perbert

Says who? I am always trying to beat my best time for commuting in...it makes the ride a lot more interesting.

As far as tires (getting back on topic, that is): I have the stock tires that came on my Novara Randonee, which work quite well in wet and dry conditions. They are Vittoria Randonneur 700x32s. And rolling resistance is no problem when they are properly inflated. (As an interesting side note, when I increased the inflation from 45 to 70 psi the same route decreased in distance on my computer from 16.2 to 15.8 miles. I am guessing this is a result of the very slight increase in diameter. Fascinating stuff.)

max-a-mill

you only ride at 70 psi on 32's********** DAAAAMN i'd pich flat over pebbles if i tired to go that low.... don't they feel squirrly around turns?

you ever go crazy and go up to like 95-100 psi? talk about getting faster! i recommend at least trying it once.

Daily Commute

I enjoy beating my times, too, but speed is not the ONLY goal, like it is in racing. I agree with max-a-mill, 45psi seems very low.

perbert

Yeah, 45 psi *was* low. But the recent purchase of a floor pump with a gauge has opened my eyes to the errors of my ways. Before that I was using an extremely inadequate mini pump. Don't ask why, it just happened that way.

LittleBigMan

I'd pick whatever tire is best for the terrain you ride on.

I use good quality ($30) 28x700 road tires. I think you get what you pay for when it comes to tires.

But I can usually avoid flats no matter what tire I use by keeping my tires at recommended pressure, avoiding sand, debris and potholes, and replacing my tires when they wear thin.

shaq-d

the more i think about this, the more i think my next pair of commuters will be michelin pro race. i'm using vittoria rubino pros and they're great tires... and i have michelin carbons just waiting int eh wings.. but when that's all done with i'm gonna go race tires from now on. if u're gonna commute, treat urself

Daily Commute

We've all done things that, in hindsight, were really stupid. The real difference between newbies and experienced riders is that the experienced riders have had the opportunity to do a lot more stupid things (and, hopefully, learn from them).

pjc

In the winter speed is comfort. I switched from continential 700x32 touring tires to WTB All Terrainasaurus 700x32C cyclocross tires. This slowed my commute considerably. When it is 20 degrees out that extra five minutes numbs my toes.

Cyclaholic

I like efficiency for my commute but the difference in comfort between 23's and 28's is huge whereas the difference in efficiency is below my ability to tell them apart. I run Continental UltraGators with kevlar in 700X28, I used to run them in 700X23.

Very puncture resistant, very fast, not as long wearing on the back wheel as some but I can usually get them on special at very good prices. I like putting on a tire whose grip characteristics I know well so I'm reluctant to change for now.

cgchambers

I have to totally agree with everyone who has said Armadillo!!! I have had my Specialized Infinity Armadillo's for about a month, and love them. The ride is a bit rough, but I will definetley pay that price for the flat protection. We had a problem with a "tacker" early last month. I threw these tires on my X01 and have not had a flat since!

blueeyedme

I recently switched to the Continental Ultra Gatorskins 700x28. Only about 500 miles on them so far but I love them. - I replaced Richie Tom Slicks 700x30 which were stock on my bike and they felt like I was riding in mud compaired to the Conti.

Daily Commute

As I explained in this thread, I when my 28's recently started to wear thin, I pulled out the nearly-new 32's (an Urban Max and a Soma New Xpress) I had in my basement. I had taken them off because they felt to sluggish.

To compensate for the wider tires, I switched from a 52 to a 48-tooth chain ring. Perfect! I can pedal quickly, maintain a decent speed, and go over bumpier parts of the road.

Tire width is all about trade-offs. You have to find the balance of speed and comfort that works for you.

Braquet

Right now, I have been using the Continental SportContact 32-622 @ 75 psi since October, after using the 37-622 version for 2 years. Never had a single puncture with either yet, and I commute 32 km (almost) daily. With the 37-622 also did trails in all weather except snow/ice. The profile looks great, and the feel is always enthusing. Did not notice any lack of grip on wet (but I ride carefully).
Check here:

Conti

blueeyedme

I don't disagree with your logic, but it's also about rolling resistance. The Ritchie Tom Slicks 700x30 I had were rated 80psi max. The Conti UltraGators I now have 700x28 are 120psi and I do prefer the slightly narrower tire in my SKS P35 fenders.

Daily Commute

PSI is important. My 32's run at 95 psi. Also, they easily fit under my SKS P45 fenders. I need the P45's because I sometimes use Nokkian 35 studded tires which, alas, run only at 65 psi.

dynaryder

Personally,I like Slickasauruses. 3 of my bikes wear them. If you like them,I'd suggest another set with the optional reflective sidewalls.

I also like Vittoria Randonneurs,which have slightly more rolling resistance,but have puncture protection and more tread for bad weather/surfaces.

Mariner Fan

I have 23c Continental Ultra Gatorskins. They are a bit rough compaired to the wider tires but they are tough. I ran over a broken beer bottle last summer without a problem. Lucky for me since I wasn't paying attention.

michaelnel

Keep in mind that wider tires are also usually taller, making the circumference larger. That'll raise your gearing somewhat.

gilbert_dizon

Bontrager Race Lite Hardcase 700x32C Triple Puncture Protection.

jeffpoulin

Personally, I like Schwalbes. I have 18 of their tires: 6 Marathon Racers, 4 Marathon Supremes, 2 Marathon XRs, 2 Marathon Winters, 2 Ice Spiker Pros, and 2 Big Apples. Never got a flat on any of them with over 20,000 miles combined. For commuting, I prefer the Supremes and the Racers.

Shawnrs

Another option is the Rivbike Jake Brown blue (33c+) They feel faster than my Gator skins (28c). The gator skins tire pressure was 90-110 psi.
JB's 65- 80psi.
I feel less beat up. My commute consists of 20km+ of newly laid pavement which is the dug up for a pipe they forgot. Then patched then dug up each way.... you under what I mean.
When Black ice might be present I know have my schwable Winter studs. SLOW. To be expected.

benajah

It is a complicated question...tires...might as well ask a Buddhist about the meaning of the one handed clap.
Take me for instance...I commute 20 miles every morning, but I ride in the dark (have to be at work by 7, construction) so I cant see much, cant avoid much, I need big balloon type tires cause I hit everything. Riding to work is like a bucking horse. I hate routine so have to switch routes to keep the unexpected.
The guy who needs to be in the office by 9? He can ride his standard road bike with racing wheels and tires, 23mm Contis on Zipp 404s and be all good.
It all depends.

DVC45

Nimbus Armadillo.

tourer78

Vittoria Randonneurs - I run 28's on my salsa casseroll and 35's on my tourer. Also the same setup on my wifes 2 bikes. 1000,s of miles between the 4 bikes and only 1 flat so far.

nutcase

I use the Vittoria Adventure Touring 700x32c. My Jamis Commuter 2 came with them. So far they have been the must reliable, puncture resistant, smooth riding tire. I think there rather spendy, but when the day comes I will buy them whatever they cost. I ride in the wet weather a lot and they work great.