Tire recommendation

[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.

[Cataboo]

meh. I just don't worry about that

The problem you might have with your mountain bike on the trainer is that it has much easier gearing - smaller chain rings up front, and larger cogs in the back... So you might not be able to get as much of a workout as you do on your road bike.

[Becky]

I don't worry about it either. Yeah, it needs a small rear derailleur adjustment when I switch the wheel, but that doesn't take long.

[kermit]

Kinda what I thought too. I do have an adjustable trainer with like 9 resistance levels, thats a start. I will try the mountain bike and see if it sucks! I did put spd's on so I can hopefully get a decent workout. I will just monitor the rear tire on the road bike and when it goes put something tougher on! Right now I am tolerating 2 hours on the trainer so I need to keep my momentum up while I can!