What tires for Spain?

[liam_dillon]

Hi all, a mate and i are heading off to Spain around the April time frame.
We were planning to take in a few unsurfaced roads/mountain passes etc.

Anybody know what condition these roads are like and do i really need some sort of nobbies?

I was looking a Metzler Tourance, but not sure if really needed.

thanks,
Liam

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

Hi all, a mate and i are heading off to Spain around the April time frame.
We were planning to take in a few unsurfaced roads/mountain passes etc.

Anybody know what condition these roads are like and do i really need some sort of nobbies?

I was looking a Metzler Tourance, but not sure if really needed.

thanks,
Liam

Tourances as opposed to what? They aren't knobblies BTW. The unsurfaced roads can be anything from good gravel to stuff where you would need knobblies, your choice. What tyres are you used to?

 

[sani]

I recomande to you the knobblies one they ar goog for road and off road.

 

[liam_dillon]

I've only got 4k on the clock so i've still got the factory fitted ones (don't know brand off top of my head). I don't think these have any off road ability.

I've never been to mainland Spain before, so unsure that unsurfaced really means. I had Tourance tires on my old F650, and thought they were fine. I wondering if these are sufficent for say 90% of unsurfaced roads, so should i play it safe and get full on nobbies. I've never really got on more than green lane roads to be honest and never used off road tires hence the email request for info.

Thanks,
Liam

 

[Timolgra]

I've ridden around the tracks in Andalucia on Tourances during the summer but remember it could be very wet in April.
If you use TKC80s you always have the option of taking that unexplored track you're bound to come across whereas you'd think twice on Tourances.

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

I've only got 4k on the clock so i've still got the factory fitted ones (don't know brand off top of my head). I don't think these have any off road ability.

I've never been to mainland Spain before, so unsure that unsurfaced really means. I had Tourance tires on my old F650, and thought they were fine. I wondering if these are sufficent for say 90% of unsurfaced roads, so should i play it safe and get full on nobbies. I've never really got on more than green lane roads to be honest and never used off road tires hence the email request for info.

Thanks,
Liam

I would be inclined to stick with 'trail' type tyres such as Tourances, you will soon find your limits on them. As Tim says it can rain in April, that is the time you stay on tarmac! Knobblies are best on unsurfaced roads but there is an awful lot of tarmac between you and the Pyrenees. If you haven't been there before you will be blown away without even going offroad, ride the N260!

 

[Allan Davies]

I totally agree with 'shenzi' stick with tourances, as the roads in Spain, or on the way down to Spain are great. Esp the N260 from Jaca (say Hacka) past the dam and well beyound all the way to Andora!
BTW I did a bit of marshalling on the Cambrain (enduro type advent) and believe me it was wet and slippy on the fire roads especially on the Strata Florida Just turn the ABS off and back the suspension of a little front and rear and let it slide and bounce underneath ewe it will improve your cofidence and road riding skills no end

 

[(RIP) Shenzi]

Just turn the ABS off and back the suspension of a little front and rear and let it slide and bounce underneath ewe it will improve your cofidence and road riding skills no end

It will also modify your bodily functions somewhat so be sure to take liberal quantities of immodium.

 

[BamBam]

TKC80s even in summer it can rain.......... Rivers swell and the baked tracks turn to mud.