Road bike tire recommendations

[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.

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks Nscrbug, I've been looking at the Diamante and was wondering about it. I avoid riding in the rain but sometimes after our monsoons the big puddles can linger for a long time.

The other problem after rains are the huge patches of sand. Usually they are big enough to see and go around or occasionally so thick I have to dismount and walk the bike, but often times they spread wide in a thin layer. But this really happens during the monsoon season which last at the most 2 months. And occasionally during the winter months. That said, grip and traction sure make a difference in that short time.

[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.

[Mama Coosa]

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.

I'm always baffled at the high pressures some people run thinking it's making them faster. Just because the tire says it can handle 120psi doesn't mean you should run 120psi.

[Dogmama]

Love Conti 4-seasons. I also use Michelin Butyl tubes. They aren't sexy race tubes but they seem to resist punctures better. Had been getting slime tires for years but lately (last few years) the valves are garbage & the tube fails.

[Desert Tortoise]

Is there a difference between the Continental GP4000 S foldable tire and the Continental GP4000 S clincher?

Thanks!
dt

[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.

[Desert Tortoise]

Thanks, Jbubble. Winter in Portland, now there's a traction test.

Tzvia I hadn't thought of Hutchinson Fusion2, thanks. My first set of tires were Hutchinson and I hated them but am now realizing they may have been a very cheap model and that's why they didn't last.

dt