25c tire recommendations
#27
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#28
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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.
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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.
#30
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Installed Michelin Pro4 Service Course in 700x25 yesterday. First ride, very happy.
#31
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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.
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.
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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.
#33
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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.
#34
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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 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.
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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.
#36
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I'm a full-on Clyde and love my Gatorskin 25's . . . They are far more 'plush' riding the OEM 25's from Specialized.
#37
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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.
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.
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#38
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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.
#39
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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.
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#40
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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.
I'll look into the Michellins you mentioned and compare the three.
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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.
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I ended up getting a pair of Gatorskins. Performance Bikes weekend tire sale helped me with my decision.
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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.
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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?
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?
#47
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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.
I'm switching to Vittoria Rubino Pro Slicks next, myself. 23 or 25, not sure yet.
#48
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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.
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.
#49
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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.
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.
#50
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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.