Fifty Plus (50+) - New tire question.

I should really post this in the road cycling forum but I know what kind of dumb answers I would get posting there. My OEM Kenda Kryterium tires on my road bike are ready to be replaced. They are a year old and have 3,100 flat free miles on them. I have been trying to find someone locally or on-line that carries them, but I think that they are primarily an OEM product.

I have been looking at the Vittoria Rubino Pro and the Continental Gatorskins to replace my Kendas. I have read plenty of praise for both of these tires, so what I would like to know is if anyone has had any problems or issues with them that I should consider?

http://compare.ebay.com/like/230654608969?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

I've never tried the Vittoria's but I've had no problems with the Continental Gatorskins. Most of the 7,000+ miles I've ridden this year have been on Gatorskins. Very few flats (maybe two?) and long tread/casing life too.

Nothing not to like (well, except the price). Still a good value though.

Rick / OCRR

Thanks 10 Wheels! Although not a big fan of eBay (been burned there several times) they only have one left and it's a 700x23 and the ones I have on the bike are 700x25, which I think are going to make it a bit harder to find. I kind of like the slightly smoother ride of the 25's.

I changed OFF Kenda Kryteriums after 6 months of using them and found out that there is life in a tyre that rolls well- lasts well and works.

That tyre is a cheap tyre to put onto a bike so it can roll out of the shop. Michelin Pro race- Continental 4000s and plenty of others out there that work better. Your problem now is what size to go for and what price to pay.

That tyre is a cheap tyre to put onto a bike so it can roll out of the shop. Michelin Pro race- Continental 4000s and plenty of others out there that work better. Your problem now is what size to go for and what price to pay.

I agree that they aren't the most expensive tires on the market but they sure have lasted me for more trouble-free miles then I ever expected them to. Just hoping that another set of the same thing would last for as many miles as these.

I want to stick to the 700x25 as I would rather have the better ride than the slight increase in speed and the price isn't a factor as long as they last and I get my money's worth.

I second the Gatorskins. I have them on a couple of bikes and they last well and have been very resistant to flats. Pro Bike Kit has the 25s in stock right now for $84.58 a pair.

I have used a couple of pairs of Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks and found them to be good tires. In fact I have one on the front wheel of my Roubaix now. The only flat I've had with them was on a rear tire that was worn thin and ready for replacement anyway.

I have used a couple of pairs of Ribino Pro Slicks and found them to be good tires. In fact I have one on the front wheel of my Roubaix now. The only flat I've had with them was on a rear tire that was worn thin and ready for replacement anyway.

I've had success with Bontrager hard cases. My riding buddy got 16000 miles without a flat but I always end up with some kind of catastrophe, like an emergency stop where I burned a whole in one or running into my buddy's cassette when a car pulled out in front of us one the way home, that really chews up a tire. But even at 265lbs I get more than 3000 miles between flats unless I so something stupid

I roll with 25mm folding gatorskins. I'm happy enough with them that so far I find no reason to change. I've used wire bead models in the past which are pita to install and harsher riding that folding. The ride quality isn't as good as kryllions and nor do thy grip as well esp in wet but that's ok with me as I'm on commuting duty so I want reliabilty above all else. Longevityis also a side benefit.

That tyre rubber does make a difference and I did not realise how much. I always use Mich ProRace tyres but feeling a bit of a miser I bought Mich Lithions as a cheaper version. They ought to call them Lethalions in the wet as grip goes out the back door. There is a reason why certain tyres are popular--They work. Grip is good- Life is good unless you go for some that have really good grip and puncture resistance is not bad.

I don't like Gatorskins- they have poor grip in the wet, feel slow, and in my experience they get as many flats as other tires.

I was using Panasonic Evo 3s for training- they have fantastic wet traction, which is important for me, but Panasonic stopped making them. The supposed replacement, the Closer, has terrible grip in the wet. Like riding on ball bearings. It's not that hot on dry pavement either. I need to find a new wet weather friendly tire.

I went to one of my two LBS yesterday (the closest) and was told that they can't get the Gatorskins any more because Continental is selling them as an on-line item. I don't know what that has to do with it, but that's their story. The Vittoria tires aren't even listed in any of their catalogs. Looks like I go to LBS #2 today and see what they have.

John, Here is the Michelin Optimum tire in 700cX25 at Amazom.com.
http://www.amazon.com/Michelin-Optimum-Folding-Bicycle-Clincher/dp/B003MUGLSU/ref=sr_1_71?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1324473599&sr=1-71

the Michelin Pro3 Race Service Course has served me well and rides very nicely. (I have the 700CX23 on my R500) They have some links on the page for some buys on getting 2 tires a a package and I believe the Optimum are dedicated front/rear designed. Best of luck on finding the itre that suits you best.

