Road Cycling - Tire Advice

Hey all, just got a free road bike from my neighbor, a Univex if I recall, and it needs new tires/tubes. I've been reading a bit, but was hoping I could get some advice on what to buy. The bike is no lightweight, and I'm no hardcore rider. I just use cycles to go to and from work, about 4mi each way, and am looking for something that'll handle a sloppy rider, occasional pot hole, and infrequent replacement.

The numbers that I've pulled from my current tires are: 28 630 (27 x 1-1/8) to fit K-2 rim

I'd ideally like to spend ~$15 per tire and $3-5 per tube if possible. If you have a recommendation please post it. Is Bike Nashbar reliable for many of you? I live in Bellingham, Washington.

Thanks much,
Alfred Ska

Hey all, just got a free road bike from my neighbor, a Univex if I recall, and it needs new tires/tubes. I've been reading a bit, but was hoping I could get some advice on what to buy. The bike is no lightweight, and I'm no hardcore rider. I just use cycles to go to and from work, about 4mi each way, and am looking for something that'll handle a sloppy rider, occasional pot hole, and infrequent replacement.

The numbers that I've pulled from my current tires are: 28 630 (27 x 1-1/8) to fit K-2 rim

I'd ideally like to spend ~$15 per tire and $3-5 per tube if possible. If you have a recommendation please post it. Is Bike Nashbar reliable for many of you? I live in Bellingham, Washington.

Thanks much,
Alfred Ska

Alfred,

Just a bit of friendly advice. Don't skimp on tires or you could be fixing flats more often that you would like. Invest in a pair of Bontrager Hard Cases, Gator-Skins or Armadilloes. They cost as much as twice as much as you wish to spend, but, believe me, they are worth it. I have a set of 26x1.95 Hard Cases on my Navigator and have not had a flat for over 3,000 miles. Before that, with the stock tires, I was having a flat every 500 miles or so.

The Bontrager's were $30 per tire, by the way.

P.S. My oldest son used to live in Bellingham when he was going to college, Western Washington State?? I think it was. He absolutely loved it there. The only problem, no jobs! If he ever hits the lottery, he's going to move back to Bellingham.

Alfred,

Just a bit of friendly advice. Don't skimp on tires or you could be fixing flats more often that you would like. Invest in a pair of Bontrager Hard Cases, Gator-Skins or Armadilloes. They cost as much as twice as much as you wish to spend, but, believe me, they are worth it. I have a set of 26x1.95 Hard Cases on my Navigator and have not had a flat for over 3,000 miles. Before that, with the stock tires, I was having a flat every 500 miles or so.

The Bontrager's were $30 per tire, by the way.

P.S. My oldest son used to live in Bellingham when he was going to college, Western Washington State?? I think it was. He absolutely loved it there. The only problem, no jobs! If he ever hits the lottery, he's going to move back to Bellingham.

Thanks, I'll heed your advice (though my "free" bike is not so free anymore). By the way, I'm actually a student and employee at Western, and about the job situation, the scene hasn't changed. Outside of the university, the job market is tight... this leads me to reconsider buying tires online. Perhaps I'll pay Kulshan cycles a visit.

Thanks much,
Matt

I have purchased from bike nashbar a few years back and had absolutely no complaints about them...
As it was said earlier, dont skimp on tires, take the bike over to your lbs , have them put some good tires and tubes on for you, you also may want to have them tune your bike....
Have a great one and welcome to the forums :)