Bicycle Mechanics - I need the skinny on new tires

I desperately need new tires. I do recreation/sport touring type of rides. I ride on some really rough roads. I want a tough tire and I don't care how fast/slow it is. I'm using 700x25 right now and would like to keep that size since I want a cushier ride and weigh 218 lbs. (someone told me I should stick with the fatter tires until I get below 200 lbs. - he didn't explain why).

So the real question is if there's anything wrong with inexpensive tires. I know NOTHING about tires. I saw some on the Performance site for $12.95 a piece. Wire bead and kevlar belted. That's the type I have now and they held up well with very few flats over a lot of miles. However, they are now cracked and bulging in spots.

Is max psi indication of anything? My old tires have a 115 max psi rating while these tires I'm considering have 105 max psi. And if I do get these 105 psi tires, what would be the optimum pressure for inflation?

What determines how much you want to spend?

What determines how many miles you get out of a tire?

Any advice and/or info greatly appreciated. I need to order something this weekend. I had no idea how bad these tires were until I took a good look today on my afternoon ride. I've only been riding about three weeks after a long absence.

TIA

John

Folks that have been keeping up with my tire dramas know that I just absolutely HATE my Continential sport 1000 tires- I got them on sale in Canada- they have a wire bead, and those wire beads are a b!tch to get on and off- even the experienced folks that helped me get a tire changed had to take at least 20- 45 minutes. I just hated those tires with a passion. New tires are on the way, though.

Just avoid getting tires with wire beads, and you'll at least get a fighting chance for some decent tires. :D I don't know much more about tires, sorry...

Koffee

I believe that Koffee's problems were specific to the Continental 1000s. But every clincher that isn't a foldable has a wire bead.

Hi,
if you want a cushier ride, basically you want a bigger tire. But you have conflicting interests here; tough tires usually ride rough. The Conti Top Touring
tire is prob what you want. It's heavy and slow, but it will last for thousands of miles on the roughest roads; and it's a low pressure tire with a nice ride (in the larger sizes). I would look at the 28c size, if it will fit on your bike. Now, if you want a smooth ride in a 25c, you won't find nicer than the Vredstein Fortezza. But from what you're saying, the Conti looks like a good choice. The reccomeded pressure is usually printed right on the tire; and that's where you want to be.

Well, a cushy ride is not high on my priority list. I was thinking more in terms of it being cushy for the bike to protect it from my overweight body. The 28c will not fit on my rims.

I've been looking over more tires since my post and am stunned by the price range. I know wire beads are a pain, that's all I've ever dealt with. Other than being heavy and slow, are there any drawbacks to the inexpensive tires that go for $10 - $15? My bike right now is an excercise tool and enjoyment. All I want is something to get me through this season and next. Probably talking about 2000 miles if I stay on track. Maybe I'll just get the cheap tires to at least get me through this season. Then after I learn more I'll know what to get and how much to spend.

28c will fit on your rims. your rims are probably in the 20mm range...so I suppose you can see the width of the rim does not change how wide of a tire you can mount, within reason. obviiously, you can't mount a 40c, but a 28 is definitly within reason.

Check Nashbar, etc., for a quality tire on sale.

See, specifically:

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=9591&storetype=estore&estoreid=42

I have weighed up to 240 and use 700x23's with absolutely no problem.

I think you should stay with the 700Cx25 size.

I like the Conti Ultra2000 700Cx23s on my Bianchi, but they are a bear to install on my Campag. Omega rims. Since Vittoria tyres have always given me good traction and handling, I may try them next time. On my commuting bikes, I have greatly appreciated the durability and reliability of Specialized Armadillo 700Cx28s.

Stay with 25's or wider, and lower your pressure. I weight just about the same as you, and run 90/95 psi F/R. Found this by trial, and gives a great ride, speed & handling.:beer:

I use www.Nashbar.com brand tires that I buy for ~$10.. They work fine. I get 1500-2000 miles on them, and I'm not light. I also use Tuffy brand tire liners for puncture resistance and never get flats as a result. Regarding the width, I use 25c's, but I also like 28c tires. It's harder to find a cheap 700x28 tho.

I would stick with the size you have. I got tired of cheap tires; something like that Ricorso in a 25c would be a good choice. There also more rugged tires like the Armadillos,Gatorskins,etc. Whether you get a good sport or touring tire; I have found the extra bucks for a quality tire pays you back in terms of reliabilty, safety, superior handling.

http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=&subcategory=&brand=&sku=9110&storetype=estore&estoreid=42

Thanks for the suggestions, DnvrFox. I was going to order the Performance tires, but I'm going to spend a few more bucks and get those Vittorias from Nashbar. Of course being the retro grouch that I am, I will get the black/grey colored tires.

Thanks for all the info and suggestions, everyone! What a great place.

JWK,

When not riding tubulars (the choice of real retrogrouches!)
I think Vittoria Rubino Pro's area good tire, black througout.
There is a very nice Veloflex tire (PAVE) which is handmade
real ITALIAN tire (old vittoria factory) on sale for $39.99 at
Colorado cyclist in a very retrogrouchy black with tan
sidewalls.

Marty

Oh good,
you couldn't call my bike "retrogrouchy", but since my Avocets are black and tan; I can at least lay claim to a symbolic grump :D

Just because a tire requires a little umph to get the bead over the rim does not make it a bad tire worthy of your contempt. I have ridden Conti 1000's and found them to be light, fast, reliable and reasonably priced.