I'm never to "tire-d" for TE

[cherinyc]

I also have the GP 4000s on my road bike. I bought the GP 4000's for a time trial I was doing and liked them so much that I haven't taken them off since.
Maybe since you have decided to wait till spring you can keep an eye out there during the winter months and snag yourself a deal on a nice set of wheels.

Thanks Artisan - so that's 2 for the GP4000's. Would it matter that my BF had them on Bontrager wheels? probably not - I'm still learning what all these parts are called.

I will definitely be looking around for deals. BF and I are gonna have to get a trainer to stay in cycling mode during cold times.

[Cassandra_Cain]

I will definitely be looking around for deals. BF and I are gonna have to get a trainer to stay in cycling mode druring cold times.

Cheri - I just got a Kurt Kinetic road machine trainer. Highly recommended, with a very useable power curve and no leaks

[cherinyc]

Cass and Susie - BF thinks that the trainer shouldn't hurt the tires (normally). What is it that's causing the issue?

Also - Cass - through lots and lots of research, we are leaning towards the Kurt Kinetic trainer as well. What particular model do you recommend?

[Cassandra_Cain]

Cass and Susie - BF thinks that the trainer shouldn't hurt the tires (normally). What is it that's causing the issue?

Also - Cass - through lots and lots of research, we are leaning towards the Kurt Kinetic trainer as well. What particular model do you recommend?

Cheri - I disagree with your BF, trainers are hard on tires. I would not use high-end tires, like those nice Michelins or Conti ones, with a trainer.

I got the Kurt Kinetic Road Machine model - it is excellent, and will serve as my indoor 'labratory' for power gains!

I purchased mine here: http://www.1upusa.com/kurtkinetictrainer.htm - it had free shipping which was a nice savings.

One thing, you may find the KK on the web, but the manufacturer will not honor the warranty on any unit sold for < $275....so beware

[Mimosa]

The GP's are good tires.

However I remember from another forum that the brand Vittoria have a slightly larger diameter so they are easier to get of and on the wheel and change the inner tube. This would help during your first tries at changing the (inner) tyre. Though the wheel is also a significant element in how easy you can get the tyre on and of. For instance it is said that the DT Swiss rims are hell to get a tyre on.

I train on Vittoria Rubino Pro tires, they are simply the best and cheap to come by (last set was about 15 dollars per tire). I haven't really had a punture with them. Only once did I have a flat but that was because I hit a sharp edge hard so the rim dug into the inner tube.

For competition I am still doubting between the Michelin Pro2, Schwalbe Stelvio and Vittoria Corsa CX. The michelin because I allways used to race on them, the Schwalbe because they seem to have a good rain grip and the Vittoria because I now train on that brand and am happy with them .... *sigh*, all those choices.

Oh and go for the 23C. 25 is my opinion to big and 21 to small.

And yes trainers are hell on your tyres, so either by a cheap set of tyres for the trainer or get one of those special trainers tyres.

[PinkBike]

couple observations: my 1Up trainer killed my conti GP 3000 tires, so i put gatorskins on for training and everyday riding and put the conti's back on for racing.

changing a tire is no big deal, you can do it in a matter of minutes. really!

as for the GP 3000 and 4000, i just love them, yes - bontrager wheels, and i actually found them with a pink sidewall.

but i dont use them for everyday, for flat protection the conti gatorskins or maxxis re-fuse or specialized.

[Fredwina]

My experience has been that Trainers will wear tires faster.

[RoadRaven]

My experience has been that Trainers will wear tires faster.

Before we bought our spin bike, we used a trainer. We had one wheel which was used for whatever bike was put on the trainer, and it lived inside beside the trainer when no bike was on it.

It only ever had a worn out, no-ggod-for-road tyre on it... because yes, trainers do wear tyes quickly - and only in one spot. On the road, remember, tyres contact the road in different angles/places... on the trainer the wear is constant in one line...

[cherinyc]

I am really glad that you all mentioned the trainer on tire effect. I would've had to find out the hard way (as you all have) so THANKS!!!

The cheapest I have been able to find the GP4000's are on www.biketiresdirect.com , and they will be about $89 shipping included. Is that about right? They seem to be cheaper there than on performancebike.com or anywhere else, but maybe there is a better place to look?

Wish they were free.

[SR500]

For a silky smooth ride on a road tire Vittoria EVO Open Corsa CX's are about the best around. The Michelin Pro Race 2 is likely the best all around tire for ride, wear, etc... but Vittoria's have a smoother feel. About the best place to buy tires, Conti's included is www.probikekit.com, great prices and free shipping to the states, often faster shipping then Nashbar or Performance. My husband has ordered multiple times and never had any problems.

[Bikingmomof3]

BF thinks that the trainer shouldn't hurt the tires (normally). What is it that's causing the issue?

Cheri,
Trainers are very hard on tires. Do not use your new ones. Save your old ones for the trainer.