Road Cycling - Tires for novice

I just picked up a used cannondale and am new to the road bike territory. I basically have been using the bike for exercise/recreational riding around town and am considering getting some tires to replace these old panaracers on my bike.

http://i19.ebayimg.com/01/i/01/d0/06/60_1_b.JPG

http://images.auctionworks.com/hi/30/29648/tiresbontrager700x25.jpg

http://i20.ebayimg.com/03/i/01/ab/56/5f_1_b.JPG

I want to stay with a 700x25c, because even though i have read that 23's are not that noticeable in size and ride, i want to keep as much side profile as possible, because the roads around here are torn to pieces and i have a pretty stiff riding bike to begin with(80's cannondale).

anyone have a suggestion?

Thanks

For training or everyday riding, I recommend specialized armadillos (I use this on my commuter) or conti ultra gator skins. A lighter road tire is the specialized all conditions pro (I use this on my road-bike). All of these offer better than average flat protection. The armadillos are amazing. I rode through some glass the other day, and there was nary a scratch on the tires. The difference between the armadillos and the all conditions pro, is that the armadillos has kevlar reinforcement from bead-bead (heavier), while ACP have it only on the regular riding surface.

I've also used the bontrager tires in you picture, and they gave me many trouble-free miles also. I only changed because I wanted a larger size (700-28), and the store I went to had the Armadillos in that size & nothing else.

For race tires, I don't have any suggestions.

Stay with something around $20. Brand makes no difference.

Most of my riding is fitness/training and recreational riding in the streets around Atlanta. I used to have Continental Ultra 2000s and had a flat once or twice a month. I've had Continental Grand Prix 3000s for the last couple of years. They are a little pricey (~$48) but I think they're worth the money because I average a flat every 1500 miles. I'm not sure if they are available in 700x25.

My other bike has Vittoria Rubino Intrepid PRB Kevlar, 700x25. I've ridden them about 800 miles and haven't had a flat yet. They cost about half as much as the Conti GP 3000.

I have a question of tires. Do they make tubeless tires for road bikes?
I know mtbs started going that way a few years ago and are still headed that way for reasons of reduced pinch flats, less rolling resistance, better traction, and lighter weight. They do cost quite a bit more and require a tubless style rim.

anyone heard anything about iRC Tires and the Redstorm?? I think they would accent the red/white color setup of my bike....but if they suck i would rather get a better tire no matter what color.

http://www.parts4vws.com/images/members/redventoglx/bike.jpg

the only reason i keep asking is because I may be able to pick up a pair new for less than $20.

http://www.hedgehog.co.nz/pictures/408.jpg

Are you looking for lightweight racing tires, or beefier tires that will last longer? You might check out World Class Cycles (http://www.worldclasscycles.com) or Bike Tires Direct (http://www.biketiresdirect.com) for some good prices.

the only reason i keep asking is because I may be able to pick up a pair new for less than $20.

http://www.hedgehog.co.nz/pictures/408.jpg

The IRC redstorms came stock on my bike. I'd have to say that they were firmly in the category of "aight". My GP3000s ride much nicer, and roll faster. They are also almost 2x the cost of the IRCs. Make your choice.

The IRC redstorms came stock on my bike. I'd have to say that they were firmly in the category of "aight". My GP3000s ride much nicer, and roll faster. They are also almost 2x the cost of the IRCs. Make your choice.


Well if money is a concern and you want a new set of tires that are equal or better than some old Panaracer's....

http://www.parts4vws.com/images/members/redventoglx/panaracer.jpg

do you think the Redstorms would be a decent tire?

I have a question of tires. Do they make tubeless tires for road bikes?
I know mtbs started going that way a few years ago and are still headed that way for reasons of reduced pinch flats, less rolling resistance, better traction, and lighter weight. They do cost quite a bit more and require a tubless style rim.

Sewups have been around a long time. They're not exactly tubeless in the same sense of tubless MTB and automobile tyres but they do achieve low rolling resistance and allow you to run really high pressures. They're a bit of a pain to repair if you flat though... but then again, the same can be said of tubeless MTB tyres.