Bill

Michelin is rolling out the Pro4 series now. I believe the Krylions will be replaced by the Pro4 Endurance. I may try the Pro4 Service Course as my next set of tires. I had been hesitant to try the Pro3 due to many reports of them being prone to cuts in the tread. The Pro4 is supposed to be tougher.

Have you tried http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-Kriterium-Racing-Folding-700x23/dp/B0026LLC9E $24 on Amazon

I saw the Kryterium's on Amazon but they only have them in 700x23. Really looking for 700x25. May have to go 23 if 25's aren't available in the Kenda. Haven't been able to get to my other LBS to see exactly what they carry.

Never had a flat with Conti Gator Hardshells in 700 x 25. They do run a bit small. Best price is probably at Probikekit.com.

I loved the way the Michelin Optimums rode and handled, but they just didn't have enough puncture resistance for me (goathead country here).

If you frequently ride with a group, my best tire advice is to use the same tire that most of them use.

I don't know if they'll be any better but, sooner or later, you're going to get a puncture. If you have the same tire as everybody else you won't have to endure the lecture about using "crummy tires" while you fix your flat.

As mentioned by Blues Dawg, the Pro4 Endurance is also on the market now. Amazon has some good prices on them too. You may try Pro Bike Kit's on-line shop, they have a really good deal on buying 2,4, or 6 tires with the discount going up as the number purchased goes up on the Pro4 Service course for one, check them for others. John, have you checked your LBS or did I miss this? They may put a deal on you.

Bill

John, have you checked your LBS or did I miss this?

Yes, I have two shops within 10 miles of me. One can't get the Gatorskins anymore and doesn't show the Rubino Pros in any of his catalogs. I am going to the second shop this morning to see if they actually carry what they show on their web site. Their web site shows both the Gatorskins and the Rubino Pros. They also carry Michelin tires so I will look to see what they have in that brand as well. I know that I could have already purchased these on-line, but I much rather spend the money locally and use the internet as a place of last resort.

I looked at my tires yesterday and they really don't look all that bad. No areas of wear to the thread or even cuts into the casing. Still, I am going to replace them because of the mileage and use them as backup tires.

Update: I just got back from the second LBS and they had both the Gatorskins and the Rubino Pros in stock. All were foldable, 700x23 and no 25's. We went and looked at the beaded tires and after searching for a few minutes, we found one set of Ultra Gatorskins in 700x25 that were on sale at 15% off. Ended up costing me the same as what it would have to go with the regular Gatorskins in a foldable 23. I guess that will be my Christmas gift to myself.

I've had success with Bontrager hard cases. My riding buddy got 16000 miles without a flat but I always end up with some kind of catastrophe, like an emergency stop where I burned a whole in one or running into my buddy's cassette when a car pulled out in front of us one the way home, that really chews up a tire. But even at 265lbs I get more than 3000 miles between flats unless I so something stupid

16000 miles? thats 4 to 6 times better then any tire i've tried and i had a set of hard cases, after about 1500 miles i got sick of the harsh ride and went to GP4000s. i'll never go back.

I have had decent luck with Conti Gatorskins. As has been mentioned, I would get the foldable, as they are much easier to get on the rims. I use Gatorskins because of all the thorns and stickers you find on the roads and bike lanes in the desert. In other areas of the country other high pressure tires may give you as much service.

Specialized Roubaix Armadillo Elites have served me well in 23-25 size, which provides more road contact. They are tough enough to run extra light tubes, which save a good deal of rotational weight.

As mentioned by Blues Dawg, the Pro4 Endurance is also on the market now. Amazon has some good prices on them too.

My search of Amazon only turned up the Pro 4 Service Course and not at an especially good price. I have just recently begun to find the Pro 4 Endurance tires for sale in a few places.

Originally posted by Ericm979

I don't like Gatorskins- they have poor grip in the wet, feel slow, and in my experience they get as many flats as other tires.

Wet weather grip must be a relative thing. I use the Conti Ultra Gatorskins because I think they work really well in wet weather. We do tend to get quite a bit of rain here, and I might just be used to it- or go around corners really slow:). I used to really like Conti Ultra 2000's when they were available. That is what I'm running on my winter road bike now-25mm.

Every once in a while I try other brands of tire that are on sale, but always end up going back to Continental when an important trip is coming up.

Gatorskins are crap. Gator Hardshells are good for puncture resistant tires.

