What Road Tires Do You Suggest?

[murielalex]

On the advice of my lbs, I have Gatorskins. Can't say I know any different, since these are the only tires I've used, but I've put about 600 miles on my bike so far, and I've had zero problems.

[Hi Ho Silver]

Like some of the folks above, I recommend the Continental GP 4000S. I've got about 1400 miles on my current set. These tires have endured riding on gravel and broken glass without ever flatting. Aside from that, they are sweet riding - smooth, comfy, and they handle curves beautifully (i.e., they feel very secure when the bike is heeled over).

[OakLeaf]

I love my GP4000s as well, but the OP wanted cheap....

They do last a very long time (I typically get 2500 miles out of a rear and nearly 4000 from a front), but even so, I'm not sure they're all that economical a choice. But they do handle beautifully and stick like glue.

FWIW, my blue ones clean up fine, for those who are obsessive enough to wash their tires.

[smittykitty]

We were riding the Specialized tires that came on our Ruby/Roubioux. One bike with white trim, other red trim. Very cool, I guess. I actually thought they were a little showy, but when I get riding, it is the last thing I think about! That's just me though. And yeah, they got a bit dirty, but not bad. Never washed them. It kinda made the bright white fade to be a little less showy!

We were getting tired of the occasional flats. LBS recommended the Armadillos in 25s. Headbang! We each had a set of Bontrager Race Lite Hard Case 25s on our Trek FXs that aren't getting ridden. Only used one season when we upgraded to road bikes. The lbs guys (Specialized store) said the Bontrager's are also very good tires, just use them.

Those lbs boys road race and also said the 25s are not only more comfortable, but a bit faster. I know it doesn't make sense, but I figure they should know!

Don't know if I'm very slightly faster because of the tires (they didn't slow me down any for sure) or if the engine is slightly improving I did feel a bit more stable first time out on a neighborhood hill. Always felt like I needed to hold back a bit before. Now I let her go full speed.

By the way, the original Race Lite 32s that went back on the FXs were way slower than the 25s. My science/engineering background is nonexistent so don't understand why 25s should be faster than 23s and way faster than 32s. Some things we just don't need to understand. Lots of other stuff my poor brain has to worry about!

Oh, and so far no more flats (knock wood). Only one flat between us the last 5 to 6 years with the Race Lites. I picked up a huge roofing nail in the 32s several years ago.

[Desert Tortoise]

Conti GP4000 here too. Love these, handle so well on the fine sand patches where I ride. Just a few hundred miles but so far so good with the various thorns and debris on the roads.

I know you said cheap but the price is so worth it to not have to fix flats and just have better handling.

[Jo-n-NY]

I also just recently heard from one of the bike company salesman that they will begin putting 25's on their road bikes including race bikes in 2013's. Reason, smoother/faster and they way the corner turns. I didn't fully understand it, just passing on what I heard.

All my tires have been Specialized and we always use Mr. Tuffy's regardless. I change tires once a year or 3000 miles when the treading is worn.

[featuretile]

I had a pair of Gatorskin Hardshell tires 700/23 and they lasted 4700 miles without a flat. My LBS finally said the side walls were ready to go and I needed new tires. They recommended replacing them with 700/25 for better handling on roads with potholes and bad pavement. Since I don't want to change flats on the road, I love these tires. Even though they cost more, they last twice as long and no money is spent on tubes. So, saving money on inexpensive tires might actually cost more.