What Road Tires Do You Suggest?

[ny biker]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.

[TigerMom]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.

I can understand the more comfort part, but I don't understand how a 700x25 cc can make you faster than a 700x23 cc since there is more friction contact with the road .

I have All Condition Armadillo tires (which do come in blue/black) with the slightly more expensive, lighter tubes. These tires are supposed to last around 2500-3000miles, but my friends' tires popped a tube at 2400 miles. The Armadillo tires are heavier than the tires that I originally had, but I don't want to worry much about flats/changing tubes.
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[ny biker]

I can understand the more comfort part, but I don't understand how a 700x25 cc can make you faster than a 700x23 cc since there is more friction contact with the road .

Well my eyes glaze over when I try to read about tires, but there are a number of articles out there about it. Here are two:

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/...rethren_209268

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/...-faster_209888

[indysteel]

I have had good luck with Vittoria Rubino Pro tires. I have only used black on black though, so I can't speak to your other question.

[marni]

3 cross country rides and a lot of miles in between on Bontrager race liotes with kevlar and never a flat. I don't plan to change tire brands anytime soon. 3 sets of tires in 40,000 miles over 5 years is enough proof for me. Nor were they entirely worn out, I just routinely put a new set of tires on before a cross country ride. I also check my tires after every ride for nicks cuts and stuff stuck into them. I am a great believer in the "an ounce of prevention= a pound of cure" approach.

[Crankin]

I loved the Conti 4000s, also. DH went and bought some other ones for my Kuota, though... so far, so good. I have had hardly any flats in 11 years, most of them being last year on my tour, when the roads in NY state were just full of glass.
I have the Gatorskins on my Guru. I hope I never get a flat, as I've heard they are awful to take off.

[Owlie]

I hear good things about the Continental GP 4000 and Gatorskins--I'm planning on getting either of those when my current set wear out. I prefer the ride of 25s to 23s. As for speed, I'll make me faster to a greater extent than my tires will.

Never done anything other than solid black tires, so I can't answer your other questions.

[TrekDianna]

I personally worry about avoiding flats more than anything. I like the Continental Gatorskins for that.

Currently I'm still using the tires that came the bike that I bought in September 2010. They're Bontrager Race Lites and I've been very happy with them.

Once I wear out the tires I currently have, which are 700x23, I plan to switch to 700x25, since everything I read about tires indicates that wider tires are more comfortable and also a bit faster. If 700x28 fits on your bike, it would be even better.

Agreed. I put 28's on my bike before leaving for Cycle Oregon - over 400 miles this last week and not a single flat! There were a couple guys I saw who seemed to be constantly changing flats.

[Dogmama]

I still like my continental 4-season tires. If you want road gripping ability, these have a nice tread. I easily get 2,000 out of them. We've had really sandy/dirty roads since the monsoons and I rarely feel any slippage while going around corners.

[Helene2013]

Well then I think I'll look for those Continental. I also read great things about them.

I wrote to American Classiscs to see what was the max witdth I could put on my wheels and they never wrote back. Bummer.

But LBS told me it was 25mm. I think I should be fine with 25mm anyway. Can't be worst than the 23mm. Add the grip and I'll be good to go. I hope.

[Dogmama]

Initially, continentals are a bear to get on. After they've been on your rim, they loosen up a bit, so removing for a flat isn't an issue. Just a warning. I actually use a tire tool made to mount tires onto rims (not the levers that most people carry). I have arthritis in my hands, though, so grip strength is an issue.

[Helene2013]

I've been told by a friend to seriously look into the Gatorskin and Ribble (in UK) has a great deal on 2 tires and 2 tubes
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/roa...es/conttyrf203

It may be the cheapest I will be able to find.

I tried calling my LBS (I always prefer to encourage local, and where I bought my bike as they offer very good service) and unfortunately, they can't get the Gatorskin anymore. Will only be for 2014. And it would go for $55/tire.

So my deal at $73.39 plus 8$ shipping (if order under $100) is worth it at this point.

I just don't know if I will have it on time to leave for Nashville in just over 2 weeks. I would not want the order to be returned to UK because it was not picked up on time at post office. argggh lol

[Helene2013]

I just placed to order with Ribble. So we'll see when those tires come in and how much I will like them.

Thank you all for your input.