UKH

I’m looking to replace mtb tyres, with ones more road bias yet retaining some off road capabilities if possible.

I plan to use a mtb for spring to autumn touring exploring areas which would involve riding on roads, maybe up to 20-30 miles, to get to some more interesting remoter parts. Definitely some light off road of the likes of canal paths, rights of ways, farm tracks, forestry tracks and such like would be involved.

Wheels are 27.5in with a range of tyre width possible up to 2.25in max, though maybe 2.0in might be best. 

From a search online maybe Schwalbe Hurricanes could be a possibility for more road use though I wonder if they would cope without punctures from stones, etc., off road. Hutchinson Pythons are more aggressive for off road, but my LBS suggested they are prone to punctures!

Appreciate any suggestions/recommendations to narrow down my search. TIA. 

Youve not specified if youre thinking of tubes or tubeless.

I was impressed with Planet x Rock n Road in the 700 tubed version, not tried the 27.5 tubeless but I can only imagine its better
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TYPARR/rock-n-road-folding-tyre

If youre not looking for tubeless/folding then the continental double fighter would fit the bill also
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Continental-Double-Fighter-III-27-5-inch-MTB-Tyre_...

Panaracer Gravel king is another well reviewed tyre 
https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Panaracer-Gravelking-SK-TLC-27-5-Folding-Tyre_2361...

Ive a friend who rides these Hutchinsons and has been impressed by them
https://www.tweekscycles.com/uk/hutchinson-touareg-gravel-tyre-2015384/

Ive changed from the Rock n Road for my mixed rides as I prefer riding tubeless (my wheels are 700c which they dont do as a tubeless version for some reason). I use WTB nano which are really good but I wouldnt use them mostly on road.

Conti Travel Contact are good on the road and suited to light off road duty. I have them on my commuter MTB. Don't know if you can get then in gatorskin which is very puncture resistant in my experience.

I'm impressed that you haven't once used the word "run" in your post.

Tube or tubeless. I am happy using tubes if a more appropriate tyre available.

Thanks for suggestions.

Don't know if they come in 650b but if they do I've been really happy with these http://lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com/2020/05/vittoria-trail-tech-g-tubeles... the post also explains why I'm not very impressed with Gravelkings.

For a rear tyre I would go Vittoria Terreno zero 650 b X 47mm.  I use the 700c x 38mm version all year round on the rear, super fast, good corner grip, and only really struggles in deep mud, perfect all round tyre.  Perfect set up for touring, but would still want something with a bit more grip on front, maybe look at wtb 650b gravel tyers for front wheel or other Vittoria tyres.

I bought Conti X-Kings for touring, as they are supposed to be a fast rolling tyre, but they did wear very quickly. Friends were on Race Kings, which are probably a better mixed tread pattern if you're taking in a lot of road.

Maybe look at the Traffic - basically, anything with an obvious centre ridge and knobbly shoulders should do it.

I've used Pythons and haven't had any issues with punctures, including racing on them.

I'm running (did you see what I did there) a 40mm Toureg on rear on my gravel bike, tubeless with an Airliner. It can take some real aggro on the mtb trails I ride on it, very impressed. Great in the mud as well.

Thanks for all comments and suggestions; narrows down my search so much appreciated.

Let us know what you get and what you think

Will do.

As an alternative to Race Kings, Schwalbe Thunder Burts roll very fast

I decided to go for Python2 tyres for both front and rear. At least for the short term till I get a better feel of the balance of road/off-road terrain I might experience in my forthcoming rides to explore areas.

Main reasons being I’m used to aggressive mtb tyres (been decades since I used a road tyre!) so was swayed to more grip than less, and the Pythons were available locally.

They are now on the bike, with tubes, and I’ve used them on a local ride which I felt was worse than I would like to encounter using them. They coped well, better than I would have expected overall and particularly on softer stuff, yet were quite smooth on road.

I googled all the suggestions though, which was useful to make me think hard about what I think I want/need, so many thanks to all for them. The one that actually appealed most to me (looking from a mtb stance!) was the Touareg, but it’s probably more a 50/50 road/off road type and I am thinking there will be more on road use encountered.

I’ve kept a list of all suggestions in case the Pythons don’t work out for whatever reason! I’ve also still got a pair of part used more aggressive mtb tyres in store if needed that I can swap over easily for any particular journey.

 Thanks once again.