Road bike tire recommendations

[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.)

[nscrbug]

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.)

I love, love, love the feel of the Diamante (not a fan of Contis, so I won't comment on those). I often get caught in the rain and so end up riding on wet pavement...and that is where the Diamante really shines...very grippy! I should also note that I always run a tire liner in my tires, which really saved my butt on more than a few occasions. If you're not concerned with the extra weight, I would highly recommend tire liners if you ride in debris-prone areas.

[jdubble]

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.)

I ride Gatorskins all winter here in Portland where it's nothing but wet, and I've never noticed them being slippery. I also love the conti GP4000s. Those are my rest of the year tires.

[Seajay]

In reading reviews about road tires, some people commented the Gatorskins were slippery on wet surfaces.

I wonder if its due to the slightly stiffer sidewalls? Generally Conti are popular here in rain.
Lots of folks run way too much air pressure too...that will make a tire mis-behave in all kinds of ways....in addition to being slow and uncomfortable.

[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.

[tzvia]

I just replaced my worn Vittoria Open Corsa CXs that I found too hard and uncomfortable, with Hutchinson Fusion2s and find them much more better. They feel light and responsive, handle the sand patches with aplomb, and ride much better than I thought they would based on appearance. They have less air volume then the Corsas, and don't look like 23c- they look thinner.

I'm glad I did not get the Fusion 3s though, the reviews I have read mentioned a weak bead and people are complaining of the bead failing and the sidewalls blowing ouit. The Fusion 2 does not seem to have that issue. I like them, but I think they are discontinued.

Another tire I like is the Vredstein Tricomp. They didn't last as long as the Corsas, but had a much better ride- smoother and not as jarring.

[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.