Byron Jenkins said:I am now very unfit and want to build up my distance & stamina so I need recommendations for
suitable tyres for training. At the moment, I have 23mm Conti Supersports on but would like
something a little more comfy, with good grip but low rolling resistance, if that's possible.
What make/type/width would the group recommend?
Do you fancy treating yourself to a high performance racing tyre that happens to be comfortable and
just about practical enough for normal road cycling? ...Vittoria should pay me for this :-) .....
Vittoria Open Corsa 23. It's noticeably wider than most other 23's at actually ~24 to ~24.5mm,
yet comfortably inflates up to 130psi. The volume and the supple (and strong) 290tpi casing
makes it feel a lot softer than that. It's probably the fastest tyre of its type, and grip is
superb. It's a lightweight folding tyre, but not silly-light (ie. not toooo thin). However, it
costs about £18 (mail order), will get a few punctures, will eventually get too cut up from
glass before it wears out so won't last many thousands of miles. To make up for this, it's an
easy fit on the rim so puncture repairs are never a big hassle.
If you need something more practical and cheap, a mid/low-price 25mm tyre should do - perhaps
Michelin Performer or Schwalbe Blizzard. Both are well made with plenty of rubber - but they won't
perform anything like as well as the OC's.
~PB