What tyres for riding on gravel roads using a road bike?

goldsmith_robert

I want to ride a 150km gravel road in NZ on a road bike with standard (short reach) Ultegra calipers.

http://www.otagorailtrail.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=113&Itemid=97

Obviously there is limited clearance, but im not expecting too much mud. Probably gravel, hardcore and sandy tracks. Im thinking about trying to squeeze a pair of 28mm cyclocross tyres on my 700 road clincher rims. there is no easy support available so im keen to avoid punctures/tears.

As an additional thought, id like to do some road riding the day after this so was planning on taking a change of tyres to swop over when the tarmac returns. So.. the Cx tyres would need to be foldable to fit in my saddle bag.

Im thinking about;

Conti Gatorskins 28mm
Schwalbe Marathon plus 28mm
Specialised All condition Armadilllo Elite 28mm

Id like a CX tyre but cant find them in 700x28mm...

Any suggestions?

cougie

I've used my marathon plus tyres only cross bike to do the Scotland coast to coast adventure race on. It's a lot of gravelly fire road and some off roading and they were great. Very tough and no problems. They also roll quite well on Tarmac.

Monty Dog

Agree on Schwalbe Marathons being a good choice, but whether you can fit 28mm will be down to the individual model of bike. I've also been 'offroading' in the Quantocks using Conti GP4 Seasons but grip is a problem if there's any mud or softer conditions. A lighter road tyre like the Gatorskin or Specialized probably isn't tough enough IMO if you want good puncture protection - sidewall cuts are your biggest threat.

oodboo

I use the Marathons (not the plus) on my commuter bike and they've been great. I've covered over 1100 miles without a puncture and my commute takes me off road as often as I can, just don't expect to corner hard on lose terrain.

akcc05

You'll be fine with 28c tyres but 32c would be better if it fits, the Otago rail trail is a pretty easy ride. No sharp turns or hills (obviously a railtrail...). It will be bumpy and twitchy on skinny, low volume tyres though.

If you are looking for a bit more of a challenge on the south island, try the rainbow road from Hanmer Springs to St Arnaud or from Hanmer Springs through Molesworth Station to Seddon. Very hilly including the highest pass in NZ. All unpaved and corrugated but you will pass through some of the most beautiful places in NZ, well worth doing.

Don't forget Christchurch was "munted" by the earthquake as the mayor and Prince William put it, still is now. I was there when it happened.

goldsmith_robert

Thanks for the responses. Looks like the marathon plus 28mm is the winner...

Akcc05: I doubt that a 32mm tyre will fit so im banking on thicker bar tape being enough to absorb the shakes. The challenge I have set myself is to complete the Otago rail trail in one day. I did the rainbow ride a few years ago on an MTB. Cracking ride, but slightly destroyed some non-cycling mates I dragged along. I had a lovely time tho.

I used to live in chch, im flying in there so it will be interesting to see how they are recovering from the quake. Kiwis are pretty resilient people...

akcc05

Ah yes, the Rainbow Rage ride with the Island Saddle climb after lake Tennyson. It's stunning when you get to that narrow gorge.

I used to climb up Dyers Pass Rd at the end of Colombo St regularly, nice climb, the steeper lower slopes are perfect for intervals.

CBD is still cordoned off but I doubt you'll spend much time in ChC. Hiking in Arthur's Pass is always nice but I reckon Lees Valley is the hidden gem of the Christchurch region.

goldsmith_robert

Im coming back to NZ for a couple of weeks around a mates wedding in Wannaka/Makarora. Its a shame but I won't get time for Arthurs pass tramping this time round. My favorite memories are of Goat Pass, Lake Sumner/Hope valley, Edwards/Hawdon tramping routes, not to forget the epic Cragiburn MTB ride!

Can I ask you for advice on my plans? Im keen to pack as much in as I can...

Im Flying in to chch and then probably get a bus down to Dunedin. Next day plan to ride the rail-trail to clyde, the day after a road trip over the cardrona ski station road to Wannaka to meet up with friends. My mate is a bit of an MTB nut and im know hes going to be itching to take me on some local off-road trails.

Is there a better route to take to get to Wannaka?

Can you recommend any road rides around Wannaka / Otago?

Cheers

Rob

goldsmith_robert

I know what you mean about Dyer Pass Rd: nice route up to summit road ride / Lyttleton. I never once paced my effort on it properly - it always caught me out! I used to live in Sumner and also Mount Pleasant, climbing Soleares Road every evening made me the strongest i have ever been on a bike... ...ahh memories.

Hoopdriver

You can get Schwalbe Marathon Plusses in 700x25 if that's any help. THey are brilliant tyres for the sort of riding you describe.

akcc05

goldsmith_robert wrote:

Im coming back to NZ for a couple of weeks around a mates wedding in Wannaka/Makarora. Its a shame but I won't get time for Arthurs pass tramping this time round. My favorite memories are of Goat Pass, Lake Sumner/Hope valley, Edwards/Hawdon tramping routes, not to forget the epic Cragiburn MTB ride!

Can I ask you for advice on my plans? Im keen to pack as much in as I can...

Im Flying in to chch and then probably get a bus down to Dunedin. Next day plan to ride the rail-trail to clyde, the day after a road trip over the cardrona ski station road to Wannaka to meet up with friends. My mate is a bit of an MTB nut and im know hes going to be itching to take me on some local off-road trails.

Is there a better route to take to get to Wannaka?

Can you recommend any road rides around Wannaka / Otago?

Cheers

Rob

Sorry mate, can't help with your route planning. The quickest way to Wanaka/Queenstown from Dunedin is via Alexandria but you probably know that already. I did a bit of cycle touring in various parts of the south island but I was mostly on main roads so can't really recommend backroads for road cycling. Don't worry about being run over by Commodores, this is not Australia. You do however need to be very careful with campavans, the more colourful they are the more dangerous they are, those European tourists don't know how to drive on the left so they will pass you very closely. Also beware of magpie attacks, it's that time of year again, I have been swooped 5 times in 3 outings this season with one direct hit on the helmet that left a deep claw hole in the foam (I am now relocated to Brisbane following the earthquake).

goldsmith_robert

Cheers for the info, Ill paint an eagle on my helmet.