Decent 28mm 700C tyres for a bit of touring and stuff.....

daniel_b

Chaps,

looking to convert my Highway one into a tourer/winter bike.

I don't want to go wider than 28mm, and suspect 25 might be a bit narrow.

What do you think of these: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360010650&n=Vittoria%20Vittoria%20Randonneur%20Cross%20Hybrid%20Tyre


Or these:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360025223&n=Vittoria%20Vittoria%20Randonneur%20Tyre


I do want speed, but I also want grip, and a bit of capacity to do a bit of gentle off roading, as in a canal path for example, so maybe a little bit cyclo cross stylee.
Don't 'need' amazing puncture resistance, but more would be better than less.
Is it a good idea to invest in some kevlar tape that goes between the tyre and the tube, or better to put the money straight into the tyre itself?

Would appreciate your personal experiences about tyres you have used.

Many thanks!

Dan

maddog 2

I use 28mm Conti 4 Seasons (folding) on my winter bike

Pretty fast, quite light and good comfort. If you wanted something with more knobs then have a look at Schwalbe Marathon or even Conti Top Touring (cheap).

richardjallen

I've used Panaracer kevlar tape and it works for about 1000 miles. After that it starts to break up. Now, after another 500 miles I am getting flats where the inner tube is pressing into the cracks in the tape.

PHcp

I have the standard Randonneurs on my tourer (32mm) tough, comfy, decent grip, long lasting, cheap, exactly what I want from a touring tyre. But I couldn't describe them as fast. I've used 28mm GP4000 AS on the same bike with a noticeable difference in speed, but after the sort of mileage where the Randonneurs are just wearing in the GPs are ready for the bin. The GPs are also more prone to cuts and punctures, you can't have everything!
Somewhere between the two and IMO possibly the best compromise are the Marathon Racers, though I think the narrow 700c size is 30mm. I have these on a 26" wheeled bike, so can't give a direct comparison. However they are better than anything else I've tried in that size, the downside is the price at around £45 a pair, ouch, they’d better last. Don't confuse them with other Marathons, of which I've tried a few, these are completely different.

daniel_b

Thanks for those replies,

Continentals seem to have a reputation for having a higher profile than most tyres, and as i have not a huge amount of clearance to play with, think I might steer clear.

PHcp, thanks for your reviews, Randonneur details especially.
Wasn't familiar with the Marathon racer, but FYI I have now found it here http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/108876.html in 700C size for £15 a wheel, and with the postage works out at around £17 a tyre, so not too shabby.

Any other replies?

Dan

robbarker

Panaracer Paselas come highly recommended here.