Cheap tires cost more than expensive tires.

[Westinghouse]

 I used to carry a spare tire. That was when I used less expensive tires. For example, with cheap tires you might use 4 on the rear and three on the front from Florida to California. With cheap tires, if you get a small slit, it gradually gets larger, and eventually it balloons up, and starts twisting off the rim. Thump bump thump bump thump as you wheel along looking for a place to replace your fourth rear tire in 2000 miles. There are millions of bits and pieces on the road to pierce tires.
With stronger tires, Schwalbe Marathon, the tires can take those bits and pieces with no slits and holes. If the tire does get cut or holed, is stays perfectly together. They hold together. You need only one set from coast to coast. I used to carry a spare. The last few tours I did not because I used tires that were stronger and more reliable.

Don't go anywhere without a patch kit, levers, and a pump on long tours, no matter what kind of tires.

   
   
   

[John Nelson]

I agree. Furthermore, I typically get 7000 to 8000 miles (loaded) out of a Schwalbe Marathon, but only 3000 to 4000 (unloaded) out of all other tires.

[Westinghouse]

I agree. Furthermore, I typically get 7000 to 8000 miles (loaded) out of a Schwalbe Marathon, but only 3000 to 4000 (unloaded) out of all other tires.

Those old IRC and Kenda tires maxed out at 1100--1200 miles on the rear with a load. That was max before they would wear through to the tube---Pop. But they also cut and holed very easily which meant sometimes 300 miles on a tire with plenty of tread left, but which lumped up and bubbled up because of what began as a small slit gradually enlarged and ruined the ride.

[BikeliciousBabe]

I crossed the country with a guy who was, let's say, "frugal." He was riding cheap tires. He spent a lot of time by the side of the road patching tubes.

[Westinghouse]

I crossed the country with a guy who was, let's say, "frugal." He was riding cheap tires. He spent a lot of time by the side of the road patching tubes.

Yes. I remember 35-40 stops for patching with cheap tires on a transcon. I remember 8 to 10 on Marathons. I remember having to look around for bike shops with cheap tires, but sailing through a tour mostly carefree with Marathons and Continentals.

[hikerjer]

I've been touring and commuting on Schalble Marathons for years.  I can honestly say that I've never had a flat. I do replace them after the tread is getting thin but that's after 4-5 thousand miles.

Definitely a good investment.

[Westinghouse]

I've been touring and commuting on Schalble Marathons for years.  I can honestly say that I've never had a flat. I do replace them after the tread is getting thin but that's after 4-5 thousand miles.

Definitely a good investment.

I think it depends on where you tour and how far. I do not remember getting any punctures on the pacific coast route from Ana Cortes to San Diego. I remember on highway 98 west of Perry, Florida I got a puncture in a Schwalbe Marathon. It was a roofing nail, I think. It was maybe  3 / 4 of an inch long. It had a large head. It must have been set straight up. No bicycle tire I know could have gone over it like that without getting punctured. That would have punctured kevlar, tire liners, anything.

[canalligators]

I agree. Furthermore, I typically get 7000 to 8000 miles (loaded) out of a Schwalbe Marathon, but only 3000 to 4000 (unloaded) out of all other tires.

Those old IRC and Kenda tires maxed out at 1100--1200 miles on the rear with a load. That was max before they would wear through to the tube---Pop. But they also cut and holed very easily ...

The cheap Kenda models, probably so.  But all Kenda tires are not cheap.  The K193 tandem tire, well, I put that one on a pedestal.  Few tires, especially in 406 size, will hold up on a recumbent tandem. Several ‘bent tandems put a greater load on the front.  On our Vision, the Marathon on the rear has held up well for 5000 miles, but the more heavily loaded fron tire gave out (cord failure) in less than a thousand.  So have other supposed tandem tires.  But the K193 is usually good for 2-3000 miles.

[John Nelson]

All the flats I've ever had on Schwalbe Marathons (and the total is only four) have been from wires from exploded truck tires. Three of the four were on Interstate shoulders, an absolutely terrible place to ride.

[hikerjer]

 Interstate shoulders, an absolutely terrible place to ride.

Agreed. But sometimes, especially in the west, they're the only option unless you want to go hundreds of  miles out of your way.

[jrswenberger]

I've been touring and commuting on Schalble Marathons for years.  I can honestly say that I've never had a flat. I do replace them after the tread is getting thin but that's after 4-5 thousand miles.

Definitely a good investment.

Yep, we have 10,000+ miles of fully loaded touring on 2 pair of Marathon Mondials, no flats, no problems, rear tires only show moderate wear, front tires much less wear. For mixed conditions or unknown conditions, I can't imagine a better tire.

Jay

[BikePacker]

I used to carry a spare tire. That was when I used less expensive tires.

"True Confession" Time :- ) ~
I am so chicken of how catastrophic the loss of a tire (aka, not just a flat) in the back side of a nowhere location can be to a tour/trek
(been there  )
that I can not not carry a spare tire + I use flat protection liners .... have t-r-i-e-d to quit and can't.

[Bclayden]

I tour with Continental Gator Skins and have had good luck. Not the best ride but durable.  I always carry a spare while touring in case of a sidewall cut.

[Westinghouse]

All the flats I've ever had on Schwalbe Marathons (and the total is only four) have been from wires from exploded truck tires. Three of the four were on Interstate shoulders, an absolutely terrible place to ride.

Without any question those wires are the bane of cycling on the shoulders of interstates. I was riding Continentals out west. On this one length of interstate there must have been a major blowout. I mean, the tires must have punctured 10 times in less that three to five miles. It was a wire every time. Standing and looking at the surface of the road, they were invisible. They were everywhere. It was exasperating as hell. I exited first opportunity.