700c Tire Advice

[WETH]

My Cheviot has room for 700x40 tires with fenders according to Riv specs. The Cheviut will be used for daily commuting and loaded touring/s24o trips. Riding will be mostly done on pavement with some non-technical dirt and gravel trails. I value flat protection highly, as I loath changing flats on the way to work!

I am coming from 26" wheel bikes (Atlantis and LHT) where I had phenomenal success with Big Apples 26x2.1 and Compass 26x1.75 tires.

Rivendell has two options in the close to 700x40 size: Schwalbe Little Big Ben wire, RaceGuard Performance line, HS439 - 700c x 38 (40-622, 28x1.5) - 10128
And
Schwalbe Marathon GreenGuard HS420 tire

Compass has the 700C x 38 Barlow Pass.

Jack Browns seem too narrow (about 33.3333mm) when I have room to approach 40mm.

I would appreciate learning the merits of these tires and which would work better for me. What is the difference between the Marathons and Little Big Bens besides weight? Do the marathons give greater flat protection? Do the Barlow Pass have the flat protection of the Schwalbes? Are there other tire options I should be considering? I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by options and a bit clueless especially in comparing marathons to Lil Big Bens of almost identical size and price.

With appreciation,
Erl

[Chris Lampe 2]

Vittoria Hypers come in 32, 35 and 38mm sizes and they run larger than their stated size on many people's rims, including mine.  The 32's measure 34mm on Dyad rims.  The tires are fast and most people who try them, like them.  They also have flat protection. 

[Garth]

  Yes Erl, the Marathons offer a lot more flat protection than a Little Ben.  The Little Ben is a downsized Big Ben of course and the Big Ben is the exact same tire as the Big Apple with a little more tread. Riv measures the Little Ben at 36.5mm wide and the Marathon 37mm wide. The tires do however offer a good amount of height though, this is the amount of tire above the rim. 

  The Barlow Pass have no flat protection, but that does not necessarily mean they will flat any more than any other tire. Some people get flats on Marathons and others never flat on Barlow Pass tires, so obviously "protection" does not mean so much for everyone !

  I too ride on Vittoria Voyager Hyper tires in the 38mm size(actually come out to 40mm and are very round). While they have been trouble free for me, I have never ridden either of the Schwalbe tires so I cannot compare them. The Vittoria's however are not particularly long lasting, and by most accounts the Schwalbe's tend to be quite good in that aspect. These ride best at low pressures. I run mine @40/45 psi front/rear .

   I'd say stick with what has been working for you , so either of the Schwalbe tires or the Compass. The Schwalbe tires will likely outlast a Compass tire, but again everyone has their own experiences.

   Oh... come to think of it Panaracer has a Gravel King SK in a 40mm too and measures a tad wider in actuality. No, they are not gravel specific or anything like that, these run just fine on the road as the tread is minimal. By all accounts these are very nice riding tires and likely my next pair.

[Kieran J]

Also consider the Soma C-Line and/or the more durable Protex Pasela variants. Good mixed-surface and reputation.

KJ

[rob markwardt]

If you hate flats I'd go with Schwalbe. I had three flats on my new compass 700x 35s in the first two weekends of riding. (I also got a flat last week on my rivendell last week w/700x28s...4 flats in about 5 rides!). I've been lucky since but did order some Marathon Racers which are sitting in my garage waiting for the next flat. The Compasses are nice but not THAT nice.

[Garth]

   Interesting though as this site lists the Marathon Greenguard 700x38 , 40-622, as being 40mm measured width.
http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/specials/schwalbe-marathon-32-37-40-47
http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews

  Interestingly despite being heavy they offer very good rolling resistance .  I look at the lower pressures where @30 or 45psi they are almost the same as Vittoria Hypers ! 

[Jon in central Colorado]

I've been running the Little Big Bens 700c-38s on my Sam since day one with P-45 fenders for 2-1/2 years.No flats!!!

They go through anything.Snow ,mud, sand, gravel and not  noisy on pavement.

I don't even think about them.

I can't compare them to anything else.It's all I've ridden. I'm at the stage in my life I'd rather not deal with flats on the trail.

Jon

[René Sterental]

Go with the Compass Barlow Pass. You won't regret it and you won't flat either. The ride will be heavenly. 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

[Scott McLain]

Hi Erl,

I just finished a 350 mile tour on the Schwalbe Greenguards in the 700x38 with no flats.  They are heavy (because they are heavy duty) but they roll great! They are built like a car tire. The shape of the tire is a little weird.  The tread is narrower than the tire at its widest point.  In one way, you get the benefit of the smoother ride of the larger tire, but the reduced rolling resistance of the narrower tread.  It just looks a little different, but there is no doubt that these things will go a long time.

