Tire recommendation

[Becky]

I have an old rear wheel that gets suited up with an old tire that's no longer road-worthy and a spare cassette. I have an endless supply of junk tires, so I just chew through those during the winter. To me, a second rear wheel is worth the expense to not have to change tires every other day or trash a nice tire on the trainer.

DH, on the other hand, has to use that cheez-yellow trainer-specific tire by Continental. He seems to generate enough force and heat that he trashes ordinary tires and they make horrible squealing noises when used on the trainer. The Conty is nice and quiet by comparison. Be forewarned- that tire is very very hard and a major PITA to mount. You'll want to leave that one on a spare rear wheel...

I'm currently using Vittoria Diamantes ($$$, but so nice!) on one bike, and Conty Ultra Races on the other. I didn't think I'd like Ultra Races, but they've been good. I might consider buying them again- they're only ~$35 each.

[Cataboo]

I do the same as Becky and have a trashed rear wheel with old tires that I don't want to risk riding outdoors.

If I do for whatever reason use my good tires on the trainer - I make sure to inflate the tire before using the trainer, and to have the trainer tight enough against the tire that there can't be any slippage. The tire doesn't seem to wear as fast that way on the trainer.

Most of my tires end up being ones that come off bonktown - they have the hutchinson equinoxes for about $10 (33 tpi) periodically, which are fine for my commuter bike/surly. That bike is not going to feel like a fast road bike, whatever I do.

Otherwise, I've gotten the continental gp4000 for $18 each on bonktown, the victoria rubino pro for about $20 each and the hutchinson fusion 2 ultras for about $20. All of those are reasonably discounted. I haven't had any problems with quality on any of them, and I wouldn't be too upset if they wore too fast on a trainer. They only let you buy 3 at a time on there, so I usually just get the 3rd as a spare.

[tangentgirl]

I have had Bontrager kevlar tires for a few months, and they've worked great so far. The boy has had the same tires longer, no flats in ages.

[7rider]

Continental makes a tire specifically designed for use on a trainer.

They're out of stock at BTD, but your LBS may have them. I think mine was giving away one with the purchase of a trainer this winter.

[out_spokin']

Hiya Kermit - I'd also recommend going with a spare rear wheel/cassette option and using the "not really safe enough for the road anymore" tires throughout the trainer season. I can often find used wheels and/or wheelsets (seem more common then just finding a rear wheel, for this very reason I think those get snatched up quick) with cassettes on my local Craigslist. I think a lot of people sell with cassettes because they don't know or don't have the tool to remove them. The key, of course, is making sure they're not toast --- you just have to consider the sellers honesty about mileage and the overall condition of the wheel and cassette.

Right now a LOT of LBSs and online retailers are blowing out last year's stuff, for example on performance you can get their decently reviewed Forte Titan rear wheel for $80.

Back to your tire rec question, though, I'm a big fan of the Conti Gatorskins. Very tough and comfy for all the chip seal I have to ride on these days. I've used them on the trainer, and they do wear so I'm going to the extra wheel myself, but they wore less than others.

[kermit]

Thanks everybody. I have been surfing the web (and ebay) and think I like the idea of a separate wheel/cassette rig. I hunted in my shed and actually found some good "heavy" super sturdy road tires. PERFECT for the trainer. I keep thinking about all those "extra" sets of wheels I had when I upgraded. Wish I had one now! I'm gonna check with my local LBS and see if they have a beater wheel then can let go.

[kermit]

I went to my LBS and he gave me a big story about having to re-index the trainer wheel cuz of the new cassette vs. not new chain. Why not just buy another bike? he says. This from a guy I just bought a beater/mountain bike from (trek 4300). I ordered slicks for the mountain bike! It will be a different feel but I think between the two bikes it will be cool. I will replace the road tires when they wear out and select a more user friendly tire.