Favorite tires

[MartianDestiny]

I swear by the Conti Gatorskins. There is however 2 types of gatorskins..the cheaper ones which are a bear for me to change and the Folding ones. Yes, they are a little more expensive than the non folding, but the aggrevation it saves me is worth it. I too am looking at getting new tires, and was thinking of changing to the Gran Prix 4 seasons by Conti but didn't know what the difference was so thanks to MartianDestiny, I think I will stick to my reliable folding gartorskin tires. The GranPrix were more expensive than the folding so I assumed they actually might have more kevlar and more strength, but guess not. Thanks

Yea, the 4 Seasons are not folding and the bead is really stiff. Maybe I'll try the folding Grand Prix 4's next time around since it sounds like they go on better.

[tab123]

For an all-around tire, I prefer Conti 4 Season to Gatorskins. With the Gatorskins I felt every bump in the road even at lower PSI. A friend once described their ride as "square," which I think is apt. The 4 Season tires have held up well with city riding (read lots of glass and debris on the road).

[nscrbug]

Another vote for Vittoria Diamonte Pro's...I love mine! Prior to these, I was running Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks (stock tires that came on my bike) and they were pretty awesome, too - as I logged over 5,000 miles on these tires without a single flat!

I tried Conti GP 4000S tires once, and got a sidewall flat on my front with only 30 miles on the tire...was NOT happy about tossing out an expensive brand new tire. That left a bad taste in my mouth, and for that reason...I will likely not roll on Conti tires ever again. JMO.

[maillotpois]

I ended up putting Micheline Pros on both my bikes. They're durable and fast, and come in nice colors.

Another vote for the Michelin Pros. We have been using the Pro Race 3s (and before that, 2s) for years. They last a long time and I really didn't have any issues with flats.

My new bike has 2 way wheels so I am running tubeless Hutchinsons right now and like them so far.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm a Continental Grand Prix Four Seasons fan. 700 x 25, because we have some horrendous rocky farm country back roads around here that I go down. No 23's for me on roads like that. I am amazed at the scary stuff those tires just laugh at.

[CycleTherapy]

Vredestein Tri-Comp....

[Grog]

+ 1 for Schwalbe Stelvios

But even the Schwalbe Blizzards (cheaper) are great, very resistant, easy on and off. Love 'em!

[OakLeaf]

GP4000s for me. I get all kinds of mileage out of them (usually 4K front, over 2500 rear), might flat once or twice over the life of a tire. They have a rather triangular profile (similar to Dunlop motorcycle tires) so they're quick to turn in. Easy on, easy off, even when new (except for the part about identifying the directionality - I usually over-mark the arrow on the sidewall in silver sharpie before I install a tire the first time).

Plus, the blue perfectly matches Specialized bar tape.

[TxDoc]

Hi Roguedog,
I use mostly Vredestein tricomp slick (700x23) for clinchers, and Tufo elite ride 23 (700x23) for tubulars. On my time trial bike I have 700x20 clinchers: Vittoria open corsa evo cx.
The Vredestein are fantastic tires, and very puncture-resistant. However, I like the feeling of tubulars, so the Tufo's are my favorite; very stable tires, great traction with our variable conditions (wind and flying sand one minute, rain the next), and the sealant prevents small punctures from ruining your day

[kermit]

Just ordered Serfas Seca RS from ebay. I gotta say the 4000s are worn and these were a great price with decent reviews. My road ride in Georgia is really tough and I thought I needed a little more tire...and they come in red.

[roguedog]

Thanks everyone.

Thought I'd sum up the replies so far for myself and then send it out for other's reference (plus for positive and minus for negatives):


Conti Grand Prix 4 season - +4
Maxxis Re-Fuse - +1
Maxxis Courchevals - +1
Maxxis Detonators - +1
Vittoria Diamantes - +2
Conti GP4000s - +3, -1
Panaracer Duro - +1
Micheline Pro - +2
conti gatorskins - +2
Vredestein Fortezzas - +1
Schwalbe Stelvio - +2
Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks - +1
Vredestein Tri-Comp - +2
Schwalbe Blizzard - +1,
Tufo elite ride 23 (tub) - +1

Conti Ultra Sport - +0, -1
Conty Ultra Races - +0, -1
Challenge Race - +0, -1
Conti Ultra Gators - +0, -1

Hey I'm no accountant so.. no guarantees on the counts!

[azfiddle]

A little late, and I don't have experience to compare with any of the other tires mentioned, but I've only had one flat with the gatorskins, and we have a lot of nasty thorns on Arizona roads. The flat was from a construction staple, btw.

Sharon

[Pedal Wench]

Wow -- no praises for Kenda? I love their Konstrictors and C2C and for all conditions, the Kaliente's. My mtb'ing friends all use the small-block 8's too. Huge fans. Plus, they're the first ones I can change without cursing or tears.

[redrhodie]

Another vote for the Michelin Pros. We have been using the Pro Race 3s (and before that, 2s) for years. They last a long time and I really didn't have any issues with flats.

In my haste to get through an intersection quickly, I ran right over a broken beer bottle last night. Held my breath, and didn't flat! Thankfully, they're pretty new. I rode my last pair down to a hare's breadth. They flat when you do that.

[SLash]

My all time fave: Continental Grand Prix 4000S Bicycle Tire with Black Chili.
I got these about 2 years ago and love them.

http://www.ridebikeprogear.com/cycli...s.aspx?pid=430