Tyre choice

CraigL · Post by **CraigL** » 19 Oct 2007 11:02

I am putting together an order for a few bike bits n peices and want to order some new tyres for my road bike used on club runs and training etc. They'll stay on through the winter.

Not knowing much about road rubber what do you recommend? I am only looking in the Â£11 to Â£13 price range per tyre. The Maxxis Detonator, Refuse and Coumbiere seem to be favourites on ChainReactionCycles.com but there are some cheaper Michelin's like the Orium which might be alright.

Any suggestions?

pprince3145 · Post by **pprince3145** » 19 Oct 2007 15:18

Vittoria Rubino Pros I've used in the past.
Probikekit are knocking them out @ Â£11.95 at the moment

George · Post by **George** » 19 Oct 2007 16:11

In the previous two winters, I've used Conti Duraskins (tough and responsive but pricey and not much cop in the wet) and Michelin Pro Races (lovely light handling but cut too easily for winter use) I have also just switched to Rubinos too.

However, I've got the slightly heavier (and hopefully more **flat**-proof) Rubino Techs. These are only about Â£8 from Ribble. They haven't been on long enough for a real conclusion yet, but the first impressions are positive: decent wet grip and not too much loss of responsiveness compared to the Contis or Michelins.

Garfield el Pirata · Post by **Garfield el Pirata** » 19 Oct 2007 18:08

I also use Rubino pros on my winter bike and find then excellent

Ed Moss · Post by **Ed Moss** » 19 Oct 2007 18:44

One thing I would never skimp on is tyres, it's your only contact with the road and I've found cheaper tyres leathal (especially after they have salted the road with that new molasses compound)
I use Vittoria pave open cg for winter and trianing on, they are around Â£44ish per pair, the pros use them for Paris Roubaix. Nice supple ride with loads of grip and **flat** protection.

Philip Whiteman · Post by **Philip Whiteman** » 19 Oct 2007 18:46

Hate to say it but I spend Â£25 per tyre - on Continental GP4000s. They are expensive but they are excellent.

snailmale · Post by **snailmale** » 20 Oct 2007 12:45

Philip Whiteman wrote:Hate to say it but I spend Â£25 per tyre - on Continental GP4000s. They are expensive but they are excellent.

Parker knock these out for Â£19.95.
I used Conti 4 Seasons 25mm last winter and for general riding this summer without any problem, though some people think they are suspect in the wet. Same price as the GP4000s, which I use on the rare occasions that I'm feeling frisky

chalkie · Post by **chalkie** » 21 Oct 2007 13:31

i've used Conti Ultra GATORSKINS thru last winter and pretty good at wepping away the water in wet conditions, soft compound makes for soft ride, can be a tight fit on certain wheels. comparable to GP4000s?

born again cyclist · Post by **born again cyclist** » 22 Jan 2009 11:47

hi chaps
came acros this website which seems quite handy to use and gives prices and links to some sites.(i have no interest at all in the site in case someone thinks i own it

)
http://www.tyrehub.co.uk/
i found it easy to use informative and i used it to find some new vittoria pave tyres and then linked through to wiggle to buy them as they were the cheapest.

it doesnt seem to cover parker international though

Si-D · Post by **Si-D** » 22 Jan 2009 12:05

Does everyone use 23's for winter/training use, or are 25's a better choice??

Stats · Post by **Stats** » 28 Jan 2009 13:07

Si-D wrote:Does everyone use 23's for winter/training use, or are 25's a better choice??

I have never used anything more than 23's since I started using Clinchers I always used to use Tubs I don't spend as much time on the road now but i'm just putting some new Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX 23's on they have worked well on the I-Magic as well for the past 3 years

born again cyclist · Post by **born again cyclist** » 29 Jan 2009 09:25

having used my vittoria open pave 700/24 for a month now i have to say they are very good. I use contis gators in the summer and i was getting nervous in the wet/slimy winter weather on them. I think i was always worrying about **flat**s. The paves have given me my confidence back and so far no problems despite all the mud water and hedge trimmings...the green is a bit bright though

Ed i was interested in how you had found them to ride on?

Ed Moss · Post by **Ed Moss** » 29 Jan 2009 11:11

I started using them about 3 years ago and now train on them during the summer as well. Only 1 **flat** so far

Always feel confident cornering with them in all conditions, and guess what the time I came off a couple of weeks ago I was using an old GP3000....

Main thing I like about them is the comfort on long rides, the 24mm cross section does make a bit of difference.

born again cyclist · Post by **born again cyclist** » 29 Jan 2009 12:37

thanks ed. gives me even more confidence in them. i hope you didnt hurt yourself coming off.

George · Post by **George** » 30 Jan 2009 09:34

Ed Moss wrote:Main thing I like about them is the comfort on long rides.

Long rides, Ed? Thought you'd decided they were a waste of time.