Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

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trevstonbury
Posts: 12
Joined: 30 Sep 2018, 12:31pm

Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by trevstonbury »

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some new tires for my mtb which im slowing fitting out for bikepacking. I usually do a mix of terrain from road, gravel, field and forest. I live in the UK so the varied weather and seasons means I need a solution which will be a good jack of all trades in as many conditions as possible, and something which is fairly puncture resistant. I'm also interested in whether I should look for different tyres for front/rear. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

Cheers

Trevor
Jdsk
Posts: 24635
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by Jdsk »

I'll start the bidding with Schwalbe Marathon Plus:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tyres-large/275-x-210-54584-schwalbe-marathon-plus-mtb-hs468-tyre-275-inch-584/

The advantages and disadvantages are thoroughly rehearsed in other threads...

Jonathan
trevstonbury
Posts: 12
Joined: 30 Sep 2018, 12:31pm

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by trevstonbury »

Thanks Jonathan,

I did see these, forgot to mention id quite like foldable ones if possible, these don't do they?

I was previously looking at perhaps a combo of nobby nic and magic mary...
Jdsk
Posts: 24635
Joined: 5 Mar 2019, 5:42pm

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by Jdsk »

Wiggle claim they have folding versions, but I'd check that carefully:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-plus-smartguard-mtb-tyre

Jonathan
trevstonbury
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Joined: 30 Sep 2018, 12:31pm

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by trevstonbury »

Thanks Jonathan,

I think these may work, even if not foldable, any backups we take could be another type of tyre. Does anyone use these in conjunction with any other tyres?
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fossala
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Joined: 21 May 2013, 8:29am

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by fossala »

I’ve been using WTB byways since February tubeless. No punctures and enough grip for a little off road. Also done 200k rides on them.
trevstonbury
Posts: 12
Joined: 30 Sep 2018, 12:31pm

Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by trevstonbury »

Just an update on this, what are people opinions on the schwalbe combos below? Trying to get a balance of endurance/durability/protection over distance and mixed terrain but still some decent traction and grip;

Combo 1
Front: Nobby nic 27.5, 2.25
Rear: Marathon Plus MTB 27.5 2.25

Combo 2
Front: Smart Sam 27.5, 2.25
Rear: Marathon Plus MTB 27.5 2.25

I'm open to other brands for the front so will have a look at the WTB byways. I can put a max of a 2.3 on the front, though not sure that's required?

Cheers!
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LinusR
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Re: Recommendation on 27.5 (650b) tires for bikepacking

Post by LinusR »

I use Maxxis Ardent https://www.maxxis.co.uk/catalog/tyre-294-18-ardent which is more of a traditional off-road tyre. Not as fast following as the Marathons or puncture resistant but more grip over rougher terrain. Over rough or slippery ground I use a Maxxis Minion DHF up front. I've only used the Smart Sam tyres on my cyclocross bike; they are faster rolling than the Ardents and more supple compared to the Marathons and a lot cheaper. Your combo 1 and 2 sounds ok - more grip on the front is useful. I've used all these as tubeless.
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