Tire recommendation for supported tour

[santa]

   
     We've used Marathon Plus for fully loaded touring in the past. We're now in our 60's and going to do our first supported tour and hand pain is an issue on long days. We are on Salsa Fargo's - steel. A few ounces won't make much difference and we'll be going Inn to Inn in Vermont so I'd prefer to have a softer tire for my wife, but she admittedly doesn't care to flat. Who does? I'm considering Big Apple tires. It's going to be pure road riding and minimal mileage. It's just a week or two of riding and I'm willing to get tires specifically for the tour so longevity is unimportant. Comfort first with some eye to flat resistance in deference to my wife but we've certainly fixed our share of flats so I don't want or need the harsher ride of Marathon Plus tires for super flat protection. Thoughts?

[John Nelson]

I agree with your logic. Most tires you find at your local bike shop will be fine. Just stay away from ones that promise great flat resistance. Your best protection against flats is not your choice of tire, but your choice of what you run over.

[Pat Lamb]

The Marathon Plus to Big Apple is a huge jump in size.  I'd suggest you get a pair early and let each of you get a couple of rides in well before you leave, to see if you're happy with the ride and the way the bike handles with those monsters.

If you like them, get a second pair.  Otherwise, something like the Marathon Supreme, straight Marathon, or a Continental Gator Hardskin might be more to your liking.  As they're lighter (more or less!), you would gain better flexibility in the sidewalls with these, which will help soak up some of the road shock and vibration.

Have you considered new padded tape or gel inserts under the bar tape?

[Venchka]

If I had a Fargo and wanted to go touring I would be on  Specialized Renegade tires set up tubeless and inflated in the 35-40 psi range depending on the total weight of bike, rider and gear. No flats. Lots of cushion. Low rolling resistance. But that's just my idea.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[RonK]

I have used Marathon Supremes for all my touring, and highly recommend them. They are fast rolling, light and quite puncture resistant.
You will have a choice of several sizes. For a more cushy ride choose the larger size.

[Westinghouse]

Schwalbe Marathon tires will take you coast to coast with no problem where normal wear is the matter under consideration. Of course, should some jagged piece of metal or glass come under you wheel, the no problem might become a problem, and your tire is gashed. Problems can develop.