Road Cycling - Lightweight 700c tires

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Ti-Carbo
11-13-02, 04:59 PM
I've been looking on the Internet for the lightest 700c tire available (clincher). I have found Gommitalia's at 160 grams, but that is the best so far. I'm doing a Century mountain climb early next year and I thought I'd look into a fly-weight tire. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks in Advance!
Go tubular!!
Tufo has a complete tyre that weighs 165g!!
http://www.tufo.com/index.html
Ti-Carbo
11-13-02, 07:15 PM
Then I'd have to "eat" my Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL's :D
I'm a decent BS'er but my wife won't buy "But honey, I can save 150 grams and it will only cost about a grand"! ;)
Thanks for the reply, but without those winning 6 numbers for the lottery, I'm stuck with clinchers for now. :confused:
I think you are running a fine line.. if you go to lite most likely get more flats and a few grams won't help that much in the long run then...
Vittoria Ultra Speed Integra Tire 145g
Continental Grand Prix Supersonic Tire 140g
I know I run the vredestein Stradius Pro at 200g.. I like this set of tires, despite when everyone suggest I run the 700x20 on my bike for my weekend rides, hardly ever get a flat.. I personaly just prefer the feel of narrower tires.
Take note many of the weights posted by manufacturers are not accurate.
Also common sense will tell many lighter tires are thinner thus will not last nearly as long as more 'heavier' tires.
TrekFurthur
11-14-02, 01:27 PM
Originally posted by Kev
I think you are running a fine line.. if you go to lite most likely get more flats and a few grams won't help that much in the long run then...
Vittoria Ultra Speed Integra Tire 145g
Continental Grand Prix Supersonic Tire 140g
The Supersonics do not have the best reputation where flats are concerned, no matter what Conti marketing gurus say. However, I've been running Bontrager Xlites, very similar to Supersonic and made by Conti, and have had good luck with them, even running them with Specialized Turbo Ultralight tubes. Do see a need to go much letter, unless I throw my tubies on :p
Ti-Carbo
11-14-02, 04:07 PM
Man, this is what I was hoping for... To hear both sides of the weight-weenie debate. I'm planning on running the tires for the mountain century only. I'll pull them after the ride. I get into the light weight side of cycling. As a friend of mine always says "it's only money... you can always make more!!!".
I appreciate all the replies. I plan on running the lightest setup I can find. I have had very few flats (2 in 4000 miles to be exact), so I don't worry a lot about those. 1 of the flats was due to very low tire pressure and a pinch flat (stupid me)... the other was a heavy staple. This ride is not a race, but an endurance test.
Keep the idea's coming. I'm re-reading each one!
Later and ride hard!
TrekFurthur
11-15-02, 07:02 AM
Originally posted by TrekFurthur
Do see a need to go much letter, unless I throw my tubies on :p
Man, my typing got really bad yesterday.
If you want real lightweight tires--IRC Paperlites.
roadbuzz
11-15-02, 10:06 AM
You might also consider some super high pressure tires (it's your @$$, not mine ;)).
Vittoria Open Corsa CX T.T. (http://www.vittoria.com/catalogo_2002_vittoria_geax/product_index_frame.htm) - 700x23 230 gm, 180 max psi
Vittoria Ultra Speed (http://www.vittoria.com/catalogo_2002_vittoria_geax/product_index_frame.htm) - 700x23 155 gm, 160 max psi. Note the usage recommendation for one stage races, dry roads.
You probably don't want to use just any tube (or tire pump, for that matter) if you're going to pump to 160 psi.
To put the weight differences in perspective, it's 28.3 grams/ounce, 16 ounces to the pound.
What about Tufo S3lites? 220psig max pressure (if your pump goes that high!!)
Stick to the normal clincher tires. In case you get a flat you can easily fix.
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