Road Cycling - Tire Advice

Hey all, I have a used road bike with worn tires on it and I was looking to change them out. Im on a budget and need some advice on what tires to choose. I am a beginner so an expensive tire would not be needed. I am looking for something safe and that I can learn on, any advice on brands, models, ect. Again Thanks!


:beer:

Not sure what your looking for in a tire. If your commuting and want a tire that will get you to work with the least amount of flats that no other tire can possibly offer, then look into Specialize Turbo Armadillos, they cost $29 each. They also last longer then any other tire.

Also if your commuting look into the larger size 700x26 Armadillo tire; the wider profile will allow you to stop a tad faster but more importantly the tire will have less of a tendancy to follow grooves in the road or slide into a ridge, plus they will last longer then the 700x23's. Also with the larger tires you can run a bit less air pressure it you desire a more cushion type of a ride. I run 700x28 in the rear and 700x26 on the front and put 100 psi in the rear and 90 in the front for a softer ride, but I only weigh 160, if you weigh over 200 you should go higher. But when I go riding long distance I crank the pressure up to 145 in the rear and 135 in the front for a tad easier pedaling and a tad faster speed.

Also because these tires are so flat resistent I use a 65gram Specialize ultralight tube in one and a 50gram Conti racing tube in the other (I'm trying the Conti as an experiment on the front). These tubes, even though they are light, lose only about 20 psi a week; they weigh less than latex but hold air far better.

I have not had one flat in over 12,000 miles since using these tires, before this I was averaging 2-5 flats a week for 4 years after I first moved here (we have very trashy streets where I live) and no tire lasted more than 750 miles, I now get about 4000 miles on the front and 3200 on the rear.

The Continental Grand Prix is also a good all-round tire. It rolls very well, wears out slowly and is quite puncture-resistant. In the not-foldable version, it should not cost you more than 15 $/Euro.

If you decide on one of the Specialized models, make sure that you like the shape of their tires. The Turbo's I have used, had fairly 'sharp edges', which made cornering a bit awkward.

Originally posted by halfxspaid
Hey all, I have a used road bike with worn tires on it and I was looking to change them out.


What tires are on the bike now? Have you ridden on them much? If so how do you like the feel of the tires? I am currently riding Michelin Megamium tires and like them. Here's a link to get some info on them: http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/megamium.htm

These tires were $30.00 each at the LBS.

Zack

I want something for my training rides that will go fast. Right now there are some really worn, dirty michelin axial performances on there. :confused:

If you are really on a budget and don't know what to get, Bike Nashbar and Performance Bike always have sales on tires. Some of last years (or the year before) tires will go for $12.00 down to $9.95. These are good to experiment with. They are usually wire bead and slightly heavy, but if you don't like them, at least you're not out $40.00.
Start out trying Vittorias, or the cheap on sale Michelins...or take a walk on the wild side and try something that you haven't heard of. Negative experiences also teach.
Good luck.

Thanks all, I was looking through my house to find some of my roommates old, barely used continental 3000's. Im set!:D

Well go ride..........:D

halfxspaid

I have tried alot of differnet tires but finally went to 700X28. It makes for a better ride and I find my avg speeds on rides are not any slower than when I was using top end 700X23. However on race day or TT day switch back to the 700X23. But for training and rec riding you might consider 700X28. This is the largest tire that will fit on a road bike frame I believe. Shamino has come back out with a medium reach brake (about time) that will allow you to have a nice range of tire selection. But I dont think you can slap the medium reach brake on a road frame unless its built for it.