I turned my old Trek 930 into a commuter and it works out fine. I've done everything I could to squeeze out more efficiency. I'm still not in the best shape but I can manage the 18 mile ride in about 1h5m to work and 1h20m on the way back and the bike weighs about 40lbs with the panniers loaded up. Right now I'm using Ritchey Tom Slicks which I've heard horror stories about with bead separation. They seem to be a decently fast tire but I'm afraid to run them at 85 psi so I keep them around 70 which is noticeably slower.

Furthermore, I've had two flats in the past day and I'm running liners. I've also seen horrible reviews for the liners I'm using ($40 Spin Skins) about how they wear through tubes and such. At this point, both the tires and liners (and maybe the bad tubes if I can get away with it) are going back to the store for a refund and I'm going to start over again.

What is the general consensus here on the best all around 26" tire combining rolling efficiency and puncture resistance? I'd like to keep them under 1.5" too, a 26x1.25 would be nice. Right now I'm looking at:


Specialized Armadillo Nimbus
Panaracer T-Serv
Conti City Contact


The other option is to just find a good fast tire and try to trust some Tuffy liners and/or Tru Goo. I've had great luck with Tru Goo for mtn bike tubes.

Right now dependability is key for me as I seriously hate changing tube on the side of the road when I just want to get home or don't want to be late for work. Technically I could drive my truck, but that just defeats the purpose doesn't it :p Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks a ton!