Sturdy Tire Replacement

[Eden]

For the OP - look into tires for cyclecross bikes - you'll find a wide range of tread depths and styles in the width you are interested in.

For Amy - I think that Tuffy liners can be great and they can be awful... I had them on my touring bike and probably went 15 years flat free. I tried them on my rain bike (skinnier and smaller tires) and the liners put a hole in my tube from rubbing... I put Conti Gator Skins on my rain bike and I've been just fine and flat free with those. The only complaint that I have is that they throw a lot of junk up off the road when it rains.

[pardes]

Thanks for the reply Eden! Great name, BTW. Makes me think of John Steinbeck and Monterey, California.

In a few discussion groups online, I've noticed that some people are using tires 10 mm wider than the "standard" size that came with the bike and they had no problems and enjoyed a more stable ride on rough surfaces. Is this possible to use wider tires?

[Eden]

As long as they'll clear your frame and your brakes wider tires are fine.

[singletrackmind]

For the OP - look into tires for cyclecross bikes - you'll find a wide range of tread depths and styles in the width you are interested in.

For Amy - I think that Tuffy liners can be great and they can be awful... I had them on my touring bike and probably went 15 years flat free. I tried them on my rain bike (skinnier and smaller tires) and the liners put a hole in my tube from rubbing... I put Conti Gator Skins on my rain bike and I've been just fine and flat free with those. The only complaint that I have is that they throw a lot of junk up off the road when it rains.

That was my last flat 5 years ago! After 5 years the tuffy did put a hole in my tube on my road bike (700x23). None of my other bikes have had flats either from puncture or tuffy. One flat in 10 years I am ok with. Guess I'm about due to replace tubes preventively, or at least check them.
Gator Skins are thinner so I could see where you would have less problem with them, and they are less weight where it matters most. That does come with a price, though.
Then again, when you consider how much you save in tubeage they may just pay for themselves.

The tuffy/gatorskins will save you from flats, though not sidewall punctures, or punctures/wear from the wheel. If you're getting mostly tread flats they're nice to have. They won't stop the slippery tires of which you speak, that's where you'd give different tread a try.

[amy]

OK, so I told my husband I wanted to buy new tires. He said, "Why would you do that? You've never had a flat?"

And what is a good answer? I just rolled my eyes, got on my bike, and rode away. Let's hear it for healthy communication.

[amy]

I got the Continental 4 Season Grand Prix and Tuffy liners and a tune up for my bike yesterday. I really like the new tires. Maybe they slowed me down a little at first... but not even sure of that. And my carbon Madone seems to absorb any of the difference I might feel with a less smooth tire. I went on my longest solo ride in city traffic yesterday and I felt a lot more confidant... if new tires can do it for me, than it's worth the money. Thanks for all the advice.

[pardes]

Thanks for all your replies and comments!

I traded out the race tires for the satellite tires and MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Much more stability!

I also had green goo put in them since I believe in "wearing suspenders and a belt."