mseanschmidt

Gommitalia Calypso vs. Veloflex Pave

Looking for the smoothest feeling clinchers available? My research shows these are two of the best. Has anyone used both and can give me an objective analysis of how both ride? Or, are there any better recommendations?

jtree

conti gp 4000. they're as smooth as veloflex tubulars. and they won't puncture.

kleng

The latest is the Michelin Pro 2 Race Service Course Special Edition, sold as a pair.
smoother rolling and less harsh than my previous GP4000 at the same pressure, with the grip of a wet weather tire, durability is the only untested factor, I have ridden about 900 kms so far without any cuts or punctures.

VoodooRada

A buddy says that the Calypsos are very smooth riding.

I found the Paves to be the most "tubular-like" clincher I've ridden. The casing is very supple, and the tread is amazingly thin. The tread uses a LOT of natural rubber; opening the box on a Pave gives you a very old-school whiff of gumwall glory. The ride is very sure and smooth, with the best road grip I've ever experienced in a tire. And they're still handmade in Italy...

On the downside, the Pave felt a little slow on acceleration. It's a VERY grippy tread, and I think it gets a bit more rolling resistance with its sure grip.

If you go with the Paves, be sure to re-calibrate your cyclocomputer. The 22's rolled out quite a bit smaller that my current 23 Continentals...

Coyote2

I'm interested in the question, too, as I have heard good things about the Gommitalia Calypso tires, but only second-hand. Can anyone give some first-hand feedback on these tires?

CastIron

I just burned through a set of Veloflex Pave (clinchers) tires on my road bike. Smoothest, fastest, most delightful tire I've ridden hands down. This includes nice Continentals and Vittorias.

They're expensive and not the most durable, but oooooooooooooooh so nice.