Best tyres for commute and gravel/dirt track

[Tea Pot One]

I have two Specialized bikes which I use for commuting and fun. My route are roads and tow paths which are dirt and gravel.

I currently have a Specialized Rockhopper with Crossroads Armadillo tyres ... which are great on the gravel and dirt but slow and tiring on the road. This is compared to my Specialized Crosstrail with Continental Travel Contacts which are skittish on gravel but great on the road ... !!

I want as puncture resistant as possible ... and a better combination between the two types of tyre I have
I know tyres doing two things always have to be a bit of a compromise on one thing or the other ... but wondered if people have any ideas for alternatives ??

The only idea I have at the moment to roll quickly on road but have grip on gravel whilst being resistant to punctures is Schwalbe Marathon Plus ... or the Marathon Plus touring ...

Comments welcome ...

Edited by Tea Pot One on Tuesday 17th May 12:40

[Mars]

I had a Specialized Crossroads until recently which had those Armadillo tyres on. They were OK but a bit slow on the road, as you say.

My new bike has narrower wheels so they roll far better, yet are still perfectly good on towpaths and gravelly paths. I recently switched from the Maxxis Detonators (why would you call a tyre that? ) to Continental Gator Hardshells because I read they were very puncture resistant. After about only 50 miles I'm happy with their (lack of) rolling resistance, and only more miles will tell if they continue to be puncture resistant.

[Mars]

P.S. I am someone who doesn't need any tread. On hard/dry dirt, towpaths and gravel it isn't a problem for me.

[Tea Pot One]

I can do them without tread as well ... I had Continental City Contacts on the Rockhopper for three years but am getting older and sliding about or feeling uncomfortable is not what I need any more

[harry miller]

My commute (2 or 3 times a week - when dry!) is 17 miles each way with about 5 miles of bridleway. The bridleway has a very varied surface including gravel, mud, grass, small roots, large stones etc.

I have just fitted Schwalbe Marathon Racers and so far, I'm very pleased with them. They seem fairly fast on the road (a lot quicker than the Marathon Plus) and are holding up well on the off-road, where I thought they may be a bit marginal. They are quite a bit lighter than Conti Travel Contacts, although I'm sure puncture resistance is not as good. Having said that, they were very easy to get on the rims (unlike the Travel Contacts, judging by all the reviews) so the odd puncture is not too serious. They may be just what you need!

[Tea Pot One]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

40% Road
30% Compacted dirt
30% Gravel

[thiscocks]

Schwalbe marathons are very good all-rounders