What tires are best for commuters?

[Unicorn]

Most commuters primarily ride on hard surfaces. That being the case, a tire with low rolling resistance is the best choice. "Tubeless tires have 10% lower rolling resistance compared to tubed tires. When running at lower pressures, tubeless tires can reduce vibration and improve comfort by 15%, which is significant for longer commutes." I'm a little dubious about how they came to 15%, and "comfort" seems subjective to me. Although, I bet running at a lower pressure to improve comfort will increase rolling resistance and decrease range. There is always a trade-off. I have a suspended bike, so I'm sticking with tubed tires. Both range and comfort are essential to commuters. Commuters also have to deal with more flats caused by debris. That adds another factor to consider when choosing a tire: puncture protection. A wide range of puncture-resistant tires are available today. You can also add tire liners, slime, and heavy tubes to help. Of course, everything we do to help with puncture protection adds weight and more rolling resistance. Some commuter tires could need 4 to 5 ounces of slime per tire. Plus, tire liners, inner tubes, and the added weight of a heavier tire designed with puncture protection in mind all start to add up. Some riders believe in solids, but that's a non-starter for me.

I did lots of research before choosing a bike and all the components before I bought anything- months of research. I considered every opinion I could find, and everyone's got an opinion. Technological advances and new materials have changed many opinions over the last two decades. I knew I would have a heavy and fast bike when loaded. I knew that range was of utmost importance to me. I knew I wanted tubed tires. Tubed tires have saved me from walking a few times! I wanted a tire designed with puncture resistance and durability in mind. I ALWAYS try to buy American products. I knew the tire size I wanted, and most importantly, I wanted a tire that could fold. I decided on the Schwalbe Mondial Pro because it fulfilled almost all my wants and requirements.

"The Marathon Mondial PRO has two variants: folding and wired tires. Schwalbe recommends the folding tire, the Evolution Line version, for world cyclists. The Evolution Line is the best Schwalbe has to offer in terms of technology and materials." - Cyclingweekly



"The puncture protection belt of the Marathon tire is unique in the world: it is particularly strong and is made of highly elastic special rubber. Even thumbtacks can't pierce it. The safest protective belts for bicycle tires and e-bike tires." - WeLeaf

"Marathon Mondial PRO - The ultimate touring tire, made for roads, tracks and trails of all continents. The tread pays homage to its legendary Marathon XR predecessor. Construction and compounding are naturally the latest Schwalbe Evo technology. Double Defense technology makes it light but with an extremely robust construction. The world is round. Ride it. For great expeditions, always choose the Evo version (Double Defense)." - Schwalbe

I run 26" X 2" tires with Schwalbe tubes at 70 psi on hard surfaces and 30 to 50 psi on rough, soft, and muddy surfaces. The folding Mondails fit perfectly in the bottom of my front panniers. It's almost like the bags were made for them. The only drawback is that the tires aren't built here in America, although Schwalbe has a North American outlet in Washington state. They have minimal rolling resistance at full pressure because of tire design and width, pressure, tread pattern, rubber compound, and casing construction. They are super durable and high-pressure, with enough tread to do well off-road. The only thing that would improve them is if they were made in America and sold at half the price—my opinion.

Stay safe.

 

[any name you wish]

Although, I bet running at a lower pressure to improve comfort will increase rolling resistance and decrease range. There is always a trade-off. I have a suspended bike, so I'm sticking with tubed tires. Both range and comfort are essential to commuters. Commuters also have to deal with more flats caused by debris.

Lower PSI increases grip and comfort, increased grip means more resistance as you have to break that grip. So more pressure reduces that grip and therefore lowers rolling resistance. Back in the day I had my road bike at PSI levels over 125 and my hybrid was usually around 40 for gravel/trail use.

Don't see why a commuter would have more flats per mile ridden than a recreational rider under similar conditions.

 

[Unicorn]

...Don't see why a commuter would have more flats per mile ridden than a recreational rider under similar conditions.

