021, 6:29:06 PM4/9/21
to Brad, 650b
I have run Col de la Vie’s and nothing special is my experience as well.
I’m however am a big fan of the Loup Loup Passes and have recently just tried some Ecureuils.
Initial impressions are very good. Very lightweight and although I have heard reports of concern for flatting, I have experienced non on them, the Loup Loup Passes or Hetres.

David
Buffalo, New York 

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rcnute

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Apr 9, 2021, 9:16:23 PM4/9/21
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I liked the Soma B-Line.  Gravel Kings always seemed funny-handling.

Ryan

David Cummings

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Apr 9, 2021, 10:01:46 PM4/9/21
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I got some Soma B-Lines for my wife thinking they would be a cheap alternative to Loup Loups. And they were. Cheap. They don’t hold up nearly as well as the Loup Loup Passes. I would put them in the same boat as Paselas.

David in MT
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