Tire recommendation

[kermit]

I have been spending a fair amount of time on the trainer these days. On the weekends I can get out and my continental grand prix 4000S's are fading fast. Had a flat a few months back and replaced the rear, now the wear indicators are showing it is almost done. At $60 bucks a whack I am reconsidering my need for lightweight "super" tires. Does anyone recommend a good "happy medium" tire for trainer and road without having to change tires every week? I was thinking something in the kevlar area. I also thought about buying a low end wheel and putting a cassette and trainer specific tire on it. What do you guys do?

[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.

[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!

[PamNY]

And why does nobody seem to have a tire exactly like the one I'm replacing?

The size of my existing tire is 700 x 35, it's a rear tire, and the closest any bike shop near me has is 32 or 38. Based on the past threads I've read here, I'm tending toward the 38.

I'd appreciate any advice. The bike shop (who I've only talked to on the phone) said, "Um, yeah, that should work." Which sounded a little vague to me but maybe I'm overthinking this?

TIA!

Pam

[Cataboo]

You can put a wider tire on your rear wheel without changing the bike handling too much. I wouldn't put a narrower tire on the back, so yif you want the 700x32, you should swap the front tire to the back and put the 32 up front. You should be able to order a 700x35 if you really want one.

Make sure your bike has clearance for a fatter tire on the frame & around the brake.

theoretically a 700x38 will have more drag than a 700x35, and may cushion the ride a bit - but you are probably not going to feel the difference.

[kermit]

I went with slicks for the mountain bike. They will still work for rides around the neighborhood and to the pool. I must say I got a pretty decent workout. A little different position and some pedal/cleat tweaking but I'm happy with the result. A good option for days I can't get out.