Favorite tires

[roguedog]

Ok gals, time to buy some new 700x23 treads.

What do you like/rely on to get you down the road? Why do you like it?

I'm thinking Conti Gatorskins or Conti Grand Prix 4000s but am open to suggestions!

It'd be nice if they're relatively easy to get on and off during the flat repair process. Nothing more frustrating than having a wrestling match on the side of road with your wheels.

I'm debating between nice riding tires and tires with less possibilities of flatting..

[MartianDestiny]

I'm currently riding Conti Grand Prix 4 season, which are nice riding tires that I really like. No flats so far (between 2-400 miles I'd guess). BUT, that no flats is a darn good thing because they are a MAJOR PITA to install (to the tune of 15-30minutes a TIRE in my living room to switch them to my new rims after riding them for a couple hundred miles).

I'll probably be trying something a bit more forgiving to get on and off next time around. Not sure if the standard Grand Prix (rather than the 4 season) have the same issue or not.

[pinkbikes]

I had Maxxis Xeniths in a 700x20 on my roadie. Not because I chose them, but because it came with them three years ago. They have given great service and had barely a puncture. But I am told that the new version is not the same and they are purely a race tyre now, so would not offer the same long term performance.

So I have recently replaced them with a set of Maxxis Re-Fuse in a 700x23. They are quite obviously not a race tyre. But they are ridiculously puncture resistant and for me that is a biggie. I also find myself caught out in the rain a bit, so being sure-footed in the rain is important to me. And they are.

My recently-acquired Scott came with Conti Ultra Sport. I would avoid them like the plague if I could. I think I had three punctures in the first four rides! I went out and bought some Maxxis Re-Fuse for it too. No more punctures. And they are easy to put on and off. And they are certainly quite affordable. Not quite the pedigree of the Contis but they are doing nicely so far.

DH has had Conti Ultra Gators and finds them quite puncture-resistant but as slippery as anything when it is wet underfoot (undertyre?). So I guess it depends what characteristics you are after in your tyres.

[ridebikeme]

I too, would definitely recommend Maxxis tires. I ride the Courchevals, but sometimes will use the Detonators for training tires. In the shop I sell a lot of both, but because of price the Detonators seem to rule. Much easier to change a flat with Maxxis versus some of the other brands.:D

[Becky]

I'm a big fan of Vittoria Diamantes in both the 23 and the 25. Easy enough to put on, very supple and plenty of grip. I have a set of Conty Ultra Races (25) on another bike and, while they're good, I'm not sure I'd buy them again.

IME, Continentals in general are a wicked pain in the butt to change/install.

[Bike Chick]

I'm a big fan of Vittoria Diamantes in both the 23 and the 25. Easy enough to put on, very supple and plenty of grip. I have a set of Conty Ultra Races (25) on another bike and, while they're good, I'm not sure I'd buy them again.

IME, Continentals in general are a wicked pain in the butt to change/install.

DH and I both have Vittoria Diamantes and have been very pleased with them.

[Thorn]

For me, GP4000s ride a little nicer than the Gatorskins (which ride a little harsh for me). As I understand it (and I could be wrong), the GP4000s have the same kevlar band as the Gatorskins, but, unlike the Gatorskin, it does not extend up into the sidewall of the tire. Thus, if you kick up a lot of sharp stuff, the Gatorskin would be more flat protective. I've had good luck with the GP4000s.

Anothter tire I've ridden a bit is the Panaracer Duro. Getting it on the rims the first time is a real beast, but after that not so bad. They are a tough road tire and they ride somewhere in between the Gatorskin and the GP4000. I was running the Duros and DH the Gatorskins in Tucson in spring (where there is more glass and goatheads on the pavement than anywhere else). DH put glass through new Gatorskins; my Duros got cuts, but none of them did more than just nick the tread.

