I'll be cycling to work rather sooner than later as I've found a route free of major roads. Some 20 miles each way, mostly paved. On a 69er 456SS. Should I get some Schwalbe Marathon Plus for both wheels or keep the current summer tyres (WTB and Conti semi slicks)? The ratio is 32:16, no massive hills, just a coastal ride from Drogheda to Skerries.
BTW Can a fixed gear be had with a chain tensioner?
Bike Forum
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Tyres and commute.
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Posted 2 years ago #
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We recommend Marathon Plus to all our commuters as they are easily the most puncture proof. However, they are a bit heavy.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I do it too but the weight is a bit of an issue. I'm not sure my Bonty 29er rim will take a 25c tyre, 28c looks a safe bet but the weight... Or maybe some Delta Cruisers? Or something from Hutchinson? Shame Grand Prix 4000 is so dear
Posted 2 years ago # -
I'm running GP 4 seasons at the moment (28s). They certainly roll well.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i'd think about that gearing if i were you, and no, you can't fix with a tensioner.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I went from keeping up with roadies to keeping up with old lady on shopper but I switched to Marathon plus with 26s".
But I still use them on my commuter as I want minimise punctures, you'll get used to them and they handle well too.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Marathon Plus are good tyres, but a right faff to get on and off if they do punture IMO.
I've gone back to the Panaracer T-Serv's I'd had previously, but can't find them anywhere now and these are nearly worn out.
Posted 2 years ago # -
i'd think about that gearing if i were you, and no, you can't fix with a tensioner.
Why?Posted 2 years ago # -
Another vote here for Marathon Plus' and just treat the increased weight/resistance as extra training.
Posted 2 years ago # -
specialized fatboys.
or schwalbe stelvios - they don't appear ever to puncture.
Posted 2 years ago # -
My, theoretical at the moment, issue would be with the tyre having to cope with Irish tarmac (looks like potholes with a bit of stuff around them), sandy paths and me trying to learn how to bunny hop, time permitting. No bold tyres then, either XC 2" semi slicks or Marathon Pluses. Seems like I'll try the MPs and see how it goes.
Posted 2 years ago # -
why?
why what?
Posted 2 years ago # -
Why can't I have a fixie with a tensioner?
Posted 2 years ago # -
I used to run sport contacts on glass and thorn strewn roads and had no problems in 12 months, not a single puncture. Not semi-slick though.
Posted 2 years ago # -
GP4000's are amazing tyres if you can afford them, grippy, long lasting and as far as I can tell still puncture proof after over 3000 miles.
Why can't I have a fixie with a tensioner?
you could try it and see what happens....
But to save you some money, the instant you put any back pressure on the pedals, the tensioner will have to take all the load and snap or bend.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've used Marathon Plus tyres off road (maintaining road pressures) over the flinty trails over the North and South Downs as well as commuting up to London on them without punctures.
The only time I got a puncture was when a valve ripped on the rim (I hadn't checked for burrs before fitting).
I've run both 26-inch and 700c versions. From a commuting point of view the reflective strip on the side wall is a real added bonus.
They do a appear to have a mind of their own when it comes to fitting. Sometimes they are a lady flap, other times I've put on with my hands.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I should say that the marathon supremes can also be a nightmare to fit, but they are faster and lighter than the marathon plus, and I haven't had a puncture in 12 months...
Posted 2 years ago # -
spa cycles are also by far the cheapest place to get stelvios, though only in 700 not 26". very good value at only £8 each.
Posted 2 years ago # -
HC,
like Samurai said. tensioners aren't designed to take real load. when you pedal a ss all the tension between sprocket and chainring is along the top. the tensioner just takes up enough slack in the chain to stop you dropping it.Posted 2 years ago # -
I used to do 20 miles ew on a mtb running conti double fighters, they roll well pumped up hard and have reasonable off-road ability (suprisingly good),plus they are cheap.
Posted 2 years ago # -
On-One are doing a deal on Conti 1.3's sports contacts at the moment for ~£10.
Otherwise second the GP4000's, was giving a pair by another rider who "hated" them, I have racked up 7k on them so far commuting, only two flats so far, seem to grip well enough for me in wet & dry conditions too.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I use Marathons, they are quick enough, reliable, have the reflective sidewall (an absolute essential I think), and have never punctured. I've raced on them in a time trial, ridden the Devon C2C (the one with some offroad in) and canalpathed, country laned, main roaded them - and they've been up to the job throughout.
Boy they are a total c**t to get on and off though, skin my knuckles and swear like a trooper every time I change them for nobblies.
Posted 2 years ago # -
I am a big fan of the contis with the puncture proof guarantee. Very good on avoiding punctures and roll well. Guarantee works as well
Posted 2 years ago # -
I've just found a pair of Town & Country 1.9's in the storage, will do for now. The route needs checking out first, there is an Army Camp next to it so it might be an issue.
Posted 2 years ago #
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.
