Road Cycling - Opinion needed on turbo armadillo lite tire

Is the 02 Specialized Turbo Armadillo Lite tire any good? Specialized has them on clearance right now. I recieved several recomendations for the 03 turbo armadillo in another thread and realy have no idea what the difference is.

Also, the only size they have is 700x20c. My current tire is size 700x23c. Will the more narrow tire work on my rims? I assume that 3mm wont make much difference with the rims but i am a newbie, so I thought Id ask.

Im not buying new tires til friday, so I thought I'd do a bit more research, perhaps I found a bargain. The specialized site is out of the 03 turbo armadillo but my LBS has them in stock (I assume he has the 03 model). Thanks everyone for your feedback.

Best Regards,
Jeff

Originally posted by Jeffbeerman2
the only size they have is 700x20c. My current tire is size 700x23c. Will the more narrow tire work on my rims?

Jeff, I think most rims will take both 20mm and 23mm tires. But you could post which particular type you have and be positive. You could also check the manufacturer's web site. I know that Mavic list the possible tire sizes, pressure, etc. for each of their models.

For the rider, though, going back from 23mm to 20mm can be a significant change. And not necessarily to the better. I have heard quite often that 23mm tires are generally more comfortable--and not 'slower'--than the smaller ones.

As to Specialized tires, I have only experienced the Turbo Pro's(not the Armadillo's). For what it's worth: I found them to be wearing quickly and cornering sloppy. They were not 'round', but had a sharpish angle on the side wall.

But I am sure that many people have had more luck with Specialized tires. In fact, I have read numerous posts recommending specifically the Armadillo's because of their durability.

I use the Armadillos and love them but the 20 versus 23 is a big jump. I prefer the 23 for the little softer ride they offer. The 3mm makes a difference IMO. The tires are great the sizing is something I couldn't justify.

Originally posted by Bruco
Jeff, I think most rims will take both 20mm and 23mm tires. But you could post which particular type you have and be positive.

I cant seem to find a site for them, but I have "Matrix 700C" Rims. That is the only marking I can find on the wheel, besides a made in USA sticker. I suspect Trek might make them, but Im not sure.

I have spent almost an hour trying to understand sizing and am more confused than ever.

Is the 20 going to slide when cornering more? Is it going to ride different than the 23, and how? The bike rides pretty decent actually, unless I hit a very rough patch on the road. I would be excited if the 20 tire would be faster than the 23 as long as the bike didnt become a lot more rough or unstable.

Also, on other threads on tire selection I have read on this site, riders point out their weight. I am at 165 now and will probably end up at 155 or 160 when it is cool enough to run more often again. If I actually can get this bike to where it doesnt go flat every other day I may lighten up 10 pounds for hot weather biking :D

The local bike shop is charging the full $30 retail for the regular turbo armadillo, and the web site is charging $20 for the turbo lite armadillo (which they list regularly at $40).


Too bad specialized doesnt provide any useful info on their site (just sales propaganda)

Your rims will be fine with 20 or 23mm tires. The 20 mm tires seam to be a little faster, the 23 will be more comfortable. The one other thing you will have to watch with 20mm, is that they will snake bite easier unless you can fine the smaller tube. The Armadillo should have a long life on the road. I rode a set a while back and they where tough as nails. I would spend the extra money and get the 23mm.
Dave

I have the 23mm '03 Turbo Armadillos and they are a great tire. Don't know much about the '02 but I would stick to 23mm for more comfort.

I've been looking for the lites and cant find them anywhere.Maybe for 04 they will be found.