Great Divide Tire Dilemma

[bishop]

Hi All:

So after all the research it seems that the resounding vote is the Schwalbe Marathon XR.  Good.  Problem is I'm riding a hard Tail 29er (with a rear rack for panniers) and a front suspension fork and the largest size for the tire is 700 X 50 (28 X 2.0).  The tire fits fine on my wheels but I'm now concerned it may be too small.  Everyone raved the puncture-resistance of this tire for the Divide Route but I've also heard of folks who say to get a tire with a width 2.2 or higher for cushion and/or grip since I'm riding a HT.  Oy-Vey!!  Any input would be appreciated.  Specifically those that have had success with a tire on a 29er wheel for off-road use.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

[harry]

I am starting the same trip on a rigid Salsa Fargo, July 1 .I plan on using The WTB vulpines  I have on it They are 2.1.  My wife is using 2.1 tires also ,though with a suspension fork. I prefer not to push too wide a tire as it will be roads not trails. If you are using panniers , traction shouldn't be a problem. Pulling a trailer ,knobbier tires will make a difference. See you out there ,Harry

[ericb]

Also have the Salsa Fargo with the stock Vulpine 2.1 tires. On a recent off-road mini-tour they performed shockingly well. Except for some minor traction issues on very very steep and slippery descents I had no complaints whatsoever. In fact for my upcoming much longer tour I've decided to eschew the usual Schwalbe-by-default and stick with the Vulpines. I just think they are a fantastic combination of pretty darned fast on the pavement and very reasonable in the rough stuff.
I run a pair of 26x2-something XRs on another bike which I take on trails, and those positively suck in the dirt compared to the Vulpines, which is not something I'd have expected.

Just in terms of width for loaded touring off-road, I'm very happy with 2.1, at least with this tire.

[bishop]

Much Thanks for the useful feedback.  I think I'm gonna stick with the 2.0 XR's and carry a 29X2.1 in my bounce box if I feel I need a greater width. 

Harry:  Make sure you get the updated map for the Canada section of the route (the addenda will not suffice).  It was JUST UPDATED last week!  Even though I bought mine two months ago ACA wouldn't give me a credit for the new section.  Oh well...

Hope to see you out there!