Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Lets talk about all weather tires..

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TheBikeRollsOn
05-18-10, 02:08 PM
I'm planning on upgrading my tires in the near future. I'm currently riding 23c road tires with zero tread, which is good for low rolling resistance, but bad for the terrible streets around here or any type of water on the ground. So, I'm looking for a tire in either 700x25 0r 28 (Preferably both because I'd like to get a 25 for up front and a 28 in the back.). I'd like for it to have a little bit of tread that will help with water, but over be a pretty smooth tire. And the kicker is, I want to spend less than or around $25 per tire (if possible). So what are my options? I have found some that I like, but it seems like the only places I can really find them are from companies based overseas.
Here are some I've found that I kind of like but don't really know anything about. Any help is appreciated, as far as recommendations, reviews of tires I've listed, or anything that's helpful at all.
Michelin City 700x28 $21
http://www.universalcycles.com/shopping/product_details.php?id=21648
Panaracer Ribmo 700x28 and 25 $29
http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-RiBMO-Protex-Shield-Aramid/dp/B001AGX3TS
Hutchinson Flash 700x28 $12
http://store.icyclesusa.com/hutchinson-flash-wire-bead-tire-700x28c-p23875.aspx
These are just a few I found, I'm not decided on anything, these are just some examples I'm looking for. Ideally, I'd probably get gatorskins, but don't want to drop $50 per tire. Thanks for any help I will hopefully receive.
I bought a pair of new Rando's on Fleabay for $50 shipped
chi-james
05-18-10, 03:27 PM
I thought the idea that slicks were bad for traction was a myth or at least a misunderstanding?
can't hydroplane a bike.............
thadcombs
05-18-10, 03:59 PM
I rode these in 23c all year in Edmonton, including winter. Only 2 or 3 crashes and those only happened when I was being reckless.
http://static1.bicycletires.com/imagesLarge/coc3p1-1.jpg
treaded bike tires give LESS traction on paved roads in the wet than treadless ones will.
The only time treadless tires are no good are when you ride on loose surfaces, like sand, gravel and mud.
TheBikeRollsOn
05-18-10, 04:20 PM
Well in that case what are some good all around tires that can be had at or around $25. I really like the gatorskins, my friend just got some for $30per tire but that was a one time type thing and I don't feel like shelling out $100 for tires. The streets around here can be pretty rough at times and there is busted glass on the streets and stuff a lot. I've only have one flat with the tires I've had now but it looks like I'm starting to see the threads on the sides so I want to change it up and go with something a little bigger, that I can ride in the rain with no worries (which apparently doesn't matter that much).
Philasteve
05-18-10, 04:56 PM
I never knew wet ground was that big of a problem.
queerpunk
05-18-10, 05:14 PM
The best way to deal with wet roads is to let 10psi out of your tires.
I spent the winter on Slicks commuting in all weather....I was surprised at how stable they were but I was happier to switch to Rando's
TheBikeRollsOn
05-18-10, 06:12 PM
Well, to be honest, I never really ride in the rain but I'm putting fenders on my bike soon and plan on riding more often regardless of whether or not it's raining out. Apparently tires don't make that much of a difference, but I need some new tires anyways, so what are some affordable tires that are good on rough roads.
TheBikeRollsOn
05-18-10, 06:49 PM
Do you guys know anything about this tire?
Conti Ultra Sport Kevlar 700x23 $30 shipped
http://www.cswestbikes.com/servlet/the-1137/Continental-Red-UltraSport-700/Detail
While I'd like to move up from a 23 I've read this rides more like a 28? Confirm/Deny?
Snacklord
05-18-10, 08:59 PM
I'd recommend those Michelin City tires or Michelin Pilot City tires....
the Pilot City tires have a kevlar lining to help prevent flats....
I have them on my commuter and I love them..!!
as has been said, with the footprint of your average high-pressure 23/25mm road tire, tread matters not at all. there is so little contact area that even in standing water, there is zero volume to evacuate.
want a good inclement weather tire? ride what the pros do. vittoria pave. i can attest. i hear the ultremo aquas are also excellent, but i have no personal experience.
antilogy
05-18-10, 10:05 PM
I find most Gatorskins around the $30-40 range.
The $50 dollar gatorskins are the folding type, be sure to look for wire bead as those are the $30+ ones.
mestizoracer310
05-18-10, 10:36 PM
The gators are the ish! I ran over a metal type bracket. Rear end kicked out and I had one of those "Oh S***t!" moments which lasted a split second. I kept on riding with no loss of speed (or air for that matter!)...And I'm running the wire bead (non folders).
WoundedKnee
05-19-10, 12:34 AM
I hear good things about the Maxxis Re-fuse and it's probably going to be my next tire purchase.
etherfox
05-19-10, 07:06 AM
For what its worth I've heard good things about the Ribmos you were considering. They're supposed to be pretty good commuter tires. Personally I roll around on some Soma Everwears and lurv them.
gatorskins are great in the wet. and i have yet to get a flat.
jmartinez
05-19-10, 08:09 AM
Folding gatorskins can be found at pbk for less than $30 with free shipping to the US. Also get another 10% off with USA10 coupon code. The downside is I've heard reports of orders taking a long time to arrive (customs/shipping) so if you need tires for the weekend you'll want to go elsewhere.
I'm trying not to order the GP 4000 S for $34. If you don't have to worry about a lot of glass and debris where you ride, the GP 4000 is pretty decent. I have a set and am looking at getting a spare set now in case the pound comes back against the dollar.
Personally I roll around on some Soma Everwears and lurv them.
how do they compare to the plushness of Rando's, I've been thinking of getting a 26c at the end of the summer when rotate tires
TheBikeRollsOn
05-19-10, 03:02 PM
Ordered the Gatorskins in 25c. Hopefully they live up to the hype
NateRod
05-19-10, 03:50 PM
Anyone tried Schwalbe Durano S? I'm torn between these, gatorskins, and everwears for my next pair of tires.
bbattle
05-19-10, 03:57 PM
I put the Michelin City tires on my wife's mixte ss and they are quiet and smooth. The reflective sidewall stripe makes them VERY visible at night. Very nice tire for the price.
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