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Advice on tires?

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  • April 6, 2014 at 7:07 pm #21113
    Stelee

    Hi,

    I’m going to be doing the Coast and Castles ride (Edinburgh to Newcastle). Having looked at the route I reckon I can do it on my road bike, but there are a few off road trail sections, so I think I’ll need some wider tires.

    I’ve currently got 23mm Gatorskin hardshell, and my rims can take up to 28mm, so I was wondering if anyone had any experience or recommendations for 28mm tyres for use mainly on road with some off road?

    Have considered Continental GP 4 Season or something a bit more like Vittoria Randonneur.

    Also, has anyone else done coast and castles on a road bike?

    Thanks!

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Viewing 13 replies - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
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  • April 8, 2014 at 4:35 pm #785115
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    mike the bike

    I hate punctures to the point
    I hate punctures to the point where I have a shed full of part-worn tyres that have proven unsatisfactory. I occasionally give a set to someone I don’t much care for. After years of experimenting I have settled on two varieties of rubber that seem to do what it says on the tin.

    First, for training and racing it has to be the Schwalbe Ultremo. It’s simply the best compromise between performance, wear, toughness and price. Quite unbeatable.

    But probably of more interest to you is my choice of commuting tyre. It’s the Vittoria Randonneur that easily handles all types of rough road and track as I pootle my way to work. In fact, I can’t remember my last flat on these tyres, but it must have been at least 5000 miles ago.
    You will, of course, find them stiffer than a race tyre, and heavier too. But the tiny percentage of time they add to your journey will be repaid handsomely by their fabulous reliability.
    Just be careful to buy the plain, ordinary Randonneur and not one of the many exotic varieties, such as the Cross, which cost more but add nothing to your enjoyment.

    Best of luck sir.

    April 8, 2014 at 3:25 pm #785113
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    big shug

    +1 for the ice-cream and
    +1 for the ice-cream and coffee – I did it in March last year (S to N) – average temp on the Garmin after 3 days – +3 deg! I had the track to myself!

    If it has been wet you will appreciate the 28 tyres through the golf course and beachside sections. Schwalbe Marathons – not sexy but did the job.

    Signposting from W Bay north was very sketchy – got lost a few times as signage ran out. Take a map.

    April 8, 2014 at 2:45 pm #785111
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    arrieredupeleton

    I’ve done this route on a
    I’ve done this route on a roadbike and its fine for the most part. The path through the golf course south of Berwick is a pain but rideable unless really wet. Just budget for it taking twice as long as a nice stretch of tarmac.

    As for tyres my advice would be to buy those tyres which have a ‘y’ in them 😉

    I used Schwalbe Stelvios (25mm) and they were fine. Now replaced by Duranos.

    April 8, 2014 at 12:53 pm #785109
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    gbscot1975

    wiggle has a sale on contis
    wiggle has a sale on contis at the moment B-)

    April 8, 2014 at 9:08 am #785107
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    Jack Osbourne snr

    I forgot to mention that you
    I forgot to mention that you can usually get Schwalbe tyres half price at bike-discount.de Delivery takes 3-5 working days, but it’s worth it!

    April 7, 2014 at 7:09 pm #785105
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    joemmo

    you’re welcome, let us know
    you’re welcome, let us know how you get on. There’s a decent fish and chip shop next to Di Meo’s called Pantrinis as well if you want to fill your face. good luck

    April 7, 2014 at 6:41 pm #785103
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    Stelee

    Thanks for the suggestions,
    Thanks for the suggestions, I’ll check them all out.

    Joemmo – thanks for the info on the route. Gives me a bit more confidence that my ‘google reccy’ was right.
    We’re going north to south, so will be finishing in Whitley Bay. Already looking forward to a celebratory ice cream at De Meos!!

    April 7, 2014 at 6:39 pm #785101
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    Stelee

    Thanks Nick, I was pretty
    Thanks Nick, I was pretty sure that wouldn’t be a problem, but just ran out to check, and there’s plenty of clearance for 28’s

    April 7, 2014 at 6:06 pm #785099
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    Nick T

    Your rims can take a 28, but
    Your rims can take a 28, but do make sure your road frame can too..

    April 6, 2014 at 11:37 pm #785097
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    Jack Osbourne snr

    +1 for the Marathon Supreme –
    +1 for the Marathon Supreme – I commute on the 32mm version and have done 4500 miles without a flat.

    You could also try the Schwalbe Durano in 28… but this is heading towards durable race/training rather than absolute puncture protection.

    April 6, 2014 at 9:23 pm #785095
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    LondonByCycle

    I use Schwalbe Marathon
    I use Schwalbe Marathon Supremes in a 28 on a daily basis. Still reasonably light at 310g but definitely usable off road. They will be a it slower than the Contis though.

    April 6, 2014 at 8:23 pm #785093
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    joemmo

    28s will be fine, just keep
    28s will be fine, just keep them at a decent pressure. Word of warning, the section from Lynemouth to Blyth can, unfortunately, suffer from broken glass but you should stick to the cycle path and the long detour through Cambois, don’t try and use the A189 as a short cut, it’s not a good road for cycling. Boy racers favourite drag strip.

    Likewise parts of the C2C route along the Tyne (which I use to commute on) can be a bit glittery if the p*ssheads have been out so I would recommend something with some decent protection under the tread. I use the gatorskin in a 28 and often take some pretty rough short cuts and they hold up well.

    If you’re looking for some refreshments on the way then near the end / start in Newcastle http://www.thecyclehub.org/ is worth a stop and as you’re passing through Whitley Bay then stop off at Di Meo’s Ices – great coffee and the homemade ice cream is fantastic.

    Are you going north to south or vice versa?

    April 6, 2014 at 7:54 pm #785091
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    Gkam84

    If you are sticking with
    If you are sticking with Conti’s I’d stick to Gatorskin Hardshells. You can get them in 28mm

    You could also look at Ultrasport’s which have a slightly deeper tread.

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