What Road Tires Do You Suggest?

[Jordyne]

Hi All,

I want to buy some new tires. I'm currently riding with very old Bontrager Hard Case Race Lite 700x23. What tires do you suggest? I want cheap but not too cheap. I'm doing 20-30 miles rides now but still very slow.

Also- I'd like to get a white/black tire or even blue/black combo. Any experience with these looking super nasty after getting dirty quickly or is it okay to do? My bike looks pretty beat up and I'm looking for cheap ways to make it nicer looking....thought adding some color in the tires couldn't hurt.

[ny biker]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.

[TigerMom]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.
I can understand the more comfort part, but I don't understand how a 700x25 cc can make you faster than a 700x23 cc since there is more friction contact with the road :confused:.

I have All Condition Armadillo tires (which do come in blue/black) with the slightly more expensive, lighter tubes. These tires are supposed to last around 2500-3000miles, but my friends' tires popped a tube at 2400 miles. The Armadillo tires are heavier than the tires that I originally had, but I don't want to worry much about flats/changing tubes.
____________________________________

2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[ny biker]

I can understand the more comfort part, but I don't understand how a 700x25 cc can make you faster than a 700x23 cc since there is more friction contact with the road :confused:.

Well my eyes glaze over when I try to read about tires, but there are a number of articles out there about it. Here are two:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/tech-faq-seriously-wider-tires-have-lower-rolling-resistance-than-their-narrower-brethren_209268

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/03/bikes-and-tech/technical-faq/tech-faq-again-bigger-tires-roll-faster_209888

[indysteel]

I have had good luck with Vittoria Rubino Pro tires. I have only used black on black though, so I can't speak to your other question.

[marni]

3 cross country rides and a lot of miles in between on Bontrager race liotes with kevlar and never a flat. I don't plan to change tire brands anytime soon. 3 sets of tires in 40,000 miles over 5 years is enough proof for me. Nor were they entirely worn out, I just routinely put a new set of tires on before a cross country ride. I also check my tires after every ride for nicks cuts and stuff stuck into them. I am a great believer in the "an ounce of prevention= a pound of cure" approach.

[Crankin]

I loved the Conti 4000s, also. DH went and bought some other ones for my Kuota, though... so far, so good. I have had hardly any flats in 11 years, most of them being last year on my tour, when the roads in NY state were just full of glass.
I have the Gatorskins on my Guru. I hope I never get a flat, as I've heard they are awful to take off.

[Owlie]

I hear good things about the Continental GP 4000 and Gatorskins--I'm planning on getting either of those when my current set wear out. I prefer the ride of 25s to 23s. As for speed, I'll make me faster to a greater extent than my tires will. ;)

Never done anything other than solid black tires, so I can't answer your other questions.

[murielalex]

On the advice of my lbs, I have Gatorskins. Can't say I know any different, since these are the only tires I've used, but I've put about 600 miles on my bike so far, and I've had zero problems.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Like some of the folks above, I recommend the Continental GP 4000S. I've got about 1400 miles on my current set. These tires have endured riding on gravel and broken glass without ever flatting. Aside from that, they are sweet riding - smooth, comfy, and they handle curves beautifully (i.e., they feel very secure when the bike is heeled over).

[OakLeaf]

I love my GP4000s as well, but the OP wanted cheap....

They do last a very long time (I typically get 2500 miles out of a rear and nearly 4000 from a front), but even so, I'm not sure they're all that economical a choice. But they do handle beautifully and stick like glue.

FWIW, my blue ones clean up fine, for those who are obsessive enough to wash their tires. ;)

[smittykitty]

We were riding the Specialized tires that came on our Ruby/Roubioux. One bike with white trim, other red trim. Very cool, I guess. I actually thought they were a little showy, but when I get riding, it is the last thing I think about! That's just me though. And yeah, they got a bit dirty, but not bad. Never washed them. It kinda made the bright white fade to be a little less showy!