Rolling resistance is an odd duck. On rough surfaces, a tire has less resistance at a lower pressure if it can roll over a small rock enveloping it as it rolls over rather than being harder and having to roll/bounce over it.

Sure, under similar conditions, but most commuters ride more, more often, and are constantly dealing with road debris. A high-pressure hard tire on gravel has massive resistance.

Stay safe.

 

[any name you wish]

Rolling resistance is an odd duck. On rough surfaces, a tire has less resistance at a lower pressure if it can roll over a small rock enveloping it as it rolls over rather than being harder and having to roll/bounce over it.

That's not a question of rolling resistance its an issue of grip. Lower pressure tires have a larger contact patch and more tread to grip more. This means that on gravel the wider lower pressure tires spread out more and push down and grip the loose gravel. But the much narrower high pressure tires has to move rocks out of its way to find more solid ground to grip. So it's grip in that situation not resistance. A road bike with high pressure tires may have a contact patch the size of a dime while a fat tire bike may be 20 or more square inches.

Sure, under similar conditions, but most commuters ride more, more often, and are constantly dealing with road debris. A high-pressure hard tire on gravel has massive resistance.

Stay safe.

Which is why I said per mile, not overall. Most commuters I knew, me included, used riding to work for training for the 62, 100, 124 or more miles that they will ride on one of the weekend days.

Now as late as my 50's I was running century rides on an analog road bike with average running speeds over 20 MPH, basically 5 hours or less on the bike. But it was hard for me to keep over 20 MPH for even short distances on my hybrid.

 

[Unicorn]

That's not a question of rolling resistance its an issue of grip. When a bike tire doesn't have to lift the rim to get over a rock it has less rolling resistance.

Which is why I said per mile, not overall. Most commuters I knew, me included, used riding to work for training for the 62, 100, 124 or more miles that they will ride on one of the weekend days. Average cycling distances, provided by Strava: Pavement Ride, Commute, Median Distance: 4.7 miles. Dirt Ride, Commute, Median Distance: 5.1 miles. You don't get much of a "workout" in 5 miles.

Now as late as my 50's I was running century rides on an analog road bike with average running speeds over 20 MPH, basically 5 hours or less on the bike. But it was hard for me to keep over 20 MPH for even short distances on my hybrid. My first 100+ mile ride was on a Schwinn Contenantal in 1964 riding from Portland to Mt. Hood and back. Not sure what that has to do with anything. Now they are a common thing with a superior ebike but I don't ride for speed or miles, i ride to enjoy the day. That doesn't happen while riding in traffic.

Stay safe.

 

[Chuy]

I used to care about tire brands and rolling resistance.
1. No matter the claimed puncture resistance of a tire, I always got flats on my bike commutes to work. This was on non eBikes - I only started riding eBikes after I retired. I also got tired of buying new tubes. I started patching them until the puncture could not be repaired. I remember one tube had 8 or 9 patches before throwing it out.
2. My main reason for biking was, and remains, for exercise. Thus, higher rolling resistance burns more calories.

If I rode in timed events, I might be more selective in the tires I buy. As it goes, I buy in the lower price range. I don't get the cheapest tires but I usually start with ‘lowest price’ sorting.

The best product I have found to prevent flats are those polyurethane liners.

 

[Unicorn]

...My main reason for biking was, and remains, for exercise...

I get all the exercise I need in bed. Good for the core. I like exercising with my eyes closed.

Stay safe.

 

[Chiligirl]

Great post. You clearly put a lot of thought into your setup—and it shows. I totally agree that every tire choice comes with a trade-off. You’re balancing comfort, puncture protection, rolling resistance, and even where the product is made. I’ve run Schwalbe tires too (not the Mondials, but close), and they’ve been solid—reliable, long-lasting, and flat-resistant. I like that you mentioned folding tires. That’s something many commuters overlook, but it makes a real difference when you’re packing spares. Honestly, I wish more quality tires were made in the U.S. too. Until then, Schwalbe’s tough to beat.