I've used Conti Gatorskin 25's and then moved on to Conti 4000's in 25mm. I much prefer the 4000's......quality of ride is noticably better to me....and the number of flats, for me, was roughly the same. Goatheads, staples, etc. will penetrate either tire as well as Rubinos....and any tire that is impenetrable to them would be unpleasant to ride. We all hate flats to mar the "rhythm" of nice ride, but then again, they are part of cycling and the more flats you change out on the road the less you really worry about it. We all find our own balance of durability, feel, and puncture resistance.

Terex
Gatorskins are crap. Gator Hardshells are good for puncture resistant tires.

That is why they make Chevies and Fords.

My wife and I rode 3650 miles fully loaded across the U. S. as well as a couple of other multi-week tours on 28mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins, and were pleased with their performance. The only time they were a problem was in goathead counrty, and when our back tires were getting pretty thin. As was already stated above--Changing a tube is not a major undertaking, and a 15 minute break is OK sometimes.

But sometimes I wonder why she always gets to take the pictures:)
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy112/Doug64_photos/Bike%20Trips/Flat-1.jpg

I want to thank everyone for their pros and cons toward the Gatorskins and Rubino Pros, as well as your suggestions about other tires. This being my first road bike and the first time needing new tires, I went with the local availability of the tire and bang for the buck. The OEM Kenda tires have been exceptional in providing me with 3,100 miles of flat free service. I hope that the Ultra Gatorskins that I bought will at least come close to doing the same. They are approximately 5.7 ounces heavier per pair than the Gatorskins, but I don't see that being an issue for the type of riding that I do. I don't ride in the rain, unless it starts when I'm riding, so if I get in that situation, I will see just how well or poorly they handle on wet pavement.

That is why they make Chevies and Fords.

My wife and I rode 3650 miles fully loaded across the U. S. as well as a couple of other multi-week tours on 28mm Conti Ultra Gatorskins, and were pleased with their performance. The only time they were a problem was in goathead counrty, and when our back tires were getting pretty thin. As was already stated above--Changing a tube is not a major undertaking, and a 15 minute break is OK sometimes.

But sometimes I wonder why she always gets to take the pictures:)
http://i783.photobucket.com/albums/yy112/Doug64_photos/Bike%20Trips/Flat-1.jpg

Yes, but I drive both Chevies and Fords before posting. Do you?

They are approximately 5.7 ounces heavier per pair than the Gatorskins, but I don't see that being an issue for the type of riding that I do...

Ride them for a while and see if you want those 5.7 ounces back!

Posted by terex
Yes, but I drive both Chevies and Fords before posting. Do you?

Nope, but when I'm riding on Gatorskins and talking about Gatorskins I should be on safe ground. It is my understanding that the labeling has changed on Continental Ultra Gatorskins. They are just Gatorskins now. The point I was trying to make is that different people have different preferences and experiences when it comes to bike tires.

I sense that you may have taken my comment in a way I did not intend it. If so, I am sorry because my intent was really to just say that I have had good experience with them. Besides I'm a Ford (truck) person, and have not driven a Chevy since I retired:)

Nope, but when I'm riding on Gatorskins and talking about Gatorskins I should be on safe ground. It is my understanding that the labeling has changed on Continental Ultra Gatorskins. They are just Gatorskins now. The point I was trying to make is that different people have different preferences and experiences when it comes to bike tires.

I sense that you may have taken my comment in a way I did not intend it. If so, I am sorry because my intent was really to just say that I have had good experience with them. Besides I'm a Ford (truck) person, and have not driven a Chevy since I retired:)

Fine. I'm letting you know that you would have a much better experience on the Hardshell. My personal experience on both tires, and lots of similar experience from others that I've read in various reviews. I also like pie. But I'm not telling you what kind. ;)

In the end, you try new things and learn. Most riders here have a shelf/container of things they have tried and, for whatever reason, just didn't want to stick with. In mine I have an old "gelflow" Turbo saddle from years ago, moustache handlebars, weird foamy bar tape "better than cork", gel pad shorts, spring loaded fold-down aero bars, Performance tires, etc. If you really don't like your Ultras (and few things are as subject to personal taste/whim as cycling gear, use 'em for trainer tires or as food for the gread god Experience.

^^

This is definitely going to be one of those buy and try items. I have a few charity rides coming up and I wanted to have new tires on the bike before then. As with everything else, buying new bike tires for the first time is a hit or miss because you only have the word of others that like or dislike them, and that includes LBS employees. Plus, my insistence of wanting 25's narrowed it down some. If I don't like them, they will become backup tires, which is what the Kendas will be for now. I can't wait for this back to heal so I can get on the bike and try them out.

Nashbar is running good prices right now.

I had rubino pros once, I was not impressed