We were getting tired of the occasional flats. LBS recommended the Armadillos in 25s. Headbang! We each had a set of Bontrager Race Lite Hard Case 25s on our Trek FXs that aren't getting ridden. Only used one season when we upgraded to road bikes. The lbs guys (Specialized store) said the Bontrager's are also very good tires, just use them.

Those lbs boys road race and also said the 25s are not only more comfortable, but a bit faster. I know it doesn't make sense, but I figure they should know!

Don't know if I'm very slightly faster because of the tires (they didn't slow me down any for sure) or if the engine is slightly improving :o I did feel a bit more stable first time out on a neighborhood hill. Always felt like I needed to hold back a bit before. Now I let her go full speed.

By the way, the original Race Lite 32s that went back on the FXs were way slower than the 25s. My science/engineering background is nonexistent so don't understand why 25s should be faster than 23s and way faster than 32s. Some things we just don't need to understand. Lots of other stuff my poor brain has to worry about!

Oh, and so far no more flats (knock wood). Only one flat between us the last 5 to 6 years with the Race Lites. I picked up a huge roofing nail in the 32s several years ago.

[Desert Tortoise]

Conti GP4000 here too. Love these, handle so well on the fine sand patches where I ride. Just a few hundred miles but so far so good with the various thorns and debris on the roads.

I know you said cheap but the price is so worth it to not have to fix flats and just have better handling.

[Jo-n-NY]

I also just recently heard from one of the bike company salesman that they will begin putting 25's on their road bikes including race bikes in 2013's. Reason, smoother/faster and they way the corner turns. I didn't fully understand it, just passing on what I heard.

All my tires have been Specialized and we always use Mr. Tuffy's regardless. I change tires once a year or 3000 miles when the treading is worn.

[featuretile]

I had a pair of Gatorskin Hardshell tires 700/23 and they lasted 4700 miles without a flat. My LBS finally said the side walls were ready to go and I needed new tires. They recommended replacing them with 700/25 for better handling on roads with potholes and bad pavement. Since I don't want to change flats on the road, I love these tires. Even though they cost more, they last twice as long and no money is spent on tubes. So, saving money on inexpensive tires might actually cost more.

[Chicken Little]

Gatorskins all the way.

[Dogmama]

Conti 4-seasons for me. But I think any continental tire is good. I just hate flats. Conti's also come in colors.

If you're concerned about flats, get some decent tubes too. I ride butyl michelins & like them. Race tubes are too thin. I buy the tubes from Amazon for a fairly good price.

[KerryCrow]

Conti 4 seasons for me...put over 3 k of pretty tough NC,SC roads on them last year. No flats, just started to lose their tread shape.

[goldfinch]

What do people recommend for 650 tires in 23 or 25cm?

[goldfinch]

How about these? (http://www.teamestrogen.com/prodCO_C1020123.html)

:D

Hey, I should have looked! Thanks. :)

[Sky King]

ok, I just have to chime in. Just got back from riding 35 miles on my 650B X 2 inch Grand Bois Hetre's - average speed just under 16mph on my all steel touring bike (unloaded), no tailwind, no drafting. I am an average 56 year old bike rider.
HUGE smile on my face. Our roads are all chip seal. I can't imagine riding a 23cm tire, ever. Even the pro's ride at least a 25cm and sometimes a 28cm in road races.
For me, comfort, no pinch flats, no getting bucked off at the slightest bump or pot hole.
I hope you decide on at least a 25cm and hopefully a 28cm.

Feel free to go read the Schwalbe website about speed and tire width and rolling resistance. OH and go have fun :)

[goldfinch]

ok, I just have to chime in. Just got back from riding 35 miles on my 650B X 2 inch Grand Bois Hetre's - average speed just under 16mph on my all steel touring bike (unloaded), no tailwind, no drafting. I am an average 56 year old bike rider.
HUGE smile on my face. Our roads are all chip seal. I can't imagine riding a 23cm tire, ever. Even the pro's ride at least a 25cm and sometimes a 28cm in road races.
For me, comfort, no pinch flats, no getting bucked off at the slightest bump or pot hole.
I hope you decide on at least a 25cm and hopefully a 28cm.

