Am I ready for these tires??

[bcipam]

I ride on 700x25's. I strongly recommend getting a Gatorskin type tire. I got a pair for my bike this summer after spending every other ride last summer changing flats. I had a rocky start with the GatorSkins this spring with a couple flats but have since been flat free. I ride on some really trashy shoulders 5 to 6 days a week. Being flat free is saying alot! I also use Slime tubes.

Don't be afraid to change a flat! Just practice a few times at home. It's not that hard, just a little messy if you're changing the back tire. bikerHen

I'm with Bikerhen... 700 X 25 and get Gatorskins. Also ask your LBS mechanic to show you how to change a tire. It's really not all that hard then I suggest you practice. Take the wheel in with you and while watching TV take the tire off and on, off and on. The hardest part is just knowing how to get everything organized to change tires then sometimes, just getting the last part of the tire back on the rim. Also some gals have a problem getting the rear wheel off. I have my own technique but wouldn't work for everyone. I do suggest you turn your bike upside down. Just so much easier for a woman that way. And practice putting the wheel on and off the bike as well as changing the tire.

If you have a bike club in your area get and see if they do tire changing clinics. I know my club does one at least every other month. I've learned over the years how to fix alot of little mechanical things so that's one less worry I have while riding.

[DeniseGoldberg]

If you like the way the bike rides with the 700x23 tires, get them!

There are different levels of quality in all size tires. You certainly can put a good quality 700x23 tire on the bike - although I would check with your LBS about the quality of the tire that comes with the bike. You could always have them switch to a better quality tire if necessary.

But - you should also learn how to change a tire. Flats don't have to happen often, but it's best to be prepared.

--- Denise

[KnottedYet]

Also might want to look into some of the "alternative" tire changing tools. I use a Crank Bro's SpeedLever on my 700x38 commuter tires. It makes getting the tires on and off much easier for my wimpy hands.

I've heard they don't work as well on the smaller width tires, so ask your LBS what they think.

[betagirl]

I have 1 bike with 700x25 and 1 with 700x23's. As others have said, flats are a fact of life with cycling. I recommend practicing at home so in case you do get a flat, you're prepared. When I first changed a tube, it took me FOREVER. Now I can change a rear flat in under 10 minutes. Part of that reason is I got a lot of practice this year commuting. Lots of glass on the road. I use kevlar tires now, which has helped. I've noticed that performance bike's tubes aren't that great. I think some of my flats were from a failed valve stem versus a hole. I haven't taken the time to look them all over though. I have a continental gatorskin on my front tire and michelin erilium kevlar tire on the rear of my Trek 1200. Both are 25's. On my Lemond I have vredestein fortezza SE's, which are 23's. Those are higher peformance. I use the Trek to commute. Other than tubes, having a good frame pump is key also. Topeak makes good ones.

Hope that helps.

[FloridaGal]

Thanks Everyone. I will discuss your tips with the LBS. I feel more confident now!

[Grog]

I ride on 700X23 and my last flat was about 4000 km ago in the rainy months when the street shoulders are not cleaned very often and all the grit accumulates there.

However, you HAVE to learn to fix a flat. It makes you more autonomous and much less vulnerable. As soon as you get your new bike (lucky you) practice in your garage. Go to an introductory mechanics class. Ask your bike mechanics at the shop where you buy it to show you how, talking you through the steps.

Most road bikes will take X23 and X25 without a problem anyway... (Although you might want to check if it's really important for you.) If you like the bike with X23 better but would like X25 tires, just ask the bike shop to change them.

[SadieKate]

I ride on 700X23 and my last flat was about 4000 km ago in the rainy months when the street shoulders are not cleaned very often and all the grit accumulates there.

OMG! You said this out loud???? You may need to go perform some kind of sacrificial rite.

[Dogmama]

OMG! You said this out loud???? You may need to go perform some kind of sacrificial rite.

I agree. Immediately send $20 to everybody who posted on this forum and your karma will improve dramatically.

[fatbottomedgurl]

If for some crazy reason you actually get a tear in the sidewall of the tire and the tube blows out, you can use a protein bar wrapper or dollar bill folded up on the inside of the tire between the sidewall and the tube. You may not want to fill the tire to maximum pressure but at least you can limp home on it. This is also why you always carry a spare tube.