What MTB slicks?

alomac

Hi all,

Tomorrow I take delivery of my new commuter, a Giant Upland (bottom-of-line, rigid MTB). I'd like to put some slicks on it, but am not sure which ones to get. I know that Schwalbe Marathons are pretty much the go-to tyre for many MTB commuters, but they're a bit pricey for my student budget so I was wondering if I could get something decent for less.

Since I'll be mixing it with cars, the overriding priorities are safety and grip, followed by puncture resistence. I am willing to pay for the Schwalbes or some other expensive tyre if it ends up being necessary, but would really rather not.

Cheers,
Adam.

Levi_501

Stretch for the Marathon Plus, it will save you money in tubes and patches not to mention the time.

I tried Schwable City Jets for a while, very good, but not as bomb proof as the Marathon Plus.

soy_sauce

i used this.

Schwalbe Land Cruiser, which is a puncture protected semi-slick tyre.
been using it for over a year and haven't had any puncture since. fast on the road as well as good grip, used it for light MTB once and still no problem.

only down side is the weight but that what you would be expected anyway for tyre in that price.

graudigraudi

I have had the odd puncture with Marathons but never with the Pluses. I've never used any other MTB slicks as Marathon Pluses have always done the job for me. Worth it in the long run as an investment I'd say.

rolf_f

City Jets are fine - one puncture in a 1000 miles I'd guess so far and that was a large flake of glass that would have got through most tyres. A pair costs barely more than £20. I've not tried the Marathons to compare though but I am sure you won't regret the City Jets (or probably the Land Cruiser which I presume is a City Jet with different tread).

Kiblams

I will stick my oar in now and suggest the Vittoria Randoneurs (SP?) as they are less than £10 each tyre and I have NEVER had a p*nct*re with them. My commute is through the centre of Derby where I am regularly riding over broken glass and god only knows what else.

Im not light either (16st) and they couldn't have served me better for my commute 5 days a week since June

FrankM

I've done about 800 miles on Conti Ultra Gator Skins, which have been great.

simon_e

Another vote for City Jets.

Just two p-words in well over 3,000 miles, and they're finally looking a bit worn now. I considered getting some Schwalbe Marathon Racer as the belt will be thicker (and they're not much heavier) but I'm not sure I need to.

If you frequently encounter broken glass, nails and similar on your trip then I'd go for the extra protection of the Marathon series. The different versions are described at http://www.schwalbe.co.uk/c1-1067-tour.html

Oh, and you don't need a tread pattern on a road bike.

commuterconvert

I'd definitely vote for the specialised nimbus armadillo, my current ones have been on for months with no punctures (famous last words...)
I had the marathon plus on before but in comparison these feel much lighter and faster but still strong.


http://www.cyclesurgery.com/8/Specialized-Nimbus-Armadillo-Tyre-26--.html

BigJimmyB

I've got a pair of 26" Specialized All Condition Pro with <100 miles on them if you are interested - £20.

Cheers
BJB



http://www.cyclesurgery.com/1023968/Specialized-All-Condition-Pro-Tyre-26-.html?referrer=froogle.txt&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid1023968

Gussio

commuterconvert wrote:

I'd definitely vote for the specialised nimbus armadillo, my current ones have been on for months with no punctures (famous last words...)
I had the marathon plus on before but in comparison these feel much lighter and faster but still strong.


http://www.cyclesurgery.com/8/Specialized-Nimbus-Armadillo-Tyre-26--.html

+1 Good and hard wearing.