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.

 

[BubbAlou88]

I just removed the knobby tires that came on my E-Bike. I mostly ride on streets and paved trails.
I put 26” x 4” Kenda Cursor’s on it. They came direct from Kenda Tire Company in Ohio and shipped in full size box so not folded. They were easy to put on. I used the same tubes as they were filled with Flat out and only had 60 miles on them. I had to remove the derailleur to get the rear wheel back on (as the axil sticks past the derailleur by over an inch (unless I removed the disc on the opposite side) and when I did the special nut shot off into oblivion so ordered more from Amazon. They came in late last night and got it back together last night. Test rode it several miles. These tires have better cornering traction and much quieter. I can take sharp curves better and at little higher speed. I hit the brakes hard and the rear no longer locks up like it did. Corners like my motorcycle did back in the mid 70’s. More stable. Due to better traction they reduced the speed by 2 miles per hour but I like it better. So nice now.
Not bad considering I am going to be 74 in June. Wasn’t easy to get the bike weighing 86lbs over on its back and back up by myself with 90% of my lumber fused with titanium screws and hardware.

 

[HumanPerson]

I just removed the knobby tires that came on my E-Bike. I mostly ride on streets and paved trails.
I put 26” x 4” Kenda Cursor’s on it. They came direct from Kenda Tire Company in Ohio and shipped in full size box so not folded. They were easy to put on. I used the same tubes as they were filled with Flat out and only had 60 miles on them. I had to remove the derailleur to get the rear wheel back on (as the axil sticks past the derailleur by over an inch (unless I removed the disc on the opposite side) and when I did the special nut shot off into oblivion so ordered more from Amazon. They came in late last night and got it back together last night. Test rode it several miles. These tires have better cornering traction and much quieter. I can take sharp curves better and at little higher speed. I hit the brakes hard and the rear no longer locks up like it did. Corners like my motorcycle did back in the mid 70’s. More stable. Due to better traction they reduced the speed by 2 miles per hour but I like it better. So nice now.
Not bad considering I am going to be 74 in June. Wasn’t easy to get the bike weighing 86lbs over on its back and back up by myself with 90% of my lumber fused with titanium screws and hardware.

That is awesome man and congrats on the tires! Certainly be careful of your back, i'd rather see pictures of you riding than sitting

 

[BubbAlou88]

Gotcha, The photo was taken after I got off and standing on driveway. I took that to send to my kids and sister. To get a photo of me while riding my wife would have to do it as I will not snap a photo myself while riding. Not coordinated enough anymore. Also, I wear my back brace given to me after the surgery in 2020 anytime I ride. Only forgot one time in the very beginning but never again

 

[HumanPerson]

Gotcha, The photo was taken after I got off and standing on driveway. I took that to send to my kids and sister. To get a photo of me while riding my wife would have to do it as I will not snap a photo myself while riding. Not coordinated enough anymore. Also, I wear my back brace given to me after the surgery in 2020 anytime I ride. Only forgot one time in the very beginning but never again

Roger that. Ride safe man and ride longer i say!

 

[Ebiker549]

My first ebike was 26" narrow rims. I found the tire selection to be limited. It had Schwalbe Marathon Plus.
I made tire selection the first criteria for choosing the next bike.
It is 27.5" narrow rims. I put Schwalbe Marathon E-Plus (not made in 26") on that one. They seem to grip and roll better than the Plus and also have the highest puncture protection level.
I mentioned my trick for frequent tire changers with heavy bikes and bad backs in another thread. No flipping anymore.
If you have a 6-8' step ladder and some bungees, you can stand the ladder over the bike and suspend it with bungees.
Its wobbly and takes more time, but saves the back.
I just changed a kickstand today and while it was hanging there, I changed the back tire.

 

[BubbAlou88]

Sshwalbe tires are reported to be very good but unfortunately the only 26” x 4” available is a knobby tire. The Kenda was the best option for my 26” x 4” fat tire bike for mostly street riding.

 

[BubbAlou88]

I can not tell you how much I am enjoying the E-Bike now. The stability around curves and turns plus the much quieter ride just boggles my mind in a joyful manner. I am now able to ride easier, farther and faster with less effort now (that previously was so hard due to my hip and back issues along with the muscle loss after loosing the ability to walk and stand for 100 days due to the Covid epidemic and not being able to see a doctor until they allowed it in June 2020. The one positive thing that came from this is it kept me inside and never got Covid. The following surgery to fuse another 2 vertebrae while better wasn’t perfect and still had pain due to my first surgery in 1994 to fuse the old fashion way of piling up shave bone from my hip is the only one that will bend any at all. This created pain and In 2024 I had a nerve stimulator implant in my back. Not perfect but helps. Only saying these things so others can see why I am so over joyed for this E-Bike and how needed it is. My wife suggested I get one to get me out into the sun again. Because of hip pain I cannot walk great distances so this is a blessing. It is such peace to ride it. Even though I have a throttle I mostly do not use it as I am trying to strengthen my legs plus it is a bit boring to do so and typically use it to get me started and for a minute when I need to rest my legs.
signed,
Chief “Falling Apart”of the Old Age tribe

 

[HumanPerson]

I can not tell you how much I am enjoying the E-Bike now. The stability around curves and turns plus the much quieter ride just boggles my mind in a joyful manner. I am now able to ride easier, farther and faster with less effort now (that previously was so hard due to my hip and back issues along with the muscle loss after loosing the ability to walk and stand for 100 days due to covid and not being able to see a doctor until they allowed it in June 2020. The following surgery to fuse another 2 vertebrae while better wasn’t perfect and still had pain due to my first surgery in 1994 to fuse the old fashion way of piling up shave bone from my hip is the only one that will bend any at all. This created pain and In 2024 I had a nerve stimulator implant in my back. Not perfect but helps. Only saying these things so others can see why I am so over joyed for this E-Bike and how needed it is. My wife suggested I get one to get me out into the sun again. Because of hip pain I cannot walk great distances so this is a blessing. It is such peace to ride it. Even though I have a throttle I mostly do not use it as I am trying to strengthen my legs plus it is a bit boring to do so and typically use it to get me started and for a minute when I need to rest my legs.
signed,
Chief “Falling Apart”of the Old Age tribe

Yes Sir! Movement is our friend Keep on doin it man i am proud of you for that and would love to keep seeing you and pictures of your ride
while smiling!!

Keep on Keepin On my Friend!

 

[BubbAlou88]

That is awesome man and congrats on the tires! Certainly be careful of your back, i'd rather see pictures of you riding than sitting

Ok here is riding on a section of 7.5 mile park trails

https://imgur.com/gallery/riding-e-bike-park-8epSmle