Notices
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) Looking to lose that spare tire? Ideal weight 200+? Frustrated being a large cyclist in a sport geared for the ultra-light? Learn about the bikes and parts that can take the abuse of a heavier cyclist, how to keep your body going while losing the weight, and get support from others who've been successful.

25c tire recommendations

Old 07-09-14, 12:25 PM
  #26  
Galveston County Texas
 
10 Wheels's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,221

Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum

Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 1,236 Times in 617 Posts
Originally Posted by Null66
I've got ~3200 miles on a Marathon plus in back and never a flat.
Thread looks nearly new!

They are 700c 38's I run 80-90 lbs...
Thread is About 25's...
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"

10 Wheels is offline  
Old 07-09-14, 12:34 PM
  #27  
Senior Member
 
Null66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Garner, NC 27529
Posts: 2,110

Bikes: Built up DT, 2007 Fuji tourer (donor bike, RIP), 1995 1220 Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by 10 Wheels
Thread is About 25's...
Daughter has a 25 on her rear wheel...
But no where near the mileage.
Null66 is offline  
Old 07-09-14, 12:42 PM
  #28  
Cat 5 field stuffer
 
bbeasley's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Hammond, La
Posts: 1,426

Bikes: Wabi Lightning RE, Wabi Classic

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times in 3 Posts
Originally Posted by RoadTire
Ok, I'm not TH, I'm RT, but I'll pipe in anyway. Of the 3 in my family, I'm on 25 (27) PRO4 Service Course, FB69 is on 23 GP4's, and my other son is on 23's PRO4 Endurance. the GP4 (black) rubber feels more grippy to my thumb. All 3 tires are giving very nice rides. FB69 likes the GP4 (black) that this is his second set, from wearing out the first set. We are all about the same weight (165 - 180...maybe for the boys, but they are tall), 2 alu bikes and 1 carbon bike. I wouldn't sweat any of those 3 tires, even after obsessing about them back in Feb.
Thanks for the update! I too obsess over tires as it's one of the few upgrades I've made that I could actually feel a difference
bbeasley is offline  
Old 07-17-14, 12:25 PM
  #29  
Senior Member
 
tom25's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Covington Ohio
Posts: 125

Bikes: 1985 Centurion Ironman Dave Scott, Winsor cliff 29er pro, 88 TREK 660, 84 TREK 610, 13 CAAD10-3

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have had great results with the conti grand prix in 25mm. They are less expensive than the GP4000s but are a very nice tire for $35.
tom25 is offline  
Old 07-17-14, 01:34 PM
  #30  
New to Cycling
 
Anthony.L's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Federal Way, WA
Posts: 111

Bikes: 2014 Specialized Comp Carbon

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Installed Michelin Pro4 Service Course in 700x25 yesterday. First ride, very happy.
Anthony.L is offline  
Old 07-17-14, 07:30 PM
  #31  
Senior Member
 
Null66's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Garner, NC 27529
Posts: 2,110

Bikes: Built up DT, 2007 Fuji tourer (donor bike, RIP), 1995 1220 Trek

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
Originally Posted by Null66
Daughter has a 25 on her rear wheel...
But no where near the mileage.
My SO and riding partner is running Spec Espoir sports 25...
Not a flat in > 4k and she really likes the handling.
Lack of tread can be an issue when there's crud on the road, or when we're off the road.
Null66 is offline  
Old 07-18-14, 11:38 AM
  #32  
Senior Member
 
digibud's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Further North than U
Posts: 2,000

Bikes: Spec Roubaix, three Fisher Montare, two Pugs

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 39 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts
You hear the gatorskin being suggested so often because it's a great tire. Big folks run increased risk of flats simply because they are rolling over a piece of glass (whatever) and there is more force driving it into/through the tire so a tire with some flat protection is particularly useful. You can get tires with more flat protection and you should if you live in an area with goatheads or really nasty, trash roads. Armadillo's come to mind as a good flat protection tire. But for most folks, the Gatorskin or Hard Case (a bit more protection, a bit less nice of a feel) are two highly regarded tires. I'd start with Gatorskin and see if they feel good and if you are able to avoid flats reasonably well, knowing that sooner or later you will get a flat regardless of the tire unless you buy very hard, slow rolling expedition tires.
digibud is offline  
Old 08-16-14, 12:38 PM
  #33  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Mooresville, NC
Posts: 123

Bikes: Scott CR1 Team

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I used the ProRace4's for about 2 years on the recommendation of a friend. I kept getting one flat after another. I finally gave up on them and switched to the Gatorskinz. Probably have near 3k miles on the set with no flats. I'm almost due for a new set and I promise that it will be Gatorskinz again.
Bakerb24 is offline  
Old 08-19-14, 06:41 PM
  #34  
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
 
bikingshearer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,624

Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.

Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1007 Post(s)
Liked 2,465 Times in 1,030 Posts
270 pounder here. Conti 4000 25s is what I use. (4000, 4000s, 4000 whatever, doesn't matter - it's all the same stuff according to the Conti rep at NAHBS a couple years ago.) It isn't the best rolling or the most durable or the most flat-resistant or the most reasonably priced, but it is the best blend of the four I have found. Look for specials on ProBikeKit or Ribble and you can still get them for ~$45 per

I run mine at 120psi. I puncture once or twice a year. I've never had the sidewall issues some people talk about with Contis. YMMV.
__________________
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
bikingshearer is offline  
Old 08-19-14, 07:21 PM
  #35  
Senior Member
 
Pakiwi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 367
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have had good luck the last two tires. For the winter I got some cheap Hutchinson Nitro for on the trainer. Actually got over 2000 miles on them and the only flat on the trainer. Just changed to Maxis Refuse 25 and from what I have heard they are pretty bullet proof at a great price. Notice the comfort from the 23.
Pakiwi is offline  
Old 08-19-14, 11:45 PM
  #36  
Let's Ride!
 
Jimbosays's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 178

Bikes: Giant Suede (Comfort cruiser - "The Rocking Chair"); Giant Escape 2 (700mm Hybrid - "The S.U.V."); Specialized Secteur Elite (Road Bike - "The Scooter"); Surly Troll (Touring Bike - "Load Up & Go Anywhere")

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 4 Times in 3 Posts
I'm a full-on Clyde and love my Gatorskin 25's . . . They are far more 'plush' riding the OEM 25's from Specialized.
Jimbosays is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 12:10 AM
  #37  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,841

Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Not all 25s are created equal. I went through a couple sets of Michelin Optimum Pros. I really liked their road feel and grip, but, sidewall cuts were their weakness. However, although they are listed as 25mm, they run closer to 28mm.

Prior to those I attempted to run some 25mm Vittoria Rubino Pros on the recommendation of a friend. Worst tire I've had the displeassur of riding in a long time. Lack grip, road feel and aren't particularly puncture resistant. But, cheap and long wearing.

Prior to those, Maxxis Re-fuses. Great puncture resistance and excellent grip. But, slow and not long wearing.

For that last year and a half or so I've been running mostly Continental GP 4 Seasons in 25mm front/28mm rear. They run close to marked size. And seem to offer the right blend of traction, puncture protection and road feel for me. Their short comings are reduced milage and cost. I've suffered very few flats with them. But, have still lost two to sidewall cuts.

When I find some GP4000s in 28mm I'll give them a try as well. Until then, I'm sticking with the GP 4 Seasons.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
bigfred is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 02:29 AM
  #38  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Maui, HI>Denver, CO>Seattle, WA
Posts: 66

Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant Defy 1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
We're the Vittoria's the regular Rubino's or Rubino Pro III's? I considering the Pro III's since the reviews seem to be fairly positive, if not I'll end up getting Gatorskins.
MauiWowwee is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 12:49 PM
  #39  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NZ
Posts: 3,841

Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by MauiWowwee
We're the Vittoria's the regular Rubino's or Rubino Pro III's? I considering the Pro III's since the reviews seem to be fairly positive, if not I'll end up getting Gatorskins.
Mine were definately Rubino Pros. Not the basic Rubino. However, I don't know at what point Vittoria moved from Gen 2 to Gen 3. I know the reviews seem positive. My experience was not. I also have a riding buddy who had some, but, after suffering more flats than the rest of us he's moved to Gatorskins for training.

The Rubino Pros are long wearing and cheap. But, that's all I can say in their favor.

There are pleny of better tires out there. If you don't like Continentals, look at Michelin Pro4 Endurance.
__________________
Birth Certificate, Passport, Marriage License Driver's License and Residency Permit all say I'm a Fred. I guess there's no denying it.
bigfred is offline  
Old 08-20-14, 01:00 PM
  #40  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Maui, HI>Denver, CO>Seattle, WA
Posts: 66

Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant Defy 1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Thanks. I'm considering those two tires cause of their puncture resistance. My current tires that came on my bike, Giant PR3, has gotten some cuts in them. One of which caused a flat a few weeks ago and has since enlarged a mm or two. Sucks that I've only had the bike for four months.

I'll look into the Michellins you mentioned and compare the three.
MauiWowwee is offline  
Old 08-24-14, 08:50 PM
  #41  
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 43
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Specialized Armadillo All Season is a good commuter tire with good durability. The Specialized Espoir is a good recreational tire with decent performance and wear. I got just under 3000 mi on a rear and 4500 on the front Espoir. The Armadillo's are there for the long haul both in 25 mm.
ModeratedUser01142019a is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 03:19 AM
  #42  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Maui, HI>Denver, CO>Seattle, WA
Posts: 66

Bikes: Specialized Sirrus, Giant Defy 1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I ended up getting a pair of Gatorskins. Performance Bikes weekend tire sale helped me with my decision.
MauiWowwee is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 11:18 AM
  #43  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 273

