26" (559) tyre for Audax

[Merry_Wanderer]

I'm new to Audax events and not being the richest person I would like to stick with my 26" (559) wheeled touring bike for events for as long as possible (I have just started on 100km events). I would however, like to change from the existing 1.75" width basic Marathon tyres to something with (hopefully) a similar level of puncture protection in a narrower width. Can anyone recommend some alternatives please?

[foxyrider]

Marathon 1.5, Continental do some as narrow as 1.3

[beardy]

Quite a decent range available
28mm Ultragators, Duranos,
32mm 1.25"Paselas
35mm Duranos, Kojaks
37mm 1.5"Paselas, Rubino Open Pro

all would be nice enough for an Audax ride.

Nice light innertube to go inside them.

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TUBGEXUL/g ... -innertube

[Erudin]

I recently fitted some lighter/slicker tyres 26" tyres. I got some Conti Sport Contacts 26 x 1.6 and Vittoria Randonneur Pro II's 26 x 1.5. The Sport Contacts measure 37mm wide and 36mm high on the rim. The Vittoria's measure 39mm wide and 39mm high on the rim.

They feel nearly as comfortable as the fatter tyres they replaced, due to the higher tpi making them more flexible even at max pressure.

They both roll well and I'd use them for audax, I've signed up for the Dartmoor Devil and may use a bike with 26" wheels for more grip and its v-brakes.

Also agree about the comment above on Geax MTB Ultralite Innertubes.

Check your rim tape can handle the higher pressures narrower tyres can take, I used Schwalbe High Pressure Rim Tape.

[hamster]

Conti Gatorskins, Sport Contact work well for me.

At present I am running Hutchinson Top Slick II, which seems a little bit better on wet surfaces than the Sport Contacts. The original Top Slick was a fabulous tyre, sadly discontinued.

[Merry_Wanderer]

Thanks for all your replies, I will have a look at the suggestions

[The Mechanic]

I have a pair of Durano in 559 x 28 Folding.. They are almost new, still have the little rubber bits on. I can let you have them for £25 the pair plus postage.

[reohn2]

26in(559)x 32 or 38mm folding Ribmos,fast reliable,very puncture resistant tyres,not cheap,but IME very good.

[Bicycler]

Nobody has mentioned rim width. 28mm may be a bit harsh when fitted to a 19mm rim on a stiff touring bike

[reohn2]

Nobody has mentioned rim width. 28mm may be a bit harsh when fitted to a 19mm rim on a stiff touring bike

32 or 38s won't though and be just as quick but more comfortable

[Bicycler]

Yes, I know we both sing from that particular hymn sheet

[Merry_Wanderer]

Thanks reohn2 and bicycler, I agree I wouldn't want to go as narrow as a 1.1 inch, I think a 1.5" ribmo could be a good compromise.

[beardy]

No reason why you shouldnt do an Audax on a 1.5" tyre, I have.
Probably will again this weekend.

However I would not do so if the Audax was in any way challenging to me, if that was the case I would be on the 28mm tyres. Most of the riders on an Audax will be riding 28mm or less and that includes those with experience of fatter tyres.

[Bicycler]

Most will probably be riding less stiff bikes with narrower rims in 700c size.

[Ayesha]

I have Conti Gatorskins 28-559.

Front 90 psi, rear 95 psi.


I've ridden Audax on 20 x 1 3/8".

Audax ain't fast. That's why they state "9.3 Any kind of cycle may be ridden"

On the other hand, my SWorks has Conti Supersonic 20-622 and I rode a 200 km Rando on that.