time to shop...

[OakLeaf]

+1 on the GP4000s... although they're by no means flat-free in my experience, they're reasonably sturdy, have gobs of tread life, and have a very quick feel. Plus they come in groovy colors, which will force you to scrub your freakin' tires whenever you wash your bike.

[aicabsolut]

I'd also say Conti GP4000's. They won't have the longest life, but for a good racing tire, they are quite durable. I prefer the grip of Michelin Pro Race tires, but they (especially the newer Pro3's) are kinda soft and subject to getting small cuts and glass stuck in them. I still find them to be durable enough for training for me, but if I was regularly riding through a ton of crap on the roads, then I would opt for something like the Conti's for training and Michelins for racing.

[madscot13]

I'd also say Conti GP4000's. They won't have the longest life, but for a good racing tire, they are quite durable. I prefer the grip of Michelin Pro Race tires, but they (especially the newer Pro3's) are kinda soft and subject to getting small cuts and glass stuck in them. I still find them to be durable enough for training for me, but if I was regularly riding through a ton of crap on the roads, then I would opt for something like the Conti's for training and Michelins for racing.

I do love DC streets.

Did I ever tell you about the Fifty states ride? All fifty state street names in the District, all four quadrants, tons of glass, potholes, iron slabs covering those potholes, and, yes, heckling.

[TxDoc]

Hi,
you can try the Vredestein tricomp - I use them on all clincher wheels and they do great.

[ginny]

thanks everyone! During my reading yesterday, I happened upon good reviews for the Vittoria open all weather clincher - any opinions here? I will also look at those continental GP 4000s

[aicabsolut]

I do love DC streets.

Did I ever tell you about the Fifty states ride? All fifty state street names in the District, all four quadrants, tons of glass, potholes, iron slabs covering those potholes, and, yes, heckling.

haha a former teammate did that ride last year. took him a long time.

[madscot13]

haha a former teammate did that ride last year. took him a long time.

I had completed my first century the week before and I thought piece of cake. most miserable ride EVER. Nothing should take as long as that ride. Somehow I imagine the perfect scenario is a pair of sprinters who can pound it through the green lights and where one person knows the route perfectly.

besides all that my friend's bike started acting up, she got it fixed, but took a dive over her bike while going over an overpass.

[ny biker]

I did the 50 States ride the first year they held it. It was a super hot day in June and I thought I was going to die. Every time we had to wait at a red light, the heat coming off the cars and off the pavement was like a blast furnace.

I got a flat tire during that ride when I hit a pothole near Eastern Market. That was back when I was still using the stock tires that came on my bike.

[ginny]

I'll be in DC in July - anyone want to take me on the 50 states ride while I'm there? ... it should be NICE and cool in July

[papaver]

I have now the Schwalbe Ultremo's and they are absolutely great! Very good grip, fast... and i did the female Tour of Flanders on Sunday with them (cobble stones et all) and no problems at all!

http://www.schwalbetires.com/ultremo_r