[redrhodie]

I really loved the speed of my Challenge Race tires, but I flatted almost weekly with them. Not worth the effort! Years ago, I used to ride Schwalbe Blizzards. They were cheap, but never flatted. I put them on my commuter at the beginning of winter after the Challenge tires had flatted so much, but they were an exhausting, slow ride. I ended up putting Micheline Pros on both my bikes. They're durable and fast, and come in nice colors.

[kermit]

I love the Conti grand prix 4000s but hate the price. Especially since I've been doing a lot of trainer riding, they wear out fast. I appreciate this thread because I am also looking for a new tire.

[ny biker]

I'm happy with the Gatorskins. Tough to get on the wheel but no tougher than the Vittoria Open Corsos that I used to have. I've used the Kool Stop lever which solved the problem, and I recently got a VAR tire lever because it's smaller. But I have gotten very few flats with these tires so the special tool is mostly just a precaution.

[Bike Goddess]

I use Vredesteins from Performance on both my Jamis and my Scott bike. (the ones on the Jamis are Vredestein Fortezza SE Road Tire, the ones on the Scott are grey on the top which makes them very easy to see what's on them) I rarely get flats. I always check them after a ride or if by some chance I happen to encounter glass on the road. One sticker we call "goat heads get in your tires without you knowing it and will cause flats regardless of the brand.

I have tried other brands, including the Conti and found they were too hard to get off the rims. Even the guys riding with me had trouble and they are strong willed and have stronger hands than I do. I want tires I can change by myself as I often ride alone.

The Vredestein Fortezzas are on sale right now for $29.99 which is far less than the Contis. I can get about 4-5000 miles on these tires. If you look up Performance bikes and get to the tire you will find reviews by others as well.

Also, depending on how much pressure you have in your tires affects flats. I now run on about 100lbs each wheel.

[short cut sally]

I swear by the Conti Gatorskins. There is however 2 types of gatorskins..the cheaper ones which are a bear for me to change and the Folding ones. Yes, they are a little more expensive than the non folding, but the aggrevation it saves me is worth it. I too am looking at getting new tires, and was thinking of changing to the Gran Prix 4 seasons by Conti but didn't know what the difference was so thanks to MartianDestiny, I think I will stick to my reliable folding gartorskin tires. The GranPrix were more expensive than the folding so I assumed they actually might have more kevlar and more strength, but guess not. Thanks

[VeloVT]

I have Schwalbe Stelvios on my bike right now. I confess that I bought them for the color, but I like them a whole lot. They aren't flat-prone, and they are very plush and grippy on the road. They are also nice and easy to get on/off the rims.

[Norse]

I love the Conti grand prix 4000s but hate the price. Especially since I've been doing a lot of trainer riding, they wear out fast. I appreciate this thread because I am also looking for a new tire.

+1 on the Conti GP 4000s. I first bought them after tiring of rear-wheel flats. I am on my 2nd set now - replaced because the 1st set finally wore thin, but they never had a flat. :) I also feel much more confident in the rain, going over gravel.... in the Conti's than I ever did with the stock Bontragers that came with the bike.

Kermit - for the trainer, I bought a cheap 2nd-hand wheel that had the same derailleur on it as my regular wheel, put one of the crappy old Bontrager slicks on, and just swap out wheels - rather than ruining my Conti's or dealing with changing tires - when I use the trainer.

[kermit]

Thanks, I have actually resolved the trainer issue, between the weather clearing up and also having a second bike for the trainer. I am looking at vittoria rubino pro 3's (good reviews) and they come in red. hhhmmmmm???????

[MartianDestiny]

I swear by the Conti Gatorskins. There is however 2 types of gatorskins..the cheaper ones which are a bear for me to change and the Folding ones. Yes, they are a little more expensive than the non folding, but the aggrevation it saves me is worth it. I too am looking at getting new tires, and was thinking of changing to the Gran Prix 4 seasons by Conti but didn't know what the difference was so thanks to MartianDestiny, I think I will stick to my reliable folding gartorskin tires. The GranPrix were more expensive than the folding so I assumed they actually might have more kevlar and more strength, but guess not. Thanks

Yea, the 4 Seasons are not folding and the bead is really stiff. Maybe I'll try the folding Grand Prix 4's next time around since it sounds like they go on better.

