Road bike tire recommendations

[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).

[Crankin]

I've been using the Conti 4000s for years. Although the glass on the roads in NY on my tour got to the rear one, generally, they are great. I am more concerned with the ease of getting them off. I also had the Shwalbe Stelvios for a while and I liked them, too.
And my friend with the Gatorskins had a flat on the tour, too.

[pumpkinpony]

I've been using Bontrager Hard Case tires with good luck, and mainly because Trek frequently has them on sale for $25/tire. I don't always get the color I want though. :-)

[Desert Tortoise]

In reading reviews about road tires, some people commented the Gatorskins were slippery on wet surfaces. The exact model (ultra and something else I think) was not always mentioned but does that sound right?

Besides resistance to road debris, any other thoughts on feel and handling of the Diamante or Gatorskins? Thanks!


(Oak, thanks for mentioning handling on the GP4000. First one I've seen mention anything like that.)

[carolync]

I didn't see the other tire thread, and I even did a search before posting!

Are the Conti GP4000 like the Bontrager's hard case? I have those on my Trek FX, and I find them an absolute bear to change. I like how durable they are for sure.

[Crankin]

No, the Contis are not "hard" tires. I get them off very easily with one tire lever.

[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.