donrhummy

I've been getting a BUNCH of flats (4 in the last 1500 miles, 3 in the last 300 miles), some for unknown reasons, some for running over a stupid nail. The roads here are in poor condition (potholes everywhere, rubble, trash, rocks/pebbles everywhere, nails, etc) so I'm hoping that maybe a kevlar-lined tire will help?

Anyone have a recommendation?
Where would be the best place to buy it as well?
(Note: I need the tire to be good for long-distance riding, i.e. 100+ mile rides).

Thanks!

KevinF

You don't say what sort of tires you're currently running, but two options that quickly come to mind are:
1) Specialized Armadillo tires. They are heavy and stiff (i.e., road feel is non-existant basically), but you won't get flats.

2) Mr. Tuffy Tire Liners (or I'm certain that other companies make similair products). I've never used them, but they suppossedly work really well.

I don't know if it's possible to make a really puncture-resistant tire that would still be light and supple.

Hambone

My Conti Ultra 3000's were great. They seemed to wear a little fast for me but I'm a clydesdale and I still lock up the back wheel atleast once a week avoidng a cab door/tourist on the Brooklyn Bridge/etc. I went with Panaracer Pasela TGs. They had been suggested as a good commuter tire. I only have 75 miles on the new ones but I miss the Conti's at this point.

donrhummy

Just the basic Bontrager Race Lite's that came with the bike.

donrhummy

Anyone used "Forte GT2 Kevlar Road Tires"? Are they any good? Riding, puncture-resistance?

donrhummy

What about the "Nashbar Prima 2 Plus Road Tires"? They claim they have kevlar inside.

Peek the Geek

I saw these in the Excel Sports catalog, though they might be a little too hefty for most:
https://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?p...jor=1&minor=27

danimal

i've used conti gatorskins, 3000s, spec. armadillos, bontrager hardcase racelites, and an assortment of cheaper tires and for what it's worth, i've found:

-gatorskins and 3000s are at best okay and a little overpriced; i don't weigh too much and they both wear out quick and i still get flats...at least they handle pretty well
-armadillos work, they're built like tank tread and feel about as good when you're rolling on 'em
-the bontrager hardcase racelites are the best middle ground i've found between smooth ride and flat protection.
-lately i've been buying cheapo vittorio zaffiros and they work okay and are half the price of the above tires.

honestly though, the best way to not get flats is to brush off your tires and try not to run over too much road-crap

SoreFeet

I run the Continental Sport Contact tire in 28C they are pretty comfy riding but heavy. I only got one pinch flat from a poorly installed tube. Otherwise they have been on 20-60mile trips with great confidence. The downside is that they are very heavy. I have ran them from 60-90PSI. Lower pressure is really quite comfy. They weight 455 grams. The upside is they feature 240TPI casing. So flats aren't too likely. A nail could do it but I would recommend these. The extra effort to pedal is worth the security of few flats. I also feel quite confident riding down hilly roads. The extra meat of these tires does not cause any shimmy like my old 23C race tires. The link shows a photo and specs. I think you will be very happy with these. I chose these over the specialized because they are softer. Avoid tire liners, it is more logical to buy a heavier tire than install a liner.

https://www.calhouncycle.com/productc...&idcategory=60

billallbritten

+1 on the Race Lite Hardcases, only one puncture flat (looked like a length of steel belt fabric from a tire) in some 5000 odd miles on two sets. I've used 28mm and 32mm on the 7500FX

+1 on the Armadillo's feel. I have a pair haning on the wall, heavy and dead feeling. Also a bear to get on the rim.

donrhummy

Thanks. Any idea what difference in ride feel a lower psi (on the tire's max) will have?

Tremor2k

Make sure your rim strip is covering all the access holes for the spokes. I was getting a flat every 20 miles until replacing the strip with a better cloth type tape. Also I changed from Vittoria HSD to Conti GP4000 which are tough getting on the rim but not a problem yet (300miles).

Tremor
2005 FELT F70

donrhummy

Anyone use those "cheap" tires? Are they as good?