Tires, 23's vs. 25's, brands?

[madisongrrl]

I'm thinking I need some new tires, they are sporting some large cracks/holes, and they seem to be wearing from the inside such that the fabric can be seen and is poking out. I have a flat nearly every time I ride, which is frustrating to say the least. These only have 1500 miles on them.

I currently have 700c x 25's. Can someone explain the difference in feel of riding on 23's instead of 25's? I like my 25's, I'm just curious about 23's.

What is your favorite kind of tire (brand/model)?

I don't race, just general rides and commuting. I'm averaging around 80 mi./week right now, hoping to bump that up to 100 - 150 as the weather continues to improve. I ride mostly asphalt and chip seal roads (with some leftover gravel from the winter) in dry conditions. Oh, and I like to descend, fast, on curvy roads, don't know how that factors into the 23's vs 25's equation.

Thanks!

If you aren't racing, go with the 25's. They might be a touch more comfortable than the 23's. I had some good luck with WTB Camino Altos and also Continental Grand Prix 3000. Granted I've only tried these tires in 23's.

Some tires that I found which lacked longevity (and by this, I mean that they were done by 200-800 miles) were WTB Solanos and Vittoria Rubino Pros. In fairness to the Solanos, they are a race tire....they were light, they rolled fast, but they punctured so easy that they only lasted 1-2 months and never "saw" a race. The Vittoria Rubino Pros made it to 800 miles before they had started to crack and cause flats.

[SadieKate]

Veronica, you need to read the article. A lot has to do with tire construction.

[HappyAnika]

Oh my, now my head is spinning . . .

[Trek420]

I have Continentals and I think they're 25's. They handle well in all kinds of conditions, been very durable.

[madscot13]

continental gator skin 25's. Not that I have ridden very much on them but they were highly reccomended.