Hi Folks. Just started riding a uni 2 weeks ago and bought a Nimbus Muni 29" with the Maxxi Ardent off-road tire. I’m taking on a 24-hour marathon in November and want to try out a more specific road tire to compare, so I can make the best choice for the event. Any advice on best tire for this kind of event?
2 inch Schwalbe Big Apple is a good tire for this. My road version of the Oracle came with one. I have 1000 miles on it and can say I like it although it’s the only 29er tire I have ridden.
Another vote for ‘Big Apple’ from me as well 
Will there be chance of rain and puddles/mud in November ? If so, you might want to look at one with a little more grip.
I had a Big Apple for a while, but the 2.5" version - bigger volume. I eventually sold it because I didn’t like how it was prone to road camber. I replaced it with a Maxxis Hookworm, also a 2.5. It’s a bit better, but it’s a heavier tire.
I read here that one of the best is the Marathon Supreme 2.0" - which I think is listed as a 28" tire. There’s several pages about 29" tires in the “Product Review” section of this forum.
Thanks for the info!
Thanks heaps, folks. And I’ll check out that review forum, cheers.
Best tire for 29" long-distance on bitumen?
Hi Folks. Just started riding a uni 2 weeks ago and bought a Nimbus Muni 29" with the Maxxi Ardent off-road tire. I’m taking on a 24-hour marathon in November and want to try out a more specific road tire to compare, so I can make the best choice for the event. Any advice on best tire for this kind of event?
I must have been half asleep when I first read your post about an hour ago.
You’ve only been riding a unicycle for 2 weeks and already you are taking on a marathon.
Crikey Charlie 
Well Done
If you can make 50 miles in 24 hrs, we can coin a new one
“Learning to ride for distance on a unicycle is easy as Pye!”
Realistically, what are your goals? Please dont tell us 120 miles…
Wish you the best of luck, and please tell us how you conquered the day.
, or if unfortunately flopped.
If you get a marathon plus (45mm variety of course), one thing is for certain… you will NOT have to worry about any flats. They are boat anchors, but I have them on my touring bike and love them to death. I had a nail go through the sidewall, heard a “tink tink tink” going down the road. Stopped. Took the nail out, and kept riding. Simple as that.
You can also have a look at the Maxxis Grifter that is lighter than the Hookworm (but I don’t know how it behave).
Long story short: there is plenty of road tires available for a 29er. But even the best one will not fill in for physical condition & experience.
Have a nice training and good luck with your marathon
I have one on my 20" freestyle uni, great tire. But ditto Sid, no idea how it behaves in 29". And ditto for training!
24-hour marathon
Thanks so much for all your comments, guys. In answer to the question about mileage, my PR for the 24-hour marathon on foot is 160km (100 miles). I’d like to achieve this on the uni (I was diagnosed with advanced osteo in my pelvis 3 months ago, so have been transformed from an ultra-runner to an ultra-unicycler!).
After a week of unicycling (now on a Nimbus 29 with Shwalbe Big Apple road tire) I’m up to 15km rides each day and gradually building the mileage, but my main issue now is the dull crotch ache I’m getting after an hour of continual flat riding. Any advice?? I have bought decent bike shorts, but I’m assuming it’s time to explore the following: a handle; a specialised long-distance saddle (if they exist) and maybe some cream. I’d welcome any input that will help with enduring long hours on the saddle!
Finding the right saddle is usually trial and error, and everyone is different. Some people use a bike seat for long distance road riding. I think a handlebar is pretty much required if you go down that route or else you slide forward and it gets uncomfortable.
Another good option is the KH Fusion Zero. It’s flat and a bit more bike-like than other uni saddles. It has fairly firm foam which is nice once you figure out the best way to use it, but can take a bit of getting used to.
On my 36er I have a Zero saddle with a handlebar. The saddle is set horizontal so it feels somewhat like a bike and the handlebar stops me sliding forward. On my 26er I have a Nimbus Gel saddle (probably the same as on your 29er) which I flattened and added a gonad groove to. Of the two of them I find the Zero/handlebar setup far more comfortable, although (disclaimer) my longest ride on it to date has been 1.5 hours and I haven’t taken it offroad (yet).
It’s easier to ride longer with a flatter saddle. Even then, it’s not a bad idea to just get off and walk for a few minutes every hour or so. That’s what I do.
I like simple solutions too 
Also don’t be afraid to lower the tire pressure a bit. I don’t notice any difference in terms of resistance but I certainly notice the improved control and comfort!
And thinking about it, if you are riding in the dark you might want a bit more control anyway.
Good luck.