I rode little ben's on my commuter for over a year.  They are supple, but are heavy and felt a little slow to me versus the 700 x 35 SOMA new-xpress tires I replaced them with, which I still ride on my commuter.  The little ben's also got flats, not many, but a goat head could take them down.

If you are looking for zero maintenance and affordability, I don't thing you could beat the schwalbe marathon greenguards or their new marathon plus.

Scott

[naw...@comcast.net]

I am on a new Hillborne complete with the Kenda Quick Tendril tires in size 38.

Really thought they would be the first thing to come off the bike.

After 4 weeks they are staying on, smooth and supple ride.

Dave Nawrocki

Ft. Collins, CO

---

From: "WETH" <erlho...@gmail.com>
To: "RBW Owners Bunch" <rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 8:48:54 AM
Subject: [RBW] 700c Tire Advice

[exliontamer]

So much of it depends on your weight and riding style. Compass tires are fantastic but I personally think they're wildly inappropriate for loaded touring unless you're very lightweight, enjoy constantly looking out for obstacles & are very experienced. I've used Compass tires, Schwalbes, and Rivendell's tires. I'd say if you're looking for an all around, smooth rolling, don't want to worry about flats/hyper-diligent debris spotting, hop up on some curbs for fun, run over some sharp stones without cutting your casing, decent enough off road tire that lasts a long time go with the Little Ben. They feel less sluggish than the HS420s. I've commuted through a lot of weird junk on Big Bens and they feel indestructable and very quick for the size/structure. If you rode Compass tires you know how good they ride. The casing can also cut if you give it bitch face for long enough. 

Anyway, all that rambling aside, I don't think you could go wrong with the Little Bens. 

On Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 9:48:54 AM UTC-5, WETH wrote:

[John]

  Has anyone tried the new 2016 version of the 40mm Marathon Supremes? I have been wondering if Schwalbe actually the improved ride with the same protection that they advertise?

John

[Garth]

  John here is some tests of touring tires, Marathons included :
http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/schwalbe-marathon-supreme-2016

http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews

As far as comfort of the ride Schwalbe even says choose the tubeless for the best.

[Jay in Tel Aviv]

I have used Schwalbe Marathon Supremes for commuting for several years. I started with 32s and then moved to 35s. They offer excellent flat protection, durability and relatively light weight compared to the other Marathons. On my old (26") bike I had been using Marathon Pluses, so the Supremes were a huge improvement.

My flat adverse preferences are similar to yours - can't be bothered with them when I'm trying to get to work, or home.

I just switched to 35 (38 actual) Hypers and I really like them so far. A little lighter, a little faster and a little smoother b/c of the bigger diameter and lower pressure.
They are too big for my fenders so I'll have to switch back to the Supremes for the winter.
Too early to comment on durability / flat proofness.

Jay

[bluebirdonabicycle]

something new  http://www.cxmagazine.com/nahbs-new-gravel-cyclocross-tires-tubeless/3

Panaracer Homage 700x43

BBOB

On Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10:48:54 AM UTC-4, WETH wrote:

[Deacon Patrick]

Thoughts on the Barlow Pass:

-- This is where I would start.

-- Inflate as little as you need for cornering stability and then say in the basic window.

-- Their flat protection is in their suppleness, flexing around offending objects and spreading out the load so they are far less likely to penetrate.

-- Their ride is superior. Period.

-- If you find you need active flat protection (I'm not sure that's the right term, but added weight/thickness to prevent punctures), your ride will stiffen significantly. and will have to choose between occasional flat fixing with a butter smooth ride, or a constantly more jarring ride without fixing flats (as often). But you may not even have to make that choice, as the Barlows may handle the flat threat just fine. 

With abandon,

Patrick

On Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 8:48:54 AM UTC-6, WETH wrote:

[David Person]

I've been riding Compass Barlow Pass (lite version) on my Sam Hillborne for a year now.  Have had several flats.  On my Public D8i that I put an e-assist kit on (thus adding 15 lbs or so), I've been running Panaracer Pasalas PT  38mm folding versions.  I have to say that for the price $36 apiece, they run very nice, no flats, supple sidewalls.  This is my new go to tire.  Will be putting them on the Sam when the Compass wear out.

[WETH]

Boy o boy,
This group never disappoints! I really appreciate the thoughtful responses. The Hypers were not on my list, but I did some research on them based on the suggestions.

I commuted on Soma xpress 650b this spring and got two flats (1 front, 1 rear)in 500 miles compared to zero flats in over 6,000 miles on Big Apples (26") and one on Compass 26x1.75 over 2,000 miles on the same urban route. So, I am a bit down on Soma. Both flats were caused by something poking a pin size whole through tire tread and into tube. The item never stayed lodged in the tire.

