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

[HappyAnika]

Thanks for all of the input ladies. Just wanted to update. . . (and for the record in case anyone else has a similar question in the future).

So I'd pretty much decided on the Continental GP 4000's (both because they were recommended here and by racer friend, and were available locally). I figured I'd give the 23's a try and if I didn't like them we'd put them on DH's bike and I could go back and get the 25's instead. However the guys at the LBS talked me into Michelin Krylion Carbons (23). They insisted I'd get more miles out of them and fewer flats while sacrificing maybe 0.5 mph to the Conti's. Not to mention they were half the price of the Conti's. Again, I figured I'd try them and if I didn't like them, give to DH. I put about 60 miles on them over the weekend and so far so good. The 23's feel more responsive, as in one little wiggle of the handle bars results in more directional change. I haven't decided yet if this is good or bad, but its definitely different. They seem to corner well, but the true test of that will be Thursday's hill climb/descent. The rolling resistance seems good, and overall they feel much more durable than the stock Bontragers that came on my Trek. Even 60 miles without a flat so far makes me happy. Although I could not get the dang things on myself, had to have DH finish snapping the tires on for me. Makes me nervous if I get a flat by myself, whether or not I'll be able to get 'em off and back on. Might have DH take them on and off a few times for me to loosen.

Anyways, thanks again!

[trekin']

For all of you who have struggled to change a tire, try this nifty little tool from Crank Brothers:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/speedlever.php

I recently took an emergency repair course (from a woman! Thank you Sondra Spencer!), and was introduced to the speed lever. I can now change a tire (or put on new tires!) in 18 minutes, compared to 90 minutes before. I don't go anywhere without it!

And just to add to the conversation, I just replaced the cheapie original tires to my Trek with Continental Ultra Gatorskin 23's...so far so good with the first 100 miles!

[TsPoet]

For all of you who have struggled to change a tire, try this nifty little tool from Crank Brothers:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/speedlever.php

I can now change a tire (or put on new tires!) in 18 minutes, compared to 90 minutes before. I don't go anywhere without it!

Got one of those, saved my life with my tight trike tires. Took me about 3 tire changes to break it, though - so don't stop carrying a backup tire lever!

[trekin']

I carry 2 regular levers, plus the speed lever...I use the regular levers to get things started, then use the speed lever to get the tire off and to put it back into place...so much easier!

[mimitabby]

. They insisted I'd get more miles out of them and fewer flats while sacrificing maybe 0.5 mph to the Conti's.

Do you really think you are going 0.5mph slower? That's a lot!

[HappyAnika]

For all of you who have struggled to change a tire, try this nifty little tool from Crank Brothers:

http://www.crankbrothers.com/speedlever.php

Thanks, this might be the gadget someone at work today was trying to explain to me.

Do you really think you are going 0.5mph slower? That's a lot!

Its hard to say, the two rides I did this weekend were routes I'd never done before, and for once there was little wind (Yippee! ). I averaged about 0.5 mph faster than most of my rides this month. The best gauge will be my 20 mi. ride into work during which the riding conditions are typically very repeatable, but I won't be doing that until next week.

[spokewench]

I used to run 19's to race, but I also rode on good roads (not a lot of potholes and bumps), mostly in California. I run 23's to ride regularly around here in Flag. They are much more comfortable and take the punishment of potholes and the likes a little better and my body takes that punishment a little better with the more forgiving tire.

Last year for the Bicycle Tour, I rode 23s - and they were great. The roads were in good shape and so I got added comfort and more rollability; but then my hubby rode 25s cause he wanted even more forgiveness. He is heavier than I am so I think that has something to do with it too.

If you are not racing, it is all for comfort. You aren't going to add that much time to any ride by getting a wider or narrow tire, especially if you are just talking 23s vs. 25s.

spoke