Road Tires

Greg W said:

I really enjoy the Michelin Pros. I've ridden several and these are by far my favorite

Another vote here for the Michelin Axle Pros.
Others I've tried and liked, are close, but just don't have the same feel...
Conti - Ultra 2000's and 3000's
Michelin - Axle Pro Race (Lights)
Vitorria - Open Corsa CX
And a few others I can't rememver right now.

The new Vittoria Rubino Pro II is much improved on the last edition

GPT said:

Armadillos last a while but what are your favorite tires for speed? 700x23 or there abouts. I've tried Rubino & Bontrager and think the Bontragers are more comfortable but not a zippy. Thoughts?

I'm impressed with the Armadillo's (700x 23) and I am now on my second set without having a puncture. Did 5000 km with the first set and replaced in October just before the Melbourne around the Bay in a day ride, mainly because a few cuts were evident. Now done 2500 km with the second set, and still going without a puncture (touch wood).

There were lots of cyclists with punctures during ATB and I wasn't one of them. I did 218 km on the day at 29 km/h which think is OK going. In an ideal world where there is no glass/metal/sharp rocks/ etc on the road, lighter tyres would be better for speed, but in the real world the benefit may soon be lost by the time taken to repair puntures. 🙄

Aussie Steve said:

Giant's OCR range has been sold with a certain type of Michelin as standard fitment. Can't recall which Michelin...because as soon as the tyre wore down near the canvas I threw it in the bin in disgust.

There is no tread surface at all, the tyre is simply sidewall all the way around. Punctures far too easily. And unlike a good racing Hutchy, which IS fast, the Mich feels heavy and sluggish, with very poor feel in cornering; it is the most horrible tyre I have ever had. Almost as bad as the Kevlar Continentals I used to buy just for their low price and Kevlar belts.
I now have a Specialized Armadillo (I think!) as well as one of the Vittorias. Both feel beautiful and fast, and handling response is razor-sharp compared to the French rubbish (Mich).

Since everybody here loves to quote the all-knowing Sheldon Brown, here's a shameless link... who needs tread?

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html#tread

My top choice is the Michelin Pro2 Race. Hate the Hutchinson Fusion Comps. Like the Conti GPs. Like the Vittoria Rubinos for a budget tire. Want to try the Vredesteins. I just put on a set of Michelin Pro Grips this week, but I haven't had a chance to try them since we've had a freaking monsoon roll through SF today.