Advice needed for tyre choice

[EndlessWandering]

I've been using Schwalbe Marathon tyres on my Ultra Galaxy since owning the bike, but feel the 32c tyres (which do perform well) are a little too chunky for my liking. Therefore, I'm looking to replace them with thinner tyres, but am unsure what would be the best size to drop to? As might be suggested by the bike I have, I am a huge fan of cycle touring and long-distance rides, so comfort needs to be factored in, but after covering many miles with the 32c's now feel I would like to go for a thinner choice.

I have 700c Alex XT19 rims - is there a minimum size I shouldn't go below?

Thanks in advance.

[Valbrona]

Rims do have a min and a max permissable tyre width. This info is typically findable on manufacturers/distributors websites.

With thinner tyres you will get a) increased rolling resistance and b) less comfort.

[thirdcrank]

As you are familiar with Schwalbe already, their website is a good place to start. Have a look at the downloads page and (last time I looked) it had both a current bike catalogue, which is packed with detailed info about their tyres, and also a technical information guide. Although this is aimed towards their own stuff, the general info on subjects such as this is excellent.

Be aware that although tyre sizing is supposed to be consistentent it isn't and one manufacturer's 32 is another's 28. Schawlbe tyres are comparatively fat, especially when compared to some American-sourced stuff.

Sheldon Brown has plenty of info about this and other cycling subjects but he calles tyres tires. "Dishonest tire sizing" explains the inconsistency is sizes. http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

[yostumpy]

I've just this second ordered 2 700x28 marathon kevlar HS 368 from spa cycles £33 delivered, Specialised nimbus armadillos in 28mm are huge ballon type things, and not 1 puncture BUT the tread on the rear parted company with the carcass, flap! flap! luckilly at the end of a 100k. . Spec 'all condition armadillos' are not very good, the 25mm is narrow and to be run at 120psi, ouch! so its back to marathons for me. just my 2p worth.

[snibgo]

I can understand if you want thinner-walled tyres, but why do you want narrower width? The only reason (I think) would be for aerodynamics. As Valbrona says, a narrower tyre will (at the same pressure) have increased rolling resistance and be less comfortable -- although you may not notice either of these effects. With a given tyre, increasing pressure will reduce rolling resistance at the expense of comfort.

FWIW, I currently use 28mm Marathons, and that's the widest the bike will take. I like them hard at 115f/105r psi, but dropping to around 80 psi softens the ride.

[irc]

If you have been using the "standard" Marathons, the HS368, then try the Marathon Racer. I've had one (700x35) on the front of my tourer for almost 4000 miles. It feels comfortable and the tyre is smoother treaded and lightrer than the HS368. It still seems good for puncture protection although not puncture proof.

[reohn2]

For comfort and less rolling resistance go for bigger lighter tyres,Marathon Racers are comfortable quick tyres as are Panaracer Paselas and Ribmo's.
After 32mm Marathons 28's will be a harsh ride,especially on a wide rim.32mm in Racers,Paselas,or Ribmos will be faster and more comfortable than 32mm Marathons but the Paselas aren't quite as Puncture resistant as the other two.

[Valbrona]

For comfort and less rolling resistance go for bigger lighter tyres.

Spot-on.

And tyres that offer good puncture resistance can be on the heavy side; using a Kevlar protector belt between tube and tyre can give the same end result for less weight.

[EndlessWandering]

Seems Schwalbe don't make 32mm Marathon Racers, so either 30mm or 35mm.