Road Cycling - Fast tires, but not racers

Howdy, all. I'm in the market for some tires that are pretty durable and are still pretty quick. I'm on Conti GP 4 seasons right now, and they're good, but I bought them through a hookup thinking ahead to wet weather in the winter. Well, that's a ways off, so I'm thinking about something else. I've ridden a lot of Conti tires and have been pleased with some, not with others. So, you're mission, should you choose to accept it, is to suggest a tire that fits the following broad category:

Fast but not a racing tire, as I don't want it to wear out in 1000 miles. Something that won't flat frequently or have sidewalls made of thin aluminum foil. A clincher (this one's a must).

Other than that, I'm leaving a lot open. Hook a fellow roadie up. Thanks mucho.

How about the VRedestein Fortezza TriComp they are a fast tire and fairly puncture resistent, if you like running high pressure they can handle up to 140psi.

I've been riding the Performance Pro Kevlar and have been very happy. One flat in 5,000+ miles (on my second set).

Tufo Pro line. Just think how fast a tire with 160psi would be. I have been on them secne the mid point of the season, I have log 1248 mile with know problems at all. By the way they are tubular clincher. I would try the S33 Pro.
Dave

Stick with what you have,they are wet and dry.If you must,GP3000 are almost the same but for the wet.

I've been using Conti GP3000s (700x23) and have been pretty happy with them. They probably can't be stretched out past 4000 miles however (safe to replace at 3000 to 3500 miles I think) but they do provide what I find is a good compromise between a fast racing tyre and a daily-use tyre. I only got a flat (twice actually in the same day) on my last pair after 4000 miles. I pump mine to around 130PSI. They handle adequately in the wet and superbly in other conditions. The biggest downside is that they're rather pricey.

shokhead, I think the tires I've got now are marketed as the all weather (read: wet tire) choice from Conti. The GP3000 tires are more grippy in dry conditions, but wear quickly in my experience.

dwatson, I'm interested in your suggestion. Where can I find them?

If your LBS deals with Quality Bicycle he can order them there or they ca buy them direct from TUFO in BC, Canada.

You might also consider Vittorio CX.

Originally posted by ImprezaDrvr
shokhead, I think the tires I've got now are marketed as the all weather (read: wet tire) choice from Conti. The GP3000 tires are more grippy in dry conditions, but wear quickly in my experience.
I know.
dwatson, I'm interested in your suggestion. Where can I find them?

Originally posted by ImprezaDrvr
wet weather in the winter.

I'm thinkin' the wet season in Window Rock is kind of like the dry season most other places. ;)

I don't like the silicone (aka silicium) rubber compounds on wet roads, they seem to slip pretty easy.

I second Kev's comment. The Vred Fortezza Tri-comps are built sturdy, and I've gotten decent mileage out of mine. Pump 'em up hard for a fast tire (you'll feel every pebble), or 110 psi for more recreational stuff.

Another candidate might be Vittoria Rubino Pros.

Well, buzz, you're off on the weather here. We're high desert, baby. That means, at least around here, snow in the winter, and damn cold. Not southern Rockies snow, at least not since we've been here, but we average a couple of feet a winter. Been below that for a while, seein' as how it's been a drought here for about the last 4 years, but still...

http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tireselections This site list them. I got mine at the LBS. Just due a shearch for Tufo tires. I had the Conti GP3000s and then went to the Tufo, night and day for me. If you have never riden a tubular you are in for a treat, these are as close as it gets with out glue.
Dave

Originally posted by dwatson
http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tireselections This site list them. I got mine at the LBS. Just due a shearch for Tufo tires. I had the Conti GP3000s and then went to the Tufo, night and day for me. If you have never riden a tubular you are in for a treat, these are as close as it gets with out glue.
Dave

These:

http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tufoclinchers

or these?

http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tufotubulars

ThanX!!!

I've seen many riders very happy with the Conti GP3000's, but haven't tried them yet.

Anyone have feedback on the Conti Attack/Force Tires? I'm getting ready to purchase some tires for my Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL's and hoping to retain a very fast & reliable tire. I was very happy with the performance of my Specialized 03 Turbo Pro Cipollini Tires, but they are starting to get their fair amount of cuts and flats after only 600 miles...they are letting me down!!

The tufo tires are pretty cool....I was riding towards the bridge (the golden gate) about 6 months ago on a Tufo S33 in the rear. There were about six guys on my tail going up the finial climb (heading south from marin) and I was feeling pretty good. All of sudden I hear the dreaded sound of air hissing out...we all know that sound and our hearts just drops. But I didn't want to stop in the middle of the climb so I just kept pedalling. Within 2 seconds, the sound stops. I had injected the sealant into the tire the week before and it completely sealed the puncture on the fly! The guys were pretty impressed.

http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tufoclinchers This one, no glus needed.

Originally posted by dwatson
http://www.bicycletires.com/tek9.asp?pg=tufoclinchers This one, no glus needed.

ThanX!!!!! :beer: