Tires

[Andrea]

I have been riding Kenda tires for a year now, and I think they're a great combo of durability and smoothness. They make several 700x23c road tires (the "kriterium" comes in 25c, too), and several commuter tires (I have the Kwick Roller Sport on my commuter) that come in larger sizes (26c and up). They all have some degree of flat protection (depending on what you get).

I found the road tires to be a great compromise- they are durable (not so much as something like a conti "gatorskin"), and they have good grip & a smooth ride (though not quite as grippy/smooth as a conti 4000 & the like)


-Oh yeah... and I still like them, even though I'm riding for a different team next year

[indysteel]

I run Vittoria Rubino Pros on my bike (700 x 23). I get a good deal on them at probikekit.com for about $23. They retail for nearly twice that in most shops. I've had good luck with them in terms of flat resistance (never had one; knock on wood) and I like the ride quality. I think they're fairly easy to mount, too, at least on my rims.

As an aside, has anyone ever suggested running less pressure in your tires? I know it's a personal thing but 120 psi for a 700 x 26 tires, at your weight, sounds high to me. You might play around with the pressure to see if you like the ride quality better at a lower psi, say 100-105. At your weight, I wouldn't worry about pinch flats at that psi. Your tires might corner a bit better at a lower psi, too. Certainly in wet condidtions, I would suggest lowering the psi a bit.

[Becky]

+1 on the Vittorias. I have Diamantes mounted right now, with a pair of Rubino Slicks waiting in the wings. I have ridden several models of Kendas as well, and find them to be good bang for the buck.

I've never ridden the two that you mention, but the Bontragers sound like they'd be heavy. It depends a little what your tire need is. Heavy "flat-proof" tires are great on my commuter (Panaracer Paselas here), but not so much on the "go-fast" bike.

Indy has a good point about tire pressure. I'm about your weight, and rarely run more than about 105psi, even though the Diamantes are rated up to 150psi. Might be something to experiment with...

[Miranda]

Thx you ladies that have responded thus far. It's hard when you only have "one" experience with something to decide.

There are some other things on my bike I have switched up that I know what I'm looking for. But, not the tires yet.

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Ok, still absorbing info...

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I appreciate the tip about the psi. I knew that it was always good to keep the tires pumped up for a reason (like the pinch flat situation), but wasn't sure how much less I could get away with for a compromise. That's helpful feedback.

My country roads with the least traffic are mostly rough pavement. I think the method of paving is called "chip seal". Some of it's smooth. That feels like a break from heaven. It's also the time of year where the maintenance crews add a tar top mixed with loose gravel for winter. Ugh, I hate that!

Rough road surfaces are another reason why a 10-20 lb lower air pressure might improve your ride. It struck me as well that you were perhaps pumping up a little too hard.

You don't really say how important speed vs. number of flats is to you and your style of riding. Yeah, we all want to be fast and we all hate flat tires, but... If fastness is very important to you, a lighter tire will help. But a highly puncture resistant tire will be heavier than a plain lightweight/thin racing tire. Many tires offer a combination of both, but no one tire will be the fastest AND the most puncture resistant. In between, there is much variation leaning towards one or the other.

I myself have a strong flat resistant preference, and my favorite tires are 700x25c Continental Grand Prix 4 Season tires. They are expensive though, and if you want something puncture resistant and 'similar' but half the price then I'd recommend the Pasela Panaracer with TourGuard Kevler belt, 700x25-26c, which run for I 'think' about $25 each? Neither of these tires are particularly heavy, but they certainly do weight a bit more than light racing tires.

[Miranda]

Thx BSG...

Well, I'm kinda freaked about changing a flat out in the middle of no where. I carry a cell phone, and the supplies both though.

I wish I had some more experience of something skinner and faster to compare my 26 too. I'm pondering if the shop might have any bike close to my size with 23s on them I could just spin a close test ride on.

Now, this is an extreme example... but I know I hate riding my mtb on the pavement after getting my road bike. It's like as one shop guy put it to me, "I'm gettin' no where fast". Before, I never really knew the difference. Frustrating waste of leg energy.

Hmm, I wonder if going with a skinner 23 tire, but one that's still pretty puncture resistant... cutting down my psi as you ladies suggest might give me a balance.

Bomb proof feathers... yea, that's what we ALL need for sure.

[uforgot]

I have the Bontrager Hardcase. I have the 28c ones because my lbs told me that the 25s and 23s were hard to get a flat on, but also extremely hard to get on and off. He said the 28s were easier, but they are also bear to get on and off! I've done it 3 times (pinch flat on initial install) and can do it, but I hope I don't have to do it often. They also ride a little rough. If you google hardcase reviews, you will get other opinions on this and it seems that it's the big con to these tires. You may want to tell your lbs that you are freaked about changing the tire and see what they say. If you don't have a lot of experience changing tires you need to practice. Especially if you go with the Bontragers.

I also worry about chip and seal. It can get really rough. Let us know what you end up with. I'm also always looking for that perfect "do all" light tire.