Commuting Tires?

[RandomV]

The stock tires on my 9.2.5 are starting to show some... Strange... wear. I'm going to be replacing them pretty soon, but since this is my first big bike in about a decade, I don't know what to buy.

This thing is all about utility. Flash and high-speed cornering aren't really that important to me. Flat resistance and durability over lots of commuting miles are.

I'm looking for something that's available in 700x28-30c. Let me know what you use and what works (or doesn't work) for you. Thanks!

[grizphrog]

I really liked my stock tires on my 925, after 2500 they still are rockin'. The rest of my commuters or bikes I don't need super lightweight performance out of are Specialized Armadillo tires. They work out great, have the best flat protection, but are heavy and don't flex like lighter weight "performance" tires. But I have never had to switch out a flat because of pokey things (only once did I have a flat, and that was because the darn thing just blew off the rim). My Langster has on some Kenda high-end racing tires now, they were free (a gift) and I needed new rubber. Really like them, and so far so good.

[adam12]

I run Hutchinson globetrotters. They have a cool reflective sidewall, and decent amount of siping (sp) for wet weather. I run them in 700x42, but there are smaller sizes.

[Spalls]

I have been very happy with Continental Ultrasports. Not flashy, inexpensive, grippy in the wet, good flat resistance. I run 28s, but I believe that you can get them in 32.

[markie]

I vote fr the panaracer pasela.

Pretty light, pretty puncture resistant, pretty nice ride.

(ride a lot nicer than the armadillo)

[SCScott]

Panaracer T-serv. I rode these in 700x35. Very plush yet at 90-95psi they were fast rolling. I did a few centuries with relatively fast groups (5:45-6hr) and kept up just fine.
I did blow a sidewall however that was off-road which these tires were never meant for;). I replaced those with Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 28c. They handle very well and are fast but, with the stiff sidewall they are a little harsh. I digress, T-servs in 28 or 32c would be the best IMO.:)

[althegud1srtakn]

i run vittoria rubino pros, but it sounds like you may be looking for something a bit bigger than 700x23. if not, then i highly reccomend them, they're excellent tires.

ps i used to run bontrager race lights, they were great for about a month or 2, then even tho they hadn't worn down they just weren't sticky anymore, the rubber on them just got really weathered really fast. my pair of bontrager tires before that got these weird bubbles in them and fell apart too (much cheaper model to be fair tho). so yeah i'm just saying beware of bontrager tires, i've had bad luck with them.

[KCJeffro]

I'm really happy with the WTB Slickasaurus.

[robmdem]

I run Panaracer Pasellas in 700X32c, still going strong @ 1100 miles. I swapped front to rear at about 800 miles to keep the wear even. Even then the front had not lost the mold line in the center of the tread yet. I switch to a 700X28 cross tire when the first frost hits the streets, when the snow and ice hits its time for the studs, 700x42, they barely clear my fenders but I havent hurt my shoulder on the ground while using them. I ran some Hutchison rock and roads om MTB for a while, seemed like a good all around city/dirt road type tire, right up till I discovered that they dont grip well on dirt/loose gravel when trying to stop, (even if you want to stop real bad) but it's all good, my truck is 39 years old so the new scratch blended in and my bike didn't get hurt. (my daughter thought it was pretty funny though). But they were good for commuting on, as long as your not racing teenage daughters...hey at least I won:D

[scorcher]

Vittoria Randonneurs or Panaracer Paselas. I've been running the Randos for 7 months, and I've not had a single flat (and I commute across Pittsburgh 5 days a week). My wife runs Paselas, and I'll probably replace the Randos with a pair when they go.

One note: Paselas, especially the wider models, fit better on tough-to-mount rims. The Randos are quite the opposite.

[RandomV]

Ease of installation/removal is something I hadn't considered until the last couple of days.

Turns out the rim tape that comes stock with the 9.2.5 sucks hard... It took me a couple of rear flats to realize that was the cause. So, sitting in the parking lot at work in 90° heat and high humidity has me appreciating how easily the stock tires go on/off.

I'm mostly sold on the Pasellas, so I'll see what the local shop can do for me.

[pinerider]

I have Continental Ultra Gator Skins on 2 of my touring bikes I use for commuting. I have 4800km on 1 set, no problems whatsoever. Other than being a little pricey ( I think I paid around $45 each for them), they're great!!
One set is 27x1 1/4, the other is 700x28

[emzed]

I've been happy with some Continental Ultra Sports. Had them for quite a while and I don't know how many kms I've put on them - but lots. I've yet to get a flat with them. and pretty hard to beat their value when they are under $15 per tire
http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8 45524442507681&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302693841&bmUID=1184784510983

[ghoffmeister]

I have been happy with Michelin city slickers - 700x32 (comes in 28). Kevlar belt and reflective strip on tire. $18 each at REI

[justageek]

You'll love 'em or you'll hate 'em but bontrager makes some pretty flat resistant hardcase tires. I like the ones for road bikes the 26" tires aren't my favorite though. The upside though is definately flat resistance

[justageek]

ps i used to run bontrager race lights, they were great for about a month or 2, then even tho they hadn't worn down they just weren't sticky anymore, the rubber on them just got really weathered really fast. my pair of bontrager tires before that got these weird bubbles in them and fell apart too (much cheaper model to be fair tho). so yeah i'm just saying beware of bontrager tires, i've had bad luck with them.

The tires you're referencing are not the hard case style tires, and if i wasn't worried about flat resistance i would also steer you away from bontrager, the rubinos are good tires as well, but having worked in a shop selling these tires for 2 years, i never had a problem with the HARD CASE styles, they're often times a tight fit but they are good quality tires, they won't just "fall apart"

[kdiddy]

I second the Bonty Hardcase tires. I run them on my road bike in 700 x 23, but I'm sure they are available in larger sizes. I have never had a flat. A guy I ride with just came off a cross country tour and never had a flat either in 3000 miles. They aren't the lightest, but if it's raining, I race with them.