Feel free to go read the Schwalbe website about speed and tire width and rolling resistance. OH and go have fun :)

I would like to get 25s for my Madone that also has 650 wheels. But I can't seem to find the Continental GP4000s in that size, only the 23s. Any other good tires to recommend?

(If you are average I am very below average. Which I guess I am for a rider that rides quite a bit.)

[Sky King]

[QUOTE=goldfinch;642567]I would like to get 25s for my Madone that also has 650 wheels. But I can't seem to find the Continental GP4000s in that size, only the 23s. Any other good tires to recommend?

you aren't below average silly, you just need a NEW BIKE - KIDDING

okay I did some research, Terry makes a 650C in 28mm. Not finding any 650C in a 25. TELLUS TT TIRE 650 X 28C (28-571)by terry MSRP is $45.

To determine if they would fit, measure the clearance (where your tire goes thru the frame) Look at your existing tires and see how much room you have
on the front fork and two spots on the frame on the rear (where the tire passes thru) The bike hermit is thinking you'd want to have 32 mm at bare minimum to fit a 28 mm.
Typically tires will measure slightly smaller than stated - around 26 mm as opposed to 28 mm.

Hope that helps, how frustrating to be limited to only a 23mm.

[goldfinch]

[QUOTE=goldfinch;642567]I would like to get 25s for my Madone that also has 650 wheels. But I can't seem to find the Continental GP4000s in that size, only the 23s. Any other good tires to recommend?

you aren't below average silly, you just need a NEW BIKE - KIDDING

okay I did some research, Terry makes a 650C in 28mm. Not finding any 650C in a 25. TELLUS TT TIRE 650 X 28C (28-571)by terry MSRP is $45.

To determine if they would fit, measure the clearance (where your tire goes thru the frame) Look at your existing tires and see how much room you have
on the front fork and two spots on the frame on the rear (where the tire passes thru) The bike hermit is thinking you'd want to have 32 mm at bare minimum to fit a 28 mm.
Typically tires will measure slightly smaller than stated - around 26 mm as opposed to 28 mm.

Hope that helps, how frustrating to be limited to only a 23mm.

Thanks Sky, I'll measure for clearance.

EDIT: nope, not going to fit

[Sky King]

[QUOTE=Sky King;642698]

Thanks Sky, I'll measure for clearance.

EDIT: nope, not going to fit

crap, if I come across anything I will PM you.

[Helene2013]

An old thread but it may do just the same instead of inventing the wheel. hihi

As recommended here somewhere on the forum for me, I am going to change my 23mm tires for some 25mm.

I called my LBS to see what they recommended for my Kuota's wheels (I have Amercican Classi Aero 420 wheels)
http://www.amclassic.com/en/products/road-wheels/420-aero-3

They said what is left in stock are the Roubaix Armadillo Elite at $80Cdn and the Armadillo All condition at $70. I will certainly shop on line before as prices are always a lot, even with the 15% rebate I get (it only covers our taxes here).

Now, I'm looking for comfort, grip and better control on my bike. I don't care much for speed, tight corners, etc. He said both are good but in my case, the all around would do just the same. The Elite is foldable. That would be the main difference.

I printed the specs of both tires and I don't understand all of it. ie. casing of Elite is 120tpi vs 60 for the all condition.

So which one would you opt to purchase for what I am looking for? Or would it be something different?

Price is not really an issue (although money does not grow on tree) as I like to have the best quality/value for the $ possible.

Thank you very much.

[Trek-chick]

I just bought some Continental GP 4000S for a great deal--got 2 for $80. Plan to use them with my new custom wheel set when it arrives, I heard great things about these tires.

