Tires

[Miranda]

Trying to figure out what to buy makes my head hurt. OK, I've looked at some threads here, and read some reviews of what my lbs has suggested for tires.

The lbs has suggested:
option #1: Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700x25 ($40 tire)
option #2: Serfas Seca 700x23 ($38 tire)

This is the first thing I have had to replace on my bike. Giant OCR1. My tires now are Kenda Kontender 700x26. I have a bulge in the front tire that the lbs said it's just wearing out. *knocks on wood* I have never had a flat to date. I don't know if it helps that I keep them pumped up to 120psi most every ride, or that I am a lighter rider low 120#s?

I read a pro to the Bontrager is that it's very punture resistant. Con: heavier, and maybe not so smooth???

I'm not sure which Seca this one is (thus I posted the price to help sort it out if you own it/ know it). The lbs said it would roll faster for me, and is a really nice tire.

I do have some stability issues due to health, but do ok on my 26 tire now. I carry the supplies for the flat, etc. but fear I would have a bike stupid attack trying to change it. Smoother/faster for the Seca sounds nice though... less work riding means more enjoyment, ya know? *sighs with migraine*

Any thoughts on which way to go?

[Andrea]

I have been riding Kenda tires for a year now, and I think they're a great combo of durability and smoothness. They make several 700x23c road tires (the "kriterium" comes in 25c, too), and several commuter tires (I have the Kwick Roller Sport on my commuter) that come in larger sizes (26c and up). They all have some degree of flat protection (depending on what you get).

I found the road tires to be a great compromise- they are durable (not so much as something like a conti "gatorskin"), and they have good grip & a smooth ride (though not quite as grippy/smooth as a conti 4000 & the like)


-Oh yeah... and I still like them, even though I'm riding for a different team next year

[indysteel]

I run Vittoria Rubino Pros on my bike (700 x 23). I get a good deal on them at probikekit.com for about $23. They retail for nearly twice that in most shops. I've had good luck with them in terms of flat resistance (never had one; knock on wood) and I like the ride quality. I think they're fairly easy to mount, too, at least on my rims.

As an aside, has anyone ever suggested running less pressure in your tires? I know it's a personal thing but 120 psi for a 700 x 26 tires, at your weight, sounds high to me. You might play around with the pressure to see if you like the ride quality better at a lower psi, say 100-105. At your weight, I wouldn't worry about pinch flats at that psi. Your tires might corner a bit better at a lower psi, too. Certainly in wet condidtions, I would suggest lowering the psi a bit.

[Becky]

+1 on the Vittorias. I have Diamantes mounted right now, with a pair of Rubino Slicks waiting in the wings. I have ridden several models of Kendas as well, and find them to be good bang for the buck.

I've never ridden the two that you mention, but the Bontragers sound like they'd be heavy. It depends a little what your tire need is. Heavy "flat-proof" tires are great on my commuter (Panaracer Paselas here), but not so much on the "go-fast" bike.

Indy has a good point about tire pressure. I'm about your weight, and rarely run more than about 105psi, even though the Diamantes are rated up to 150psi. Might be something to experiment with...

[Miranda]

Thx you ladies that have responded thus far. It's hard when you only have "one" experience with something to decide.

There are some other things on my bike I have switched up that I know what I'm looking for. But, not the tires yet.

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Ok, still absorbing info...

[7rider]

I have the Hardcases on my commuter. I like them just fine. Roll nicely...no flats all summer. Great tire, in my opinion. Of those two, I think you'll be happy with the Bontis.

Trying to figure out what to buy makes my head hurt. OK, I've looked at some threads here, and read some reviews of what my lbs has suggested for tires.

The lbs has suggested:
option #1: Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700x25 ($40 tire)
option #2: Serfas Seca 700x23 ($38 tire)

This is the first thing I have had to replace on my bike. Giant OCR1. My tires now are Kenda Kontender 700x26. I have a bulge in the front tire that the lbs said it's just wearing out. *knocks on wood* I have never had a flat to date. I don't know if it helps that I keep them pumped up to 120psi most every ride, or that I am a lighter rider low 120#s?

I read a pro to the Bontrager is that it's very punture resistant. Con: heavier, and maybe not so smooth???

I'm not sure which Seca this one is (thus I posted the price to help sort it out if you own it/ know it). The lbs said it would roll faster for me, and is a really nice tire.

I do have some stability issues due to health, but do ok on my 26 tire now. I carry the supplies for the flat, etc. but fear I would have a bike stupid attack trying to change it. Smoother/faster for the Seca sounds nice though... less work riding means more enjoyment, ya know? *sighs with migraine*

Any thoughts on which way to go?

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Rough road surfaces are another reason why a 10-20 lb lower air pressure might improve your ride. It struck me as well that you were perhaps pumping up a little too hard.

You don't really say how important speed vs. number of flats is to you and your style of riding. Yeah, we all want to be fast and we all hate flat tires, but... If fastness is very important to you, a lighter tire will help. But a highly puncture resistant tire will be heavier than a plain lightweight/thin racing tire. Many tires offer a combination of both, but no one tire will be the fastest AND the most puncture resistant. In between, there is much variation leaning towards one or the other.