Bikes: Giant Defy, Trek FX

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
This weekend I put a 28 on the rear and a 25 on front (both Gatorskins). Compared to the 23s I had on the ride was great and I didn't notice any difference in performance.
unabowler is offline  
Old 08-25-14, 12:55 PM
  #44  
Senior Member
 
volosong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 2,809

Bikes: n + 1

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Liked 27 Times in 15 Posts
Originally Posted by thrllskr
Bontrager AW2 Hard-Case Lite
-1 Continental Gatorskin
I run both Gatorskins and Bontrager Hard-Case. No problems with either.
volosong is offline  
Old 08-27-14, 09:22 AM
  #45  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Ottawa, ON Canada
Posts: 120

Bikes: GT ZR5000, GT Timberline, Chariot Chauffeur

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
Originally Posted by CalPastor
I run Continental Gatorskins...Never ever a problem!
+1, that is what I run on my bike. I go with 110 - 120 psi.
asharx is offline  
Old 11-26-14, 09:33 AM
  #46  
Senior Member
 
Jarrett2's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DFW
Posts: 4,126

Bikes: Steel 1x's

Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times in 2 Posts
I was set on sticking with Gatorskins, but 600 miles in or so I got this:



Not sure if that was a sidewall issue or legitimate damage.

I'm looking for a tough, lost lasting, puncture resitant tire. My bike gives me decent comfort on its own.

Any other recommendations or stick with the Gatorskins?

What's the difference in the Hard Shell model? And what's a Armadillo that people were referring to?
Attached Images
File Type: jpg
gatorskin1.jpg (99.9 KB, 19 views)
Jarrett2 is offline  
Old 11-26-14, 10:57 AM
  #47  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: NY state
Posts: 1,311

Bikes: See Signature...

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
I have Mavic Aksion tires (25c)currently, supposidly the same as Vittoria Zaffiro Slicks. For inexpensive tires, I like them, but they are a tad harsh compared to (23c) Michelin Krylion Carbon tires.

I'm switching to Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks next, myself. 23 or 25, not sure yet.
nymtber is offline  
Old 11-26-14, 12:27 PM
  #48  
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern San Diego
Posts: 1,857

Bikes: mid 1980s De Rosa SL, 1985 Tommasini Super Prestige all Campy SR, 1992 Paramount PDG Series 7, 1997 Lemond Zurich, 1998 Trek Y-foil, 2006 Schwinn Super Sport GS, 2006 Specialized Hardrock Sport

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 59 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
Originally Posted by nymtber
I have Mavic Aksion tires (25c)currently, supposidly the same as Vittoria Zaffiro Slicks. For inexpensive tires, I like them, but they are a tad harsh compared to (23c) Michelin Krylion Carbon tires.

I'm switching to Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks next, myself. 23 or 25, not sure yet.

My take is that Rubino 23s are as wide as most 25s. My favorite tires are the Rubino Pro III 23s and the Forte Pro+ wire bead 25s, which are narrow as many 23s. The Fortes, which are ostensibly 25s, are slightly narrower than the Rubino 23s. I feel that Conti's are nominally closest to the width that they are advertised.
D1andonlyDman is offline  
Old 11-26-14, 01:41 PM
  #49  
Thread Killer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 12,373

Bikes: 15 Kinesis Racelight 4S, 76 Motebecane Gran Jubilée, 17 Dedacciai Gladiatore2, 12 Breezer Venturi, 09 Dahon Mariner, 12 Mercier Nano, 95 DeKerf Team SL, 19 Tern Rally, 21 Breezer Doppler Cafe+, 19 T-Lab X3, 91 Serotta CII

Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3078 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times in 1,005 Posts
Originally Posted by nymtber
I have Mavic Aksion tires...
Nice to see some love the Mavics; I had Yksion Comps that came with my Ksyrium wheel set, and thought they were excellent high performance tires. When the rear wore flat in the center after a good season of hard riding-- totally acceptable wear in my book for the performance-- I picked up an Yksion Pro Powerlink on sale and it was awesome, too. Way underrated tires, IMO. Those were all 23c, btw.

The only 25s I've ridden have been Michelin Pro 3 Optimums, and as mentioned above, they were quite plump on ~15mm inner width rims. I didn't like the way the bulging negatively impacted handling and feel, however, so they really only did duty on my winter/spring bike, when a little extra cushion was appreciated as insurance against road hazards.

Otherwise, at 220lbs, I ride 23c on wide rims, and love it. My Schwalbe One tubeless measure out at more than 25mm on 19.4 bsw rims, for example, and the ride and handling is sublime. I'm tempted to go at them again next season, but I'm really curious about Maxxis Radiale and Padrone models, and even IRC Formulas, so we'll see. But that's all OT. Sorry.
chaadster is online now  
Old 11-26-14, 07:11 PM
  #50  
Beer & Bikes
 
cybirr's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 106

Bikes: '20 Specialized Roubaix Expert, '20 Specialized Shiv Elite, '13 Specialized S-Works Epic

Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 38 Post(s)
Liked 80 Times in 36 Posts
Originally Posted by Jarrett2
And what's a Armadillo that people were referring to?
Specialized line of puncture resistant tires. I have used them for years. Mostly because of inertia I haven't tried others. Recently, they've changed them up. Not as pleased with them as the previous version. I may look at the Gatorskins folks are talking about.
cybirr is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.