Looking for a 700 x 50 commuting tire

[Andrew Turner]

Now that spring is around the corner, I'm looking for a tire to run sans fenders this year. 

Currently I'm riding Schwalbe Marathon HS 700x38s and they're wonderful. My commute involves a lot of that rocky, glass-riddled, junk slurry you find on the side of the road so the tires still need to have some sort of flat protection. My current contenders are Soma Cazadero's, Big Bens, and Maxxis Torch, but I've got a feeling sticking with Schwalbe might be best for the extra protection...but then that opens Pandora's box of Schwalbe options which I know nothing of. 

If anyone has some recommendations, I'm all ears! 

A bit more about my commuting. It's probably 80% well-paved roads but I'll take the gravel and/or no road shortcuts whenever possible to avoid the monotony. 

Cheers everyone and wash those hands! 

- Andrew

[Drw]

I don’t remember what the highest level schwalbe marathon is (supreme?) but I found them quite comfortable in the 700x50 size. Kinda heavy but pretty plush. Rode them all over the place and never got a flat.

[Chris L]

I really like the Maxxis Torch 29 and think it would be a great commuting tire.  

I don't know about their puncture protection because the area where I ride is pretty clean. 

I was not impressed with Schwalbe Marathon Supremes.  One of the deadest feeling tires I've ever ridden.  OTOH, I really like the 60mm Big Apples, which roll surprisingly fast for their weight, and am seriously considering the 60mm G-one Speed.    

[Justin Kennedy (Brooklyn, NY)]

I have Continental Double Fighter 2.0 (2"/50mm) on my commuter Cheviot. Great on asphalt, gravel, and dry dirt/trails. Highly recommended for budget option. 

Check 'em out on Vince's Appaloosa here from the Riv Staff bikes page:

[Jeff B]

I do not have experience with either of these but a QBP search finds the:

 

1) Vittoria Randonneur Tech G2.0 Tire - 700 x 50, Clincher, Wire, Black/Reflective, which claims to have an extra layer of puncture protection MSRP $39.99

 

2)  Kenda Kwick Drumlin Tire - 700 x 50, Clincher, Wire, Black/Reflective, 60tpi, The Kwick Drumlin is hard to beat: K-Shield protection and a long lasting compound make it a reliable companion. Burly side knobs give confidence and grip on wet or loose conditions. Feels at home on concrete as well as gravel paths and forest roads. MSRP $34.95

[maxcr]

Based on suggestions for the group, I got Schwalbe Marathon Supremes 700x50 for my e-Atlantis (Copenhagen wheel) - they were expensive, like $80 each at my lbs... just got them on today. I can report more later, but they're supposed to be bomb proof.

Max

On Friday, March 13, 2020 at 12:22:16 AM UTC-4, Andrew Turner wrote:

[Garth]

 Andrew, Big Ben's will do you just fine. They just roll and roll and roll ... it's pretty fun ! I ride my 50's at about 25psi front and 30 rear, give or take 5 psi because sometimes I just get carried away on the floor pump and they'll eventually lose some air. I got mine from Chain Reaction Cycles in the UK.

[Marc Irwin]

Shwalbe Big Ben. I love them for commuting and touring.

Marc

[Jon BALER]

I've had good luck commuting with tubed Soma Shikoro in 700x38 or 48 widths.

https://www.somafab.com/archives/product/shikoro-tr-700c-x-48mm

I've also used Donnely (formely clement) X'Plor MSO 700 X 50 on my gravel touring bike tubeless with good sucess.

[Matthew P]

I just put on 700c x 2" Schwalbe Big Apples a few rides back. They feel different than the Riddler 45's I was riding, in a way I can't put my finger on, but they're fine.
- Matthew