Winter tyres

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 12 Oct 2013 11:20

What are folks' preferred tyres for winter road use? weight is not the main concern, and would prefer a good durable tyre that is not prone to **flat** and grips well on wet or occasionally icy roads.

I'm not sure whether to stick with the Continental Gator hardshells that I'm very happy with, or to fit something with more tread such as the Continental touring plus, which has a 700 x 28 available?

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... lus2.shtml

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 12 Oct 2013 11:46

To be honest I use my GP4000s without any quibbles. I have never noticed any increase of punc'tures during the winter.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 12 Oct 2013 12:12

+1 contis GP 4000s
3 **flat**s in 3years and they were all spring or summer of which two were glass related

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 12 Oct 2013 12:34

Just found the Conti GP 4000's. look good but seem hellish expensive. Very tempted as half the mass of a 700 x 28 tough touring tyre.

How do they compare to Gator Hardshells?

Just been looking at Conti Contact winter 2's for my hybrid, but they're £50 each!

As an aside; does anyone fit specific winter tyres to their car. I don't. Does anyone use Continental car tyres. I am a Michelin fan, but tempted to try Conti's as the bike tyres seem so good.

Ed Moss · Post by **Ed Moss** » 12 Oct 2013 12:42

£29 each from a quick search, spending money on decent tyres during the winter is more important than anything over the winter, after all you will be riding over wet/muddy surfaces and decent grip is even more important.

After years of riding Vittoria CG's I'm trying Michelin Pro Optimum this winter.

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... _02_11.pdf

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 12 Oct 2013 13:23

Continental 4 Seasons or GP4000s. Can't really go wrong.

Grogz · Post by **Grogz** » 12 Oct 2013 13:25

And I fit Conti Contact winter tyres to my car, when the temperature gets below 7C. Last year, mid Nov to end March.

Tim · Post by **Tim** » 12 Oct 2013 15:45

If you do go for conti 4000S make sure you get the GP 4000S (which only come in black) not the basic 4000 (which think come with different colours). Ribble have them at £26.32 for 23c
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... onttyrf321

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 12 Oct 2013 16:48

Thanks for all your thoughts.

I like the look of the GP 4 seasons, same mass as the 4000s and about £2-3 dearer. An option for 700 x 28's too.

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... ason.shtml

During my accident back in August the front wheel rim was broken into 2 separate pieces, but despite this the Conti Gator Hardshell was unscathed with not even a mark, and it is still in service on my spare wheel set. Tested it with max pressure of 120psi, not even a mark . What better recommendation for a Conti tyre.

gmac · Post by **gmac** » 12 Oct 2013 20:39

Conti GP4000S for me but might try 4 seasons this year.

Gary

laurence_cooley · Post by **laurence_cooley** » 12 Oct 2013 23:03

It's worth checking out http://www.bike-discount.de/?lg=en. I've always bought Continental tyres from there and they've always been cheaper than ordering from the UK, even with the postage added. They also arrive just as quick.

Patch · Post by **Patch** » 13 Oct 2013 16:40

Used 23mm gator skins for the last 4 winters. Only a couple of **flat**s. Grips ok don't really cut up and wear ok. I did try some Michelin Pro 4 endurance on my cross bike last year they seemed ok too. In the snow I used schwalbe land cruisers 35c on cross bike. Brilliant rode through all of it no problems at all. Looking at those new conti top contact winter lls might give them a go in the snow this year.

Clive · Post by **Clive** » 15 Oct 2013 20:46

Ordered Conti GP 4 seasons in the end from probikekit for £30 each inc P&P. Pleased with so far, easy enough to fit, light, and seem to grip well in the wet.

The info sheet describes fitting paying attention to the direction of rotation arrow. I couldn't find one on either tyre, and after emailing Continental it turns out that the included info sheet is a generic one applying to all tyres, and in fact the GP 4 seasons does not have an arrow and can be fitted either way round.

http://www.probikekit.co.uk/bicycle-tyr ... 80038.html