Road Cycling - Armadillo Tire Pressure

Hi!!

I am new around here, but was a long-time member of bicycle forum, now defunct.

We have a lot of "goatheads" (terrible, tube-killing sticker) around here, and about 3 weeks ago, I got two flats from them on two different Conti Ultra 2000's in one day.

So, I went to my LBS and asked "Hey, I don't like this, what can I do?"

(I really liked the speed and handling of the ultra 2000's)

After ruminating around a bit, he suggested Specialized Armadillos, which I bought and promptly mounted (Whew - they are TIGHT)!!

I have found that the Armadillos work best at about 130-135 psi. BUT, the recommended pressure is 115. I let them drop naturally to 120, then pump back up to 134.

So, I have always believed that most any tire can go quite a bit above the recommended.

FWIW, I am 61 yo, about 225 lbs, and do mostly recreational riding - about 3,000 miles per year split between my Lemond BA and my Specialized HR. I have been riding about 3.5 years.

Any thoughts on the tire pressure??

PS, I have never had ANY problem with wheels and spokes breaking. Always have the wheels trued each year at the LBS.

I should also mention that tire size is 700 x 23

Hi DnvrFox,
I used to hang out some at BB forum .*S* When I started I used conti 2000 and got lots of flats and switched to armadillos. They are tough and a harsh ride. They have a tendency of coming apart at the tire bead. I have heard several others say the same thing. I always used the rec tire pressure and put around 3000 miles on them but finally got tired (pun) of the harsh ride and weight. If you like contis you might consider going to 700X28's .
I have been using this tire as a winter tire and have liked it so well have not even put my mich pros back on yet. Run them at 100 lbs pressure and you will have fewer flats but still a fairly light tire and a good ride. If you like more pressure they have a range of 95 to 125.
Ride Safe....Dudley

Hi All,
This tire thing bothers me a bit and feel like getting off on a rant here.
I see most roadies out on expensive 700X23 and even 700X20 tires and getting lots of flats. The bike shops will rec getting a heavy 700X23 tire or putting slim or stips in them etc.
Why not go to a 700X28 tire size ? The tires are not that much heavier you have a good pressure range and fewer flats not to meation a bit more latitude if you run off the road or hit some gravel. I have run a time trial in these tires and have stayed with a fast peleton with them. The Conti 2000 700X28 is around 25 bucks a tire and long lasting.
I feel better now. *S*
Ride safe....Dudley

Thanks for the responses.

The flats that I was getting was not from too much pressure or too skinny tires, it was from goatheads, also known as puncture vine.

I would hypothesize that a 700x28 would be more susceptible to goatheads as it has a wider footprint (Goatheads also attack the sides of your tires) and would have greater ground contact. Around here, these goatheads are prevalent in the middle of roads and cement bike paths. They detach themselves from the vine and sit there gellfully awaiting your presence.

Ihave absolutely no problem with the ride of the Armadillos on my Lemond BA (which tends to ride pretty gently). I keep the pressure up because it is quite noticeable to me that the bike rolls more easily with a higher pressure.

My question related more to the safety of having a tire at 135 psi on a MAvic rim than anything else.

Any thoughts on this issue. I brought it up because a rider I met was extremely surprised that I would run the pressure over the recommended amount.

Thanks.

Also, need to note that I have nad NO goathead flats since switching to Armadillos.

Dnvr, it would take a BULLET to puncture those things! Just this morning, my Armadillos ran over the remains of yet another 40 oz bottle broken in a place which I couldn't avoid. As usual, no problems.

DnvrFox,
If you are happy with em thats all that counts. As I said earlier they do have or had a tendency to pull apart at the tire bead.
I would ck the tire at the bead also to make sure this is not happening. I never had a blowout because of this and my LBS replaced 2 armadillos because of this tire bead problem.
I am around 190 and kept my tires at 120 .

They are tough as Alex said . I used to run over glass for the hell of it. *S*

I went with the Armidillos about the same time you did Denver and have been through quite a bit of glass without problems. My only complaint is that I couldn't run the 700x28 in the back. It rubbed on that little frame arch by the rear brake. I've had 3 other brands of 28's without problems. Ended up using a Conti Alligator Skin in the back. I think I like it better than the Armidillo - although with the Armi's rubbing it was hard to compare. And I even swore once that I would never use another Conti!

I'm over 200 pounds and I used to use the 700*23 armadillos. I seemed to get as many flats as with anything else. The best move I made was to go to a wider tire (Michelin Axial Pro 700*25). They look like balloons but ride and handle much better and my average speed has actually increased. Additionally, I can ride over the rough stuff much faster (railroad tracks, etc) . Going to a wider tire can actually lower your rolling resistance (air resistance will go up a little) and the greater air volume gives a much nicer ride.

Hi!!

I am new around here, but was a long-time member of bicycle forum, now defunct.

We have a lot of "goatheads" (terrible, tube-killing sticker) around here, and about 3 weeks ago, I got two flats from them on two different Conti Ultra 2000's in one day.

So, I went to my LBS and asked "Hey, I don't like this, what can I do?"

(I really liked the speed and handling of the ultra 2000's)

After ruminating around a bit, he suggested Specialized Armadillos, which I bought and promptly mounted (Whew - they are TIGHT)!!

I have found that the Armadillos work best at about 130-135 psi. BUT, the recommended pressure is 115. I let them drop naturally to 120, then pump back up to 134.

So, I have always believed that most any tire can go quite a bit above the recommended.

FWIW, I am 61 yo, about 225 lbs, and do mostly recreational riding - about 3,000 miles per year split between my Lemond BA and my Specialized HR. I have been riding about 3.5 years.

Any thoughts on the tire pressure??

PS, I have never had ANY problem with wheels and spokes breaking. Always have the wheels trued each year at the LBS.

It seems to me that this topic has not yet been exhausted.

I do think it is a shame that old threads are left to die, and are never revived. I think it is important to use and revive old information and keep it updated.

Who in the world is responsible for this travesty?

Folks, you must have some opinions re: Armadillo Tires!! Aren't they the best for racing?

Isn't there anyone out there?

I really need to know if Armadillos are the best racing tire, and will they prevent flats while racing?

i have considered these but at 60 bucks each???

still waiting for my all conditions to wear out.

http://alamedabicycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=1796

Buy airless tires. Lance rides them in 700x8mm and I hear there are no downsides whatsoever.

Wow, an almost 8 year old thread bump. Thats impressive.

Armadillos are terrible for racing. However, if you have a really long road race on poor road conditions they might be your best bet.