There has been some mutterings about tubeless road tyres in the past year. I believe Mavic is doing some research on tubeless road rims. I know that Mavic's rim technology is such that they've set themselves up for transitioning to tubeless road tyres pretty nicely.

Tufo already sells a tubular clincher tire. Quite the pain to install, but sounds like it works fine, from what I've read.

Tufo already sells a tubular clincher tire. Quite the pain to install, but sounds like it works fine, from what I've read.

A tubular is still not exactly the same thing as a tubeless which I think was what capsicum was asking about.

A tubular is still not exactly the same thing as a tubeless which I think was what capsicum was asking about.
Correct, I meant tubeless, not clincher with tube, not sewn tubular. and the tubeless can be quite a bit easier to repair on the trail than tube type if you use the right method, either an externally applied plug like you get in a motorcycle or car repair kit or just use a CO2 pump to get it to seat or use sealant before hand like 90% of MTBs or carry a tube and fix the tire at home.
The sealant has the advantage of preventing bleed down- I haven't had to top off my tires in 9 months. I use half the recommended amount and squish it into place by hand to save weight, 40grams ohhhh (half a mtb tubes weight). I used to use tough skins and they work but are a pain as I change tires often now I use slime and I haven't had any flats in 15 years. I've had tires with chunks missing so big I could see the toughskin from ten feet and nails poking out here and there but no flat.

The IRC redstorms came stock on my bike. I'd have to say that they were firmly in the category of "aight". My GP3000s ride much nicer, and roll faster. They are also almost 2x the cost of the IRCs. Make your choice.

how much did you pay for the GP 3000? I was also thinking of getting the Continental Ultra Gator Skin's that people were recomending.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/tires/race/ultra_gatorskin/img/ultra_gatorskin_en;property=original.gif

found good and bad reviews.

anyone tried the Michelin Megamium
http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/images/2003/megamium.jpg
http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/megamium.htm

or the Dynamic
http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/images/Dynamic02.jpg
http://cycleus.webmichelin.com/tires/dynamic.htm

the auction for those IRC Redstorms is already at $22(for a pair), not sure how good of a deal that is anymore. plus i think i should get something that will be more durable, less race like.

the GP3000s that I think I got them for like 35 each at bike tires direct. One thing i didn't mention about the GP3000s, is that, at least for me, they flat a lot. Kind of a pain in the ass. maybe I've just had a few crappy tubes, but it kinda sucks.

anyone road the Michelin Dynamics?

The tires I want to get will be for a bike that will be taking the duty of riding through some beaten roads with pot holes and everything evil that can be thrown at them. I have only had my bike for a couple weeks, but I feel the need to get ride of these old Panaracers, they look like they are rotting...who knows how old they are.

I'm thinking I want something tough, but not something super thick and heavy. I probably am going to stay away from 700x28, and look for 700x25 or 700x23. And even though it really shouldnt be that important I want something with a somewhat "cool" looking tread design, i.e. Gator Skins, Dynamics....something like that.

I think my upper limit is about $40 for a pair. I'm looking at these Redstorms on ebay right now and they are at $22, but I think I'm going to pass on them. No one seemed to be in support of them anyway. Outdated design or not a street setup I guess.

I've ridden two tires: Continental GP 3000 and Michelin Axial Carbon. The GP 3000 rode wonderfully, even at high pressures. The Axial Carbons ride rougher, so I run lower pressures in them. At lower pressures they are not quite as smooth as the GP 3000s, but they last longer. I'm not a small person, so the rear GP 3000 would last only about 900-1000 miles for me. I have 1000 miles on the Axial Carbons, and they look hardly worn. They are heavier, but I'm not racing.

I found some Continental Ultra 3000 's for $9.95 a piece online. Do you think they are a decent tire and I should go with them(they are definately the right price).

Thanks

I found some Continental Ultra 3000 's for $9.95 a piece online. Do you think they are a decent tire and I should go with them(they are definately the right price).

Thanks

It's a cheap gamble for a decent tire. I would go for it and get back to concentrating on the riding.

-mark

www.performancebike.com is pretty good. i like their prices.