Tire Help?

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by ElPerro
Pretty new to cycling, started late last fall with a new Lemond Buenos Aires. Have put about 1,200 miles on it and it's probably time to replace the tires (I'm not really sure how to tell, but I'd rather not find out the hard way...). Bike came with Bontrager 700X25 Race-Lites, which have so far survived the NYC streets flat-free. Rides consist of laps around Central Park and 25 - 50 mile trips around the city and suburbs, no racing. There are lots of types available, and I have no idea what would be best; I'd rather not rely on the LBS as they will sell me what they happen to have in stock. Quality and durability are more important than price. Also, is there a practical difference between the 23c and 25c tires? The 23c seems to be more common.

Well a good tire that isn't too expensive is the Specialized Mondo Pro. Does not ride as nicely as the Michelin Pro Race but is less expensive. The Pro Race is my favorite. Have not had super luck with either the Conti or the Hutchinson brands. Odd as it appears that Hutchinson makes the Mondo tires for Spec. Vittoria's tires ride real nice but do not last long. But all this is pretty subjective as I am in the desert and you are not. Heat and dryness and tons of "stickers" and cactus needles are our chief concerns. As far as the difference in sizes goes a true 23c (23mm across, aired up) is the most efficient tire with all factors considered. A 25c tire is next best being just a little bit slower but offering less chance of pinch flatting. But there are tons of factors here to look at that would take too much space. The Specialized or one of the Michelins would be a great choice that you should be happy with.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Philman
Well a good tire that isn't too expensive is the Specialized Mondo Pro. Does not ride as nicely as the Michelin Pro Race but is less expensive. The Pro Race is my favorite. Have not had super luck with either the Conti or the Hutchinson brands. Odd as it appears that Hutchinson makes the Mondo tires for Spec. Vittoria's tires ride real nice but do not last long. But all this is pretty subjective as I am in the desert and you are not. Heat and dryness and tons of "stickers" and cactus needles are our chief concerns. As far as the difference in sizes goes a true 23c (23mm across, aired up) is the most efficient tire with all factors considered. A 25c tire is next best being just a little bit slower but offering less chance of pinch flatting. But there are tons of factors here to look at that would take too much space. The Specialized or one of the Michelins would be a great choice that you should be happy with.

buy pro races online for cheaper, try bike tires direct

I've ridden in Manhattan a couple of times. For the "mean streets" of NYC, I'd want a more cut-resistant tire than the Pro Race slicks, or any "race" tire. My choice would be GP 3000 as a minimum, or one of the heavier Conti's like the 4 Seasons or Ultra. Michelin or Specialized may have some good ones also.

Elperro raises an interesting question - how do you know when slicks are worn out? If you wait till you start seeing fibers showing through the rubber, that would seem to be a bit late.

Thanks for the good advice, guys. I was already leaning toward the Michelin Pro Race, so I'll try a set. Biggest road hazard around here seems to be very rough asphalt; caused by the snow/ice/salt cycle. Probably half of my riding consists of laps around the Central Park loop (very good surface), and I otherwise try to stay on well maintained streets and roads, so the Michelins should be fine.

The existing tires still have "meat" on them, but road surface of the rear has become flattened and both tires are showing pock-marks and small cracks. Murphy's Law being what it is, I'd rather spend $80 on a new set of tires than on a long cab ride home...

On rough streets, you're better off with 700X25's. I ride both 23's and 25's, and the latter is much more forgiving of bad roads. Try Avocet Carbon 12 SL, K's. They've been durable for me, the weight is reasonable and the ride is comfy.

As for 23's, I ride the Michelin Pro Race and Veloflex Pave tires. I *really* like the ride of the Pave's. Very, very supple. The Michelin Pro Race is likely more durable than the Pave.

-Wm.

Well..... You're gonna get as many recommendations as there are tires...

I have a Lemond Zurich, and I like the combination of its comfortable but light steel frame with a hard, easy-rolling tire with low spin weight.

I use Panaracers, (700x20) as they offer a great combination of low weight (210g), and high pressure (150 psi). I put about 2000 miles a year on them, and usually replace them at the end of the season, and I've never flattened one. (Oops, having said that, I'll probably flatten on today's ride.) I ride smooth and rough asphalt.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=12793

Jack