Mixed use but fast 26" tyre for C2C. Any ideas?

[Globalti]

Going to revive the poor old full rigid Ti mountain bike for the school C2C trip so I want a fast tyre that's effectively slick but with a slight texture for the odd foray off road.

So far this looks the best candidate, and it's cheap too: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/michelin-country-rock-mtb-tyre/rp-prod8547

Anybody got any other suggestions? I'd like to go to about 1.4" width if possible.

 

[mcshroom]

Pretty nice tyre the country rock. I had some on my commuting bike for a while and after knobbly tyres they were amazing on the road. Not too shabby off road but they have pretty much zero puncture protection.

Otherwise I'd recommend Schwalbe Marathons (not M+ I think they're overkill) or Schwalbe Land cruisers for a more trail oriented tyre.

 

[DCLane]

Schwalbe Land Cruiser tyres - they'll be suitable and come in 1.75".

Fast rolling but can handle slippy stuff.

Mind you, I did the C2C on my Specialized Secteur on 25mm road tyres along the full trail route, so what do I know

 

[cosmicbike]

Another vote for the Land Cruisers. They have a continuous tread so nice and smooth, but with enough knobbly bits off line for mud grip. Fitted to my lads bike which seems to be covered in mud most of the time..

 

[400bhp]

Schwalbe city slickers, semi slicks and cheap too.

 

[smokeysmoo]

HALO Twin Rail Tyres are IME brilliant.

 

[sreten]

Hi,

The Country Rocks are lightish and fast, downside to the lower weight
is they are not so tough. The Land Cruisers wouldn't be my first choice
for mainly road and occasional off road, though they are good for both.

If you want 1.4" these are good :
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/michelin-city-bike-tyre/rp-prod69985
Tough and hardwearing, but not that light. They will roll well on the road,
(better than the Rocks), and grip surprisingly well in the softer stuff,
conversely that grip makes them a bit "squiggly" if your into hard
cornering leant over on the road. Puncture protection and reflex..

TBH though I'd go for the 1.85" reflex version for a full rigid MTB.
Fat tyres are the cheapest form of really good suspension,
and on poor roads they are in reality faster* than skinnier stuff,
you also get the comfort, but lose out a bit on pristine tarmac.

rgds, sreten.

* Fat tyres don't feel fast, but tyres that feel fast are actually
more tiring than ones that don't as much. Fit the fattest
tyres that will fit is my mantra, especially for a long haul.

 

[mr messy]

These work ok but not that light
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/continental-double-fighter-ii-mtb-tyre/rp-prod18897

 

[Globalti]

LBS has offered me two Specialized Fatboys in 1.2" size for £30 so I think I'll go for that. I like the idea of a light tyre with road bike characteristics. This C2C is going to be 98% tarmac anyway.

 

[Kestevan]

The Land Cruisers are a decent mixed-use tyre, but they're probably a bit overkill for the C2C.

They're also bloody heavy.

 

[dan_bo]

panaracer paselas?

 

[Globalti]

They look a bit dull and I'm not sure they come in 26".

Will probably go for the Fatboys in 26" x 1.2" - does anybody know if I can use regular 26" inner tubes with these or should I buy a thinner tube?

 

[PlymSlimCyclist]

Personally I use Conti TourRide's, give me great traction etc, I'm running 1.75's at the recommended PSI (70 - shame) but looking to switch to something a little nicer (the City's look and sound good - thank you @sreten - so will consider them when I'm due to change).