if climbing traction is all you are worried about just make sure your gearing is such that you can stay seated most of the time and I think you'll be good with whatever you choose to bring. You will probably get tons of varied opinions here and just get in murkier water than when you started.

Article says 33, you think that is overkill for the road riding you want to do....so how about 28 and call it a day? Now that gravel grinding is 'the thing' you will find a lot more options in the 25-34c range

 

25's will be totally fine. Drop 10psi and tear the dirt/gravel apart. I have 25's on my jake the snake and ride full on single track for miles when i get bored pounding pavement on long road rides.

Road bikes make super fun mountain bikes

rog

 

Thank you for the recommendations and advice!!! I was thinking of just going to the 28's and called my local bike shop and was able to talk with the mechanic who has cycled the carriage roads. He was in agreement with you both. Said I could stay with the 25's as long as I felt OK on them or go a bit wider - 28 or 30, so I'm going by there in a day or two and let him have a look at the condition of my tires. I am thinking I will stick with 25's - just maybe get new ones.
That Jake the Snake is an awesome bike!

 

sweet^^^^^^^

yes the kona is awesome. aluminum, more aluminum, carbon fork and 105/ultegra. as much of a bike as 99% of cyclists need. not expensive, nothing fancy, total serviceability

enjoy the slicing and dicing!

rog

 

One more quick question - if you don't mind...The tire pressure range is 100-120 on the tire (95-125 online) So how low would you go? I am a bit afraid of going too soft and getting a puncture - so would you take 10 psi off the mid-range. I usually run at about 105-110.
Thanks
Almost bought the Kona, but it was winter in Lake Placid when I looked at it and my impulse control was working. Now you got me thinking...

 

i'm 165lbs for evah and run like 105-110 on pavement depending if wet or dry.

rides with a ton o dirt like if i'm riding round mt washington and hit up the jefferson notch road (highest maintained road in the state dirt/gravelly, can be quite loose, and pinkham b road, i'll run like 100. i have gone as low as 95, but 100 is magic/safe so it seems.

i run maxxis re-fuse 700x25 which are smaller in size than say most bontrager's or conti's.

brilliant tire with amazing grip pattern for cruizing singletrack/dirt roads.

if you are light you can go lower.

rog

 

Thanks so much! I am smaller/lighter but I think I'll stick with around 100. Really appreciate your time and expertise.
Maryann

 

anytime, Maryann. enjoy!

rog