I myself have a strong flat resistant preference, and my favorite tires are 700x25c Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires. They are expensive though, and if you want something puncture resistant and 'similar' but half the price then I'd recommend the Pasela Panaracer with TourGuard Kevler belt, 700x25-26c, which run for I 'think' about $25 each? Neither of these tires are particularly heavy, but they certainly do weight a bit more than light racing tires.

[Miranda]

Thx BSG...

Well, I'm kinda freaked about changing a flat out in the middle of no where. I carry a cell phone, and the supplies both though.

I wish I had some more experience of something skinner and faster to compare my 26 too. I'm pondering if the shop might have any bike close to my size with 23s on them I could just spin a close test ride on.

Now, this is an extreme example... but I know I hate riding my mtb on the pavement after getting my road bike. It's like as one shop guy put it to me, "I'm gettin' no where fast". Before, I never really knew the difference. Frustrating waste of leg energy.

Hmm, I wonder if going with a skinner 23 tire, but one that's still pretty puncture resistant... cutting down my psi as you ladies suggest might give me a balance.

Bomb proof feathers... yea, that's what we ALL need for sure.

[uforgot]

I have the Bontrager Hardcase. I have the 28c ones because my lbs told me that the 25s and 23s were hard to get a flat on, but also extremely hard to get on and off. He said the 28s were easier, but they are also bear to get on and off! I've done it 3 times (pinch flat on initial install) and can do it, but I hope I don't have to do it often. They also ride a little rough. If you google hardcase reviews, you will get other opinions on this and it seems that it's the big con to these tires. You may want to tell your lbs that you are freaked about changing the tire and see what they say. If you don't have a lot of experience changing tires you need to practice. Especially if you go with the Bontragers.

I also worry about chip and seal. It can get really rough. Let us know what you end up with. I'm also always looking for that perfect "do all" light tire.

[Miranda]

I have the Bontrager Hardcase. I have the 28c ones because my lbs told me that the 25s and 23s were hard to get a flat on, but also extremely hard to get on and off. He said the 28s were easier, but they are also bear to get on and off! I've done it 3 times (pinch flat on initial install) and can do it, but I hope I don't have to do it often. They also ride a little rough. If you google hardcase reviews, you will get other opinions on this and it seems that it's the big con to these tires. You may want to tell your lbs that you are freaked about changing the tire and see what they say. If you don't have a lot of experience changing tires you need to practice. Especially if you go with the Bontragers.

I also worry about chip and seal. It can get really rough. Let us know what you end up with. I'm also always looking for that perfect "do all" light tire.

Thx Claudia... I appreciate that.

I had read that for reviews that they were hard to change. The folks stated in their specs that the tire they owned was the 23. From what I can tell on the Bontrager web site for tech, it has some extra lip/something (besides the material) that probably makes it hard to do. Plus, the same stuff that makes it hard to flat.

I don't have great hand strength or the best dexterity of my fingers. I'm not sure if it's mild arthritis or what. Stuff like wrestling the tire on the rim are probably harder for me than the average lady with more nimble hands.

I have never done it by myself before. You've just given me some winter project inspiration. I think I do indeed need to practice, despite the hands. At home in my garage, without traffic stress, and worries about it being on right to make it home.

That's always been one of my bike dreams. To feel confident enough about some DIY.

[Miranda]

ATM, the lbs has my bike putting tires on her. I went with the Serfas Seca RS in a 23. My bike is white/silver/black, so I got the gray/black set. They should pop up in this link on Serfas' site....

http://www.serfas.com/product.asp?ProductID=248

I went to the shop and did a short test ride on a set of 23s on a used demo (just in a parking lot). Going straight was ok. Corning was... OMG ... compared to my current 26s.

Hope I will get used to that in time. The lbs owner said they have carried them for a few years and have not had any complaints. Hope that is true for me too.

She will be ready tomorrow. If the weather holds nice, I'll report back how a true road test went.

EDIT: *huge sigh* This is the first time my girl has been away from home overnight since I've had her. My formal dining (aka, 'the bike room') looks so empty! I feel like part of me is missing.

[Miranda]

My girl is home now with her new tires. Only had time for a very short spin close to home today. I can indeed feel the difference in the rolling resistance on the 23s. Things just seem like a bit less work to pedal. So far, I'd have to say I like the 23s. The shop said they pumped them to 130psi (the tire max). That I'll have to play with per suggestions.

[Andrea]

Glad to hear you're liking them so far...

I'd try running them around 105 psi and see how they feel.

[Miranda]

Glad to hear you're liking them so far...

I'd try running them around 105 psi and see how they feel.

Thx Andrea... I'll give it a whirl. Chip and seal is rough, ouch.

[Miranda]

Do you see the piece of glass in this picture?



Do you see it... NOW?!?!



Yea, OK... great ...the new tires have been home literally 24 hours and this is what I ran straight over. This was right in our sub, close to home.

There is a blind curve obstructed with the neighbor's heavy landscaping. Cars can't see around the curve until they are right in the apex (which they usually cut short). I could however hear the car coming. Thus, my focus was on the traffic...

But the car wasn't SO loud that I still heard this nasty *crunch* sound right under my girl's new tires. Since I was close to home, I rode back to look for the crunching object. Once ID-ed, I had to take a pic. Knock on wood... tires still holding air atm. GHEEZ...