[Owlie]

I have a set of Continental Gatorskins for both my road and CX bikes, though the CX bike still has the knobblies on there. 25mm for the roadie, 28mm for the CX.

I have a set of Continental Grand Prix 4000S for the road bike as well, once I've gone through the Gatorskins.

The TPI is "threads per inch" and is essentially the weave on the cloth that makes up the body of the tire. High TPI means that it'll roll more easily, but is less puncture-resistant. If you're going for puncture resistance and don't care so much about the rolling resistance, go for a low-TPI tire. Folding tires (probably the Elite) are lighter (in general) than a wire-bead tire. Wire beads are heavier, but they stay on the rim better. (Which is a plus if you ride hard, but it's a bear changing flats.)

I'm a Continental fan, myself. I don't know about the durability of Specialized's tires (I think that's what those are). For the Continental tires we've mentioned, the Gatorskins are higher rolling resistance (I think), less "grippy" compound, but are hard-wearing. The GP4000 is softer, a bit grippier. It's a "faster" tire. The downside is that it's not as puncture-resistant, though they may have changed something with the 4000S to fix that.

[Helene2013]

Thank you. I love your explanation too on the TPI. :)

So for me, I will look for a low TPI. I want to avoid flats. (told you somewhere I paranoid on that hahaha).

I was reading this to hubby and he said he would prefer not to use wire ones. He knew about changing flats and he'd be the one having to do this for me (lucky me I know!) I don't ride hard either. For time being, I mostly do bike paths (we have some nice ones around area) and I'm just fine for now with this. I am very careful where I "step" with my wheels. :) But I told him I wanted comfort and a tire that grips to the ground vs one that is barely touching the ground. I want to feel the road. Not fly over it. :)

Someone at work was telling me about the Continental Gatorskin Clincher. I'll have to look it up.
http://www.probikekit.ca/bicycle-tyres/continental-gatorskin-clincher-road-tyre/10780033.html

[TrekDianna]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.

Agreed. I put 28's on my bike before leaving for Cycle Oregon - over 400 miles this last week and not a single flat! There were a couple guys I saw who seemed to be constantly changing flats.

[Dogmama]

I still like my continental 4-season tires. If you want road gripping ability, these have a nice tread. I easily get 2,000 out of them. We've had really sandy/dirty roads since the monsoons and I rarely feel any slippage while going around corners.

[Helene2013]

Well then I think I'll look for those Continental. I also read great things about them.

I wrote to American Classiscs to see what was the max witdth I could put on my wheels and they never wrote back. Bummer.

But LBS told me it was 25mm. I think I should be fine with 25mm anyway. Can't be worst than the 23mm. Add the grip and I'll be good to go. :) I hope.

[Dogmama]

Initially, continentals are a bear to get on. After they've been on your rim, they loosen up a bit, so removing for a flat isn't an issue. Just a warning. I actually use a tire tool made to mount tires onto rims (not the levers that most people carry). I have arthritis in my hands, though, so grip strength is an issue.

[Helene2013]

I've been told by a friend to seriously look into the Gatorskin and Ribble (in UK) has a great deal on 2 tires and 2 tubes
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/tyres-road-tri-track-folding-continental-gatorskin-25-twin-pack-inc-tubes/conttyrf203

It may be the cheapest I will be able to find.

I tried calling my LBS (I always prefer to encourage local, and where I bought my bike as they offer very good service) and unfortunately, they can't get the Gatorskin anymore. Will only be for 2014. And it would go for $55/tire.

So my deal at $73.39 plus 8$ shipping (if order under $100) is worth it at this point.

I just don't know if I will have it on time to leave for Nashville in just over 2 weeks. I would not want the order to be returned to UK because it was not picked up on time at post office. argggh lol

[Helene2013]

I just placed to order with Ribble. So we'll see when those tires come in and how much I will like them. :)

Thank you all for your input.