road and dirt combo tire

[bunky]

Looking for a hard ply tire with knobbies. Something I can ride on the mean streets of DC and not have to replace in a short time. But would also ideally have something that can be ridden at Rosy or Wakefield/Accotink. Less concerned about rolling resistance than just having it stand up to pavement. I'm thinking something with medium tread blocks on the center but substantial knobs on the outer edge for cornering in the dirt. And a harder ply.

Any suggestions?

[Dirt]

26er or 29er? Width preference?

Problem I've generally found is that anything reasonably good on dirt disintegrates quickly with city pavement riding. Tried 3 different fast-rolling XC type tires on the cargo bike because it sees some dirt on my commutes... though not really MTB type stuff.

Just purchased some Schwalbe marathon Extremes for my cargo bike. They're a really weird tire. 26x2.25 designed as a multi-surface touring tire. Folding bead but rumored to be tough as nails.

I'll know more in a week.

Pete

[bunky]

26er or 29er? Width preference?

Problem I've generally found is that anything reasonably good on dirt disintegrates quickly with city pavement riding. Tried 3 different fast-rolling XC type tires on the cargo bike because it sees some dirt on my commutes... though not really MTB type stuff.

Just purchased some Schwalbe marathon Extremes for my cargo bike. They're a really weird tire. 26x2.25 designed as a multi-surface touring tire. Folding bead but rumored to be tough as nails.

I'll know more in a week.

Pete

Hi Peter,

It's a 26er.


<<anything reasonably good on dirt disintegrates quickly with city pavement riding.>>

The problem exactly! Let me know how the schwalbes work out, thanks!

[Dirt]

<<anything reasonably good on dirt disintegrates quickly with city pavement riding.>>

The problem exactly! Let me know how the schwalbes work out, thanks!
One big problem with the Schwalbes is that since they're a relatively low demand tire here in the US and a rather unique item, they're not often on sale and they're BLEAMING EXPENSIVE. I spent $150 on a pair. With the amount of mileage I put on this bike and the weight it hauls, I'm hoping that they live up to their reputation.

[bunky]

wow--150/pr???:eek:

For that kind of cash, I think I'll get some cheapo $12 performance MTB tires and just replace as necessary.

Thanks tho!

[crack monkey]

Conti might have something that works.

I use these on my winter commuter (in 700x32, but they have 26x1.9)...
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcoclj/continental_top_contact/pp.htm

A little less money...
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcotpm/continental_touring_plus_reflex_%28 26_inch%29/pp.htm

[jon_baler]

cool thread, thanks for starting! I've been looking at tires like this for my Fargo. Here's what I've looked at:

-WTB Vulpine - Came stock on the Fargo. Cool tire, but better for predominately dirt. Probably wouldn't hold up well on mostly pavement, and overkill for pavement.

Conti has several options, in addition to the recent post:
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/city/tour/tour_en.html

Schwalbe- good options, but like Dirt said: expensive!

WTB Pathway - $15 each at Nashbar. Might not be excellent, but attractive at that price. I got a pair, but cut the trial short due to I believe an unrelated flat problem.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_503440_-1___

[mechman900]

I've thought of trying to use the WTB Graffiti Uk Race for a combo on/off road tire. I have not tried them yet - maybe they would work?

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_503436_-1___

[bunky]

I've thought of trying to use the WTB Graffiti Uk Race for a combo on/off road tire. I have not tried them yet - maybe they would work?

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_503436_-1___




WTB Pathway - $15 each at Nashbar. Might not be excellent, but attractive at that price. I got a pair, but cut the trial short due to I believe an unrelated flat problem.
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes//Product_10053_10052_503440_-1___

Hmm: both look like good options-and certainly in my price range. I esp. like the Pathway. Think I'll give those a shot!

THANKS!

[bunky]

Aw shuck--looks ike the pathway is 700c. Well, maybe I'll try the Graffiti

[drevil]

Aw shuck--looks ike the pathway is 700c. Well, maybe I'll try the Graffiti

I love the Kenda Small Block 8 on the dirt, and since they have teensy knobs, I assume they'll work quite well on the tarmac. However, I don't know about longevity on the tar.

[Dirt]

I love the Kenda Small Block 8 on the dirt, and since they have teensy knobs, I assume they'll work quite well on the tarmac. However, I don't know about longevity on the tar.

You're right, Ricky. They're wonderful on dirt and pavement but are DEFINITELY James Dean tires... Live fast and die young. There are much better choices.

[punga]

What about the Holy Rollers by Maxxis? 60D is plenty hard for the road and seem to fit the bill.
http://images.jensonusa.com/large/ti/ti502a02.jpg

[jabberwocky]

What about the Holy Rollers by Maxxis? 60D is plenty hard for the road and seem to fit the bill. I run these on the DJ bike and they handle pavement pretty well. Obviously thats not a high-mileage bike though. I usually rip up the sidewalls long before the tread wears out.

Not a stellar tire off-road (drift-o-rama!) but better than a street slick.

[Dirt]

I took the Pythons off the dummy last night and put the Schwalbe's on. The pythons were the harder of the 2 rubber compounds they made, but still fairly soft. I got about 500 miles of mixed road and dirt riding (90% road) before the rear tire was completely shot.

The Schwalbe's are designed for much, much more than that. I have heard of people getting 10 and 11k miles on them.

I can tell they would not be super amazing in the dirt though.

Good news is that the dummy sounds much less like a monster truck than it did yesterday. Oh wait... I actually kinda liked that.

[riderx]

Kenda K-Rad (http://www.kendausa.com/bicycle/mountain.html#krad) might be a good option. Remember to jack that pressure up high for the road, that will help w/ the rolling resistance.

WTB Mutanoraptor at high pressure would probaby do OK on the street.

Ritche Speedmx is the one I use on street/dirt combos, but not for heavy mileage commuting.

[Dirt]

I'd also add that you should check the pressure rating of your rims. I think many MTB rims do not work well over 60psi. I know that's a lawyer warning, but it is still good to keep that in mind. Stan's rims I think have a lower rating than that. It is like 40psi or something.

That said, 60psi is what I've been running my fat tires on the cargo bike. It seems to be about right on the road and dirt path.

[OverStuffed]

I'd be intrigued by the Panaracer CG, just from looking at the tread pattern. I don't know anything about the rubber. MTBR's got a few threads about it (and a bunch of ads, too).

[bikerjay]

I have a some what out the box suggestion that will likely be knocked by those who have not tired it. Maxis hookworm. They are very large tough mostly slick tires with a huge casing. They dont look like a good dirt performer but at low pressures the immensely thick side wall and carcass hook up surprisingly well. They are very heavy and super tough they are also cheap and versatile. At 70 psi they roll super fast on pavement but are not an overly harsh ride. They also respond well to big lean angles and heavy loads. Another down side is they are among the hardest tires to mount and dismount from any rim. This is also a plus since the beads stay put at even the lowest of pressures. The weight is the only real down side. Also not even frame can take there plus size. There like moto tires for your bike.

edit
Also forgot to mention its the pedal-cab / rickshaw tire of choice. My bother uses em on his tow bike and trailed cab. They can take over 200lbs per tire.