[tab123]

For an all-around tire, I prefer Conti 4 Season to Gatorskins. With the Gatorskins I felt every bump in the road even at lower PSI. A friend once described their ride as "square," which I think is apt. The 4 Season tires have held up well with city riding (read lots of glass and debris on the road).

[nscrbug]

Another vote for Vittoria Diamonte Pro's...I love mine! Prior to these, I was running Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks (stock tires that came on my bike) and they were pretty awesome, too - as I logged over 5,000 miles on these tires without a single flat!

I tried Conti GP 4000S tires once, and got a sidewall flat on my front with only 30 miles on the tire...was NOT happy about tossing out an expensive brand new tire. That left a bad taste in my mouth, and for that reason...I will likely not roll on Conti tires ever again. JMO.

[maillotpois]

I ended up putting Micheline Pros on both my bikes. They're durable and fast, and come in nice colors.

Another vote for the Michelin Pros. We have been using the Pro Race 3s (and before that, 2s) for years. They last a long time and I really didn't have any issues with flats.

My new bike has 2 way wheels so I am running tubeless Hutchinsons right now and like them so far.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm a Continental Grand Prix Four Seasons fan. 700 x 25, because we have some horrendous rocky farm country back roads around here that I go down. No 23's for me on roads like that. I am amazed at the scary stuff those tires just laugh at.

[CycleTherapy]

Vredestein Tri-Comp....

[Grog]

+ 1 for Schwalbe Stelvios

But even the Schwalbe Blizzards (cheaper) are great, very resistant, easy on and off. Love 'em!

[OakLeaf]

GP4000s for me. I get all kinds of mileage out of them (usually 4K front, over 2500 rear), might flat once or twice over the life of a tire. They have a rather triangular profile (similar to Dunlop motorcycle tires) so they're quick to turn in. Easy on, easy off, even when new (except for the part about identifying the directionality - I usually over-mark the arrow on the sidewall in silver sharpie before I install a tire the first time).

Plus, the blue perfectly matches Specialized bar tape. ;)

[TxDoc]

Hi Roguedog,
I use mostly Vredestein tricomp slick (700x23) for clinchers, and Tufo elite ride 23 (700x23) for tubulars. On my time trial bike I have 700x20 clinchers: Vittoria open corsa evo cx.
The Vredestein are fantastic tires, and very puncture-resistant. However, I like the feeling of tubulars, so the Tufo's are my favorite; very stable tires, great traction with our variable conditions (wind and flying sand one minute, rain the next), and the sealant prevents small punctures from ruining your day :)

[kermit]

Just ordered Serfas Seca RS from ebay. I gotta say the 4000s are worn and these were a great price with decent reviews. My road ride in Georgia is really tough and I thought I needed a little more tire...and they come in red.

[roguedog]

Thanks everyone.

Thought I'd sum up the replies so far for myself and then send it out for other's reference (plus for positive and minus for negatives):


Conti Grand Prix 4 season - +4
Maxxis Re-Fuse - +1
Maxxis Courchevals - +1
Maxxis Detonators - +1
Vittoria Diamantes - +2
Conti GP4000s - +3, -1
Panaracer Duro - +1
Micheline Pro - +2
conti gatorskins - +2
Vredestein Fortezzas - +1
Schwalbe Stelvio - +2
Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks - +1
Vredestein Tri-Comp - +2
Schwalbe Blizzard - +1,
Tufo elite ride 23 (tub) - +1

Conti Ultra Sport - +0, -1
Conty Ultra Races - +0, -1
Challenge Race - +0, -1
Conti Ultra Gators - +0, -1

Hey I'm no accountant so.. no guarantees on the counts!