In researching and thinking more, I have narrowed it to the Little Big Ben and Marathons. I love the ride of Compass tires, but I want tougher sidewalls, reflective sidewall stripe, and all black tires for my grimy commute.
I continue to welcome thoughts on this. Anyone else ride both Lil Big Bens and marathons have a preference?

I also thank the generous list member who emailed me an offer to try his Compass Barlows; those tires have a loyal following for good reason. I just don't think they're perfect for my purposes and preferences.
With thanks,
Erl

[Chris Lampe 2]

I briefly rode 50mm Marathon Supremes and then switched over to 60mm Big Apples.  My perception was that the Big Apples were actually "faster" and had less rolling resistance.  This is counter to Schwalbe's literature but it was my experience.  

[BenG]

I rode Pasela Tourguard in 700x35 for a year and flatted once on a busy street; Lil Bens for 2 years no flats; 700x50 Big Bens for 1.5 years now, no flats. Feel the sidewalk cracks much less through 50's than 40's. I like 50 for commute comfort and 40 for zipping around lightly. No more Pasela for me.

[Patrick Moore]

My experience has been with the non-Tourguard Paselas, but I found those very prone to thorn punctures, at least as much as 200 gram racing tires, and certainly more so than Kojaks.

The non-TG Paselas (559 X 32) rode pretty well, perhaps as well as the 35 mm Kojaks, but they were certainly delicate -- I've skidded off 8" of tread and had sidewalls start crumbling on tires that should have lasted for several more years.

BTW, I always laugh when people get fed up with several flats a year. Back before modern sealants, 5 a week was pretty typical, and I have gotten well over 5 in 1 day.

On Mon, Jun 27, 2016 at 6:19 PM, BenG <bguth...@gmail.com> wrote:

I rode Pasela Tourguard in 700x35 for a year and flatted once on a busy street; Lil Bens for 2 years no flats; 700x50 Big Bens for 1.5 years now, no flats. Feel the sidewalk cracks much less through 50's than 40's.  I like 50 for commute comfort and 40 for zipping around lightly. No more Pasela for me.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to rbw-owne...@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/rbw-owners-bunch.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.

--

Resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, and letters that get interviews.

By-the-hour resume and LinkedIn coaching.

Other professional writing services.

http://www.resumespecialties.com/

www.linkedin.com/in/patrickmooreresumespec/

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nouvelle Mexique,  Vereinigte Staaten

****************************************************************************************

The point which is the pivot of the norm is the motionless center of a circumference on the contours of which all conditions, distinctions, and individualities revolve. Chuang Tzu

Stat crux dum volvitur orbis. (The cross stands motionless while the world revolves.) Carthusian motto

It is we who change; He remains the same. Eckhart

Kinei hos eromenon. (It moves [all things] as the beloved.) Aristotle

[Ryan Fleming]

I have the 700 X 35mm Pasela Tourguards  on my PX-10  and in 4 or 5 years of commuting and 1 '1/2 - 2 hr rides  (not in winter and not in rain, if I can help it since there is NO room for fenders and very tight clearance , esp  the rear tire ) I think I've only had 2  or 3 flats that I can remember. Dumb luck, I know, but my experience with Pasela tourguards  (used 26 X 1.5 on my allrounder and X0-1) has been really quite good in terms of durability and flat history.

Using Compass 26 X 1.5 McClure's on X0-1 and allrounder ; for the X0-1 , I like them a lot but they are probably more susceptible to flats. Suppler tires, that's for sure.

And I have 700 X 32 Stampede Pass extralights on my Riv road and I have to say, they're nicer riding and certainly lighter than the 700 X 32 Pasela Tourguards they replaced. Naturally, I don't commute on the Rivs, but a lot of you are of the opinion that Schwalbes are very tough and well-made and more reliable for regular every day commuting. 

My personal feeling when it comes to tires is that you likely get what you pay for, to some extent...it may not be the best place to economize, since they do very much influence how the bike rides.

[Mark Reimer]

Barlow Pass on my 700C Atlantis. They're dreamy. And Compass has released some teaser shots of a new 44mm 700C tire coming out soon, which is also tubeless ready. That'll be my next tire for sure. 

[John]

44mm Compass tires?!? In 700C?!?  Oh man, I missed this!  My Woolly Mammoth is in love, or what ever that sound it's making means.

Where are these teasers to be found?

John

[Mark Reimer]

Voila!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGyNaFoSTHY/?taken-by=compasscycle

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/dwek8uqd4zQ/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

[John]

Thanks Mark!

John