Tandem Cycling - Experiences on the Tandem with Continental Ultra 3000 in 700x28C

I have been using the Conti Ultra 2000 tyres on our tandem, very successfully for quite a while. These tyres have now been discontinued and replaced with the Ultra 3000. It seems like the tyre has a silicon tread. Otherwise they look exactly like the Ultra 2000’s. It seems like these tyres very prone to cutting by road debris. Where punctures were rare on the 2000’s we now get them regularly. I must also add that we are in the middle of our rain season and there is a lot of glass and other debris washed onto the road shoulders. Has anybody else had the same problem with these tyres. Another odd thing is that Conti has suddenly dropped the price of these tyres... very odd.

Keep those wheels spinning !!!!!

Big H

Rain and glass aren't part of my receipt for a flat-free bike ride.

Personally, I use Specialized Armadillos on my tandem. They're heavy and anything but high performance, but they are nearly bullet-proof. I had only one flat last year and none-at-all the year before. I've actually considered riding without a spare inner tube but that's tempting fate a bit more than my wife is comfortable doing.

If you think that you might like something a little less extream, you might try some Continental Gatorskins.

Howdy from Tucson!
Using tire savers can help keep debris from accumulating and digging into your tire. Tire savers are no longer available, however you can make a pair for front and rear tires.
IF you have V-brakes it's easy. You'll need a wire coat hanger and some plastic or rubber tubing. Cut/bend/shape the wire to fit around the studs, utilizing the brake stud to hold wire in place. Wire should be bent to clear the tire by 1 or 2 mm. Place a short piece of plastic/rubber tubing on the wire (before bending). It may take a little of your time making the tire saver now, but it will save you time on the road as debris gets brushed off! If you do not have V-brakes it would be a bit more challenging, but do-able!
Spreek gij ook nog een beetje Suid-Afrikaans? Was stationed with the 2nd SouthAf Air Squadron in Korea during the 'police action' in 1951-52! Real good fliers and they made some great curry!
Rudy & Kay/Zona tandem

We're now trying the new Hutchinson Fusion "long distance" in a x25. We've not been able to log many miles since installing them but, hopefully they'll do the job Hutchinson made them for. As we get more miles logged on the tires I'll post an informed opinion of them.

We haven't used the Ultra 3000's but have been very pleased with the Conti UltraGatorskins 700c-28. They should have the flat protection you are looking for. Their rolling resistance seems low as well.

Hi Rudy

Thanx for the great tip. All the cuts were made at an angle. Indicative of glass shards clinging to the tread and then penetrating with the next revolution of the tyre.

Ja ek is Afrikaans en 'n boerseun. What a surprise to hear my mother tounge spoken by somebody so far away. I was born in 1953 right after the Korea conflict and heard many tales and stories form my parents about this. A brother of a friend of my mother was lost in action and I remember the account vividly. Were you a pilot as well or on support staff.

Feel free to visit our website. The web address is on this post.

Keep those wheels spinning!!!!

Big H