Just a heads up, I ordered a Ridgeback Vanteo and a helmet from CR on 7th April with a 10-12 working day dispatch estimate (4-5 days for accesories). It's now the 16th working day, no emails confirming dispatch yet. Most retailers are now giving long lead times which is understandable given the circumstances, especially if the the bike comes fully built, however, CR have closed their phone lines and don't respond to emails (not yet anyway), so be prepared for a long wait.
I use Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres. They are not universally popular, as they are quite stiff to fit. They are bomb-proof, though, so well worth getting your LBS to fit them. I have always used Slime self-healing inner tubes as a belt-and-braces thing, as I'm not keen to change a Marathon tyre while out on the road. With this combination, I've done over 26,000 miles over 11 years with only two punctures, only replacing tyres when the tread wears away. Being a 22 stoner, I doubt I could have hoped for better results than that.
I had one rear puncture that was entirely my own fault. Riding along a lane watching a squirrel run alongside, and I rode straight over the only sharp stone in the road. The front puncture last year was on the front wheel, immediately after pausing in a farm gateway strewn with sharp flint. I reckon I get about 6,000 miles out of a tyre before the thread wears too bald for my liking. I then change tyre and tube at the same time. Worth noting that I include gravel paths in my range of go anywhere rides.
Never come across tyres without a pressure range moulded into them but sometimes it's only on one side.
