Road bike tire recommendations

[indysteel]

I've always had good luck with Vittoria Rubino Pros. I used to get pretty good deals on them at probikekit.com, but I haven't purchased any for a while. The "right" tire depends, in part, on what kind of roads your ride. If they're in bad shape and/or you encounter debris and the like on a regular basis, you might want to go with a more puncture resistent tire.

[tulip]

I like Serfas Seca. I've also had very good experiences with Hutchinson.

I had a blowout on a new Michelin Pro Race, but alot of folks like them. Mine may have been defective, but since then I've just gone with what I know works.

[nscrbug]

I've had good luck with Vittoria Diamante Pro and Michelin Krylion, so those are my 2 "go to" tires.

[azfiddle]

We have so many thorns in Arizona that I use Continental Gatorskins. I think Armadillos are equally protective.

[Roadtrip]

I use Gatorskins on my Ruby as well... 700x25 as opposed to the 700x23 that came on it. I tried to put 28s on the bike, but ended up not having enough clearance.

Good Luck and let us know what you decided on.

Shannon

[carolync]

Thanks all! I like the idea of gatorskins. A friend of mine has the michelins and he like them. Occasionally I ride a short distance on a gravel trail, so that may be the way to go. I have a groupon for a LBS, but I do want to go in with some knowledge!

[OakLeaf]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Conti GP4000 yet. The other tire thread going on right now, that was 80% of everyone's choice.

I'm on my third front and fourth rear and just love them. They've got a nice round profile that gives my bike great handling (as opposed to the Michelins with their built-in flat spot - Michelins came on my bike and the difference was amazing when I changed them). I rarely flat (touch wood). I get about 2200+ miles out of a front and 3500+ rear, and I usually replace them before they're all the way down to the wear indicators. Plus they come in purty colors (in 23c, the 25c tires are black only).

[carolync]

I ended up getting a Specialized armadillo. I had a groupon for the Specialized store, so I didn't have many options. Really hard to get on the wheel, I sure hope they live up to their reputation of being puncture resistant!

They have a customer who has over 10,000 miles on these tires.

I may try the Conti GP4000 next.

I'll report back if I notice anything spectacular -- good or bad when I take it for the first spin.