I'm never to "tire-d" for TE
I feel like I'm stuck in tagline world. I can't help myself after my last thread, "A Wheel Compromise"
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=10734
So, I think I will wait until spring to upgrade my wheels, though Deb's mention of being stuck if I break a spoke, has definitely got me worried. I still haven't tackled changing a flat yet (I plan on doing a practice run when I get my own cheapo wheels back - don't want to risk damaging the expensive demos. "you break, you buy"?:o )
Which brings me to the subject of tires. I would like to simply change my tires for now - go from the 25's to 23's, but have heard mixed reviews. My BF swore by the Conti-GP3000, which are near impossible to find now. It looks like they've since upped it to the GP4000 (which BF tried last year, and took 2 spills from- due to lower traction). But when I've looked up this tire online, they are using words like 'clincher' in the description. Does that mean they've made the grip better now? I also read that the GP3000 is comparable to the Michelin Pro2 Race - but that the Michelin is prone to flats.
What tires do you use on your road bikes? Also, for the record - I most likely will not be riding in wet weather (unless forced by unforseen circumstances).
Many thanks to all my wonderfully smart, beautiful, strong and curageous TE friends!!!:D
Michelins, Specialized, Continental
I've run all of the above tires, Michelins (can't remember the #); specialized pro comps (i think); continentals - not hte 3,000 number but the level below that which I think is a 2,000 number as I recollect. Sorry, I'm not a real gear head so I never remember all the model numbers. The conti tires are excellent, not as soft rubber as the Michelins that I had so they are not quite as forgiving on the road, the Specialized pro comp works great too (very comparable to the Michelins
The contis are more durable cause they are not as soft. Softer the rubber, the better traction, the faster they wear out. The softer tire will adhere to the road a little better and give a little better ride.
Smaller tire equals less rolling resistance which means that it is easier to pedal. I used to ride 19s in California - the roads were better than they are here where I live. I now run 23s. If you ride a smaller tire, it will make your bike feel stiffer. If you want a more forgiving ride, you should ride a larger tire. It is sort of a personal preference and also a balancing act between do you want comfort or less rolling resistance.
If you have trouble changing a flat, be aware, that tires act different when you are taking them off the wheel. Some are really hard to get off and some are really easy. (this varies from brand to brand) The ease of changing a tire is also affected by the size, generally, it is harder to get a smaller tire off! So if that is an issue, check them out to make sure you can get the dang thing off the rim! Take them home, learn to change your tire at home, change it 2 times in the living room. Then go ride!
Hope I didn't confuse you. If you have questions, give me a holler.
