Road bike tire recommendations

[carolync]

I'm in the need for a new tire for my Ruby. I still have the original tires (Specialized Pro all condition) with 2000+ miles on them.

Was headed out for a ride and noticed I had a flat, front tire had a big slash, I guess I got home from my ride just in time.

Any recommendations on a good all purpose tire. I am more of a leisurely rider rather than any racer, if that makes any difference.

Should I replace my rear tire at the same time?

Thanks!
Carolyn

[indysteel]

I've always had good luck with Vittoria Rubino Pros. I used to get pretty good deals on them at probikekit.com, but I haven't purchased any for a while. The "right" tire depends, in part, on what kind of roads your ride. If they're in bad shape and/or you encounter debris and the like on a regular basis, you might want to go with a more puncture resistent tire.

[tulip]

I like Serfas Seca. I've also had very good experiences with Hutchinson.

I had a blowout on a new Michelin Pro Race, but alot of folks like them. Mine may have been defective, but since then I've just gone with what I know works.

[nscrbug]

I've had good luck with Vittoria Diamante Pro and Michelin Krylion, so those are my 2 "go to" tires.

[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.)

[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.

[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.