"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Tires...do they matter?

So, as I said in my last post in this forum, I'm planning on doing my first roadbike races this season. I have tubular wheels. I generally use Vittoria Corsa EVO CX. Though I have Continental Competitions on some of my wheels right now.

I was thinking of using either the Vittoria Corsa EVO CX, Vittoria Crono EVO CS, or Veloflex Record. Would any of these be bad choices because of handling or durability? I've generally stuck with these tires when racing in triathlons because of the relatively light weight and low rolling resistance.

Thanks!

I think Chrono means TT, and TT means no puncture protection.

If you get a flat in a road race, your race is over, so a little puncture protection is a good thing. My thoughts at least. FWIW, I've only ridden Conti Competitions and GP4000 tubulars. I'm sticking to the 4000s because they're a lot easier to mount.

Tires matter.

Which tire to use depends on a lot of other factors. I'd say that 99.999% of us guys on BF won't be getting a team car right behind us to slap on a new wheel in under 10 seconds.

For TT's I look for aerodynamics (with my wheels) and minimal rolling resistance. Crits, grip. For RR's grip and puncture resistance. As stated above, if you flat in a RR there is a good chance the race is over. Most wheel truck drivers are volunteers and have no clue how to help. Positioning your wheels in the truck can help your chances.

So are the two Vittoria's and the Veloflex I've used no good for RR/Crit? What's a good tire that'll be good for me in crits and rr's? Something with low crr and low weight if possible.

Thanks!

So are the two Vittoria's and the Veloflex I've used no good for RR/Crit? What's a good tire that'll be good for me in crits and rr's? Something with low crr and low weight if possible.

Thanks!

The Evo CX's are good all around race tires. You're not likely to have issues running those. The Crono's don't have any flat protection and from what I've heard the Veloflex Records wear out quickly.

Vittoria Corsa EVO CX's it is! Hope they work out for me!

for Crits check the local rules

for the one crit we have you can have a spare wheel and swap it out and not loose a lap if you flat.... it's allot faster if you have a spare wheel to use that than to swap a tire and tube

evo cx is a great tire for low resistance, but does not have a lot of puncture protection in my experience.

i find gp4000 to be a little safer for less likely to puncture. evo cx on the front wheel is no problem.

Some tires shed weight by shaving lots of material from the sidewalls.