3speed

I know in the motor cycle world, some tires grip better than others. Maybe this isn't much of a concern for biking because you aren't carrying as much weight and don't reach the same speeds? If it is a factor, how do you know if tires grip well or not? Is it just a matter of nicer, more expensive tires use better rubber and therefore tend to grip better? I feel like I don't really rip around tight turns because I don't know how much I can trust these skinny little bike tires. I realize the pros rip around mountain passes at high speeds, but don't know if their high end tires play a part in that.

jimmuller 

We could throw some physics at this question and generate some possible answers. For example, the coefficient of decent rubber against pavement is probably near 1.0, or whatever. So if you lean over to 45 degrees in a curve you might just hit its limit and go flying. More likely though you'd strike a pedal to the ground and go flying anyway. In my real world (I don't know about yours) a bigger problem is the possibility of hitting a pothole or a patch of sand or gravel or pine needles or leaves, etc that you can't avoid.

Inotherwords, any decent tire will corner well enough, and when it doesn't the fault is likely to be in some other part of the cycling environment rather than the tires.

But don't take my word for it. I corner conservatively because I don't like the idea of going flying. I don't trust most roads enough to risk my health to save a few elapsed seconds.

iab

Tire compound is tire compound no matter if it is for a car, motorcycle or bicycle. A softer compound will grip better but wear faster. Hard compound will give you more miles but will give on corners. You decide which is best for you.

RavingManiac

In general, can it be assumed that a more expensive tire will usually be made with a softer compound?

iab

In general, yes, but many things can increase price, the most important being the casing and not the tread. Higher price also will have a soffter, more flexible, more subtle casing and will provide a smoother ride.

Look at Vittoria. The Corsa (most expensive) has a softer compound for better handling and a 320tpi casing. The Rubino (cheaper) is sold on the hard, long lasting compound but the casing in 150tpi and may (I have no first hand experience) ride like a rock. But then there is the Pave (again expensive, but more likely due to lower volumes sold). Great casing but hard compound to reduce flats from the cobbles.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

more expensive tires are made in a variety of compounds and slightly different tread patterns depending on application

all these tires feature the same 320tpi casing (and they are sweeeeet!)
https://www.vittoria.com/product/cotton-casing/
different models are for different applications...feature different tread design and rubber compounds.

To answer the OP's question, nicer tires grip better because they have a more pliable casing that hugs the road better. That said, I have no issues ripping sweeper turns at top speed on my Varsity with $20 Bontrager Whitewalls. I take it easy when making 90 degree turns out on the road though...unless I really know the turn well.

For the most part I can say I'm more concerned about wiping out because of pedal strike than because of losing tire grip. Just watch out for gravel and sand. It can mess ya up.

**edit**

iab beat me to it and said it better

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

incidentally has anyone tried the new Open Corsa Evo SC? it's got a sweet lookin gumwall and is no doubt at least as awesome as the Evo CX.

bigbossman 

I used to ride and swear by Michelin Pro Race 2's. When they discontinued them, I went to Pro Race 3's. Several times on many different rides, I had the rear tire "crab" on me during high speed hard cornering. When I feel my wheels side-slip at 30+ mph, it tends to get me excited - but not n a good way.

I don't use them any more.

3speed

Alright. So I guess I can feel more confident in a fast corner even on the lower end tires that I currently have(just can't bring myself to spend $70-90 on new tires when there's still tread on these). The bike paths around here are always basically free of debris, so that's not an issue. I just didn't know how much I could push one of these skinny little bike tires when I'm on one of the tight winding descents or coming off of a bike overpass in the wrap around descent part. I'm still learning with this whole road bike thing...

Thanks.

zandoval 

Tire pressure has allot to do with it - Then its a matter of wheel integrity and then GANAS - I have come to find that my tires can rip a corner much tighter than I can... I have seen many cyclists rip a corner and only afterwards slow for a flat or blow out... What I am saying is, its more of a personal skill thing... Rather than a high end equipment thing...