[azfiddle]

A little late, and I don't have experience to compare with any of the other tires mentioned, but I've only had one flat with the gatorskins, and we have a lot of nasty thorns on Arizona roads. The flat was from a construction staple, btw.

Sharon

[Pedal Wench]

Wow -- no praises for Kenda? I love their Konstrictors and C2C and for all conditions, the Kaliente's. My mtb'ing friends all use the small-block 8's too. Huge fans. Plus, they're the first ones I can change without cursing or tears. :)

[redrhodie]

Another vote for the Michelin Pros. We have been using the Pro Race 3s (and before that, 2s) for years. They last a long time and I really didn't have any issues with flats.


In my haste to get through an intersection quickly, I ran right over a broken beer bottle last night. Held my breath, and didn't flat! Thankfully, they're pretty new. I rode my last pair down to a hare's breadth. They flat when you do that. :rolleyes:

[SLash]

My all time fave: Continental Grand Prix 4000S Bicycle Tire with Black Chili.
I got these about 2 years ago and love them.

http://www.ridebikeprogear.com/cyclinggear/cyclinggearproducts.aspx?pid=430

[tzvia]

Of all the tires I've tried, the best 'feeling' 23 on the road for me was the Vredestein Tri-Comp. Great grip great feel, not a rock hard bouncy feel like the Vittoria Open Corsa CXs I am currently using despite running them at a lower PSI. Too bad the Tri-Comps just don't hold up well on our less than stellar roads. I only got about 1000 miles from mine, the front had some 1/2 inch long gashes and the rear center tread had worn down to a slick. That's why I tried the Corsas. They look better after about the same amount of use on the same roads, no cuts so far and still good tread BUT I don't like them. They might as well be hard rubber and not pneumatic if they are going to feel this unforgiving. So I am searching too.

I had tried the Ultra Gatorskin 25s first to commute, then on my Ruby for a road ride, and they feel much better than the Corsas. I think that may be due to the lower pressure you run the 25 at. So I am thinking of doing possibly the Continental GP4000 25s; but I am going to check reviews before spending my hard earned $$. Whatever I get it will be 25c and not 23. I just wish those Vredesteins held up better...

[Becky]

I had tried the Ultra Gatorskin 25s first to commute, then on my Ruby for a road ride, and they feel much better than the Corsas. I think that may be due to the lower pressure you run the 25 at. So I am thinking of doing possibly the Continental GP4000 25s; but I am going to check reviews before spending my hard earned $$. Whatever I get it will be 25c and not 23. I just wish those Vredesteins held up better...

Yes to the 25s! One of my bikes came stock with 25s and I've fallen in love with how comfortable, yet still fast, they are. I'm done buying 23s. I just wish that more manufacturers offered a 25 option.

[Susan126]

Vredestein Fortezza TriComps are the only tires I use! I love them!

[SLash]

The Continental GP4000s with the black chili rubber compound only come in 700x23 but they are about the size of a 700x25. I had Conti GP4000 (not s) 700x23 before these and they were smaller in width (now have to push to remove wheel from fork). Reportedly the chili compound provides longer mileage and less rolling resistance. So far for me they have been very durable. Close to 2 years (4000 miles) and they look new. They are smoother on our crappy roads here too.

[sundial]

I really like Michelin Krylion. It's a nice round tire and it's fairly easy to slip on and off the rim when you have to change a tube.

[bluejellybean]

Does anyone have any opinions on the specialized roubaix tires? I might get a set on order tomorrow for my spec ruby comp. I'm mainly after something that's lightweight and not going to puncture after every week of riding! Does anyone know if they last a decent amount of miles?
Thanks!

[OakLeaf]

I thought the Krylions had been discontinued? But now I see that online merchants have them in stock - were they reintroduced?

[sundial]

Does anyone have any opinions on the specialized roubaix tires?

I had them on my bike and they seem to be a softer tire and didn't last as long as I had hoped. I think I got maybe 2000 miles out of them. :rolleyes:

Oakleaf, for some reason this tire sells out and production gets behind.