Cycling UK Forum

Don't worry about changing the wheels until the rims have worn thin at the brake track. Then it might be more cost effective to have new rims laced onto the OE hubs.

For a short journey commute bike, I'd go for max puncture resilience over weight.

Is the Gal your only bike?
Think about keeping the existing wheels with Marathon plus tyres for commuting, and another pair of wheels with lighter boots for longer tours.

Yes the Galaxy is my own bike. I don't use it for tours, just for commuting short distance (12 mile round trip).
Thanks for advice. Al

Hi, I'm looking at the lighter tyres for my Dawes Galaxy which currently have Schwalbe Marathon 700x32s.
I'm thinking of swapping these for Panaracer Ribmo tyres, but what size should I go for ? 700x32, 700x28, 700x25 etc ?
THank you Alastair

AlastairS wrote:Hi, I'm looking at the lighter tyres for my Dawes Galaxy which currently have Schwalbe Marathon 700x32s.
I'm thinking of swapping these for Panaracer Ribmo tyres, but what size should I go for ? 700x32, 700x28, 700x25 etc ?
THank you Alastair

I have 35mm ribmos for touring and they are good tyre for that, but be aware that they are a 'tall' tyre, and, depending on your mudguards, may rub.

PS,Another tyre that's very puncture resistant for it's weight and lasts, is Panaracer Ribmo(700x32mm,which actually measures 32mm on a touring rim, weighs 400g for a folder and 450g for a wired version) it rolls very well and is as comfy as the Schwalbe Racer.

+1 This summer I rode 4700 miles on RiBMos across the US and had one puncture from them evil wires in radial truck tyres. This is what the rear tyre looked like when I put the spare on at 4500 miles.


And I still wasn't getting punctures.

I have 35mm ribmos for touring

I don't use my Galaxy for touring, just 11mile commute 2or 3 days per week. Alastair

AlastairS wrote:

I have 35mm ribmos for touring

I don't use my Galaxy for touring, just 11mile commute 2or 3 days per week. Alastair

yes I know, I'm just telling you what I use them for. and they are still a tall tyre that may rub on your guards.

THank you Andrew, i'' keep that in mind.

I'm going to praise the schwalbe active line as a good Jack of all trades tyre range. I've gone back to Delta Cruisers after a few years on Specialized before the awfully sticky armadillos and a flirtation with Kenda Euro trekker and Marathons (still on the back for this winter). Ideally suited to commuting and OK for occasional touring. If you've not time/kit to fix punctures on a commute, consider carrying a puncture sealant cannister that let's toity complete the journey slowly at reduced pressure. I use zefal which I think is 150g. Messy if you use it wrong but handy to have.

Thanks mjr, but the Delta Cruisers are a heavier tyre than the Panaracer Ribmos 530g vs 380g - I'm trying ti lighten my tyres for a lighter ride.Alastair

I notice "Maxxis Detonator 700 x 32 road tyres x 2, new - £20 posted" for sale on the classifieds.
Would these be okay ? A great price and might give me an idea of whether lighter tyres make a significant difference for me. I think my wheels can fit a 700x32 tyre. Alastair

AlastairS wrote:Hi, I'm looking at the lighter tyres for my Dawes Galaxy which currently have Schwalbe Marathon 700x32s.
I'm thinking of swapping these for Panaracer Ribmo tyres, but what size should I go for ? 700x32, 700x28, 700x25 etc ?
THank you Alastair

Ribmos on touring rims measure up as per stated tyre size ie, 32 are 32mm wide x32mm high most tyres are under size particularly Schwalbe.

AlastairS wrote:Hi, I have a Dawes Galaxy. Just use it for short commute 12miles total.
I would consider swapping wheels and schwalbe marathon tyres with lighter versions if not costly.
Maybe could spend £100 or buy used.
Any help appreciated
Alastair

While I cannot match the other forum members for technical advice, I do wonder (with the greatest respect) what you are actually hoping to achieve. Your Schwalbe Marathon 32s came as standard with the 2004 Galaxy and are an appropriate choice for this bike, even if not everyone's favourite. For a 6 mile commute you have a reliable, weather-proof and comfortable bike with strong wheels, good tyres and the ability to carry a briefcase, get up hills and put on a good turn of speed. Pretty ideal IMV and there are many people who would envy you. The fitness you derive from such a regular commute will also put you ahead of lighter-weight starters. You may think there is much to be gained, but I personally doubt it.

horizon wrote:
While I cannot match the other forum members for technical advice, I do wonder (with the greatest respect) what you are actually hoping to achieve. Your Schwalbe Marathon 32s came as standard with the 2004 Galaxy and are an appropriate choice for this bike, even if not everyone's favourite. For a 6 mile commute you have a reliable, weather-proof and comfortable bike with strong wheels, good tyres and the ability to carry a briefcase, get up hills and put on a good turn of speed. Pretty ideal IMV and there are many people who would envy you. The fitness you derive from such a regular commute will also put you ahead of lighter-weight starters. You may think there is much to be gained, but I personally doubt it.

I agree,however some improvement can be gained both in comfort and puncture protection with P/racer RiBmo's over Schwalbe Marathons IMO.

Pete Jack
The picture of your worn out Ribmo is one ringing endorsement of that tyre and one I share,they're great!