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Tires: Bontrager Hard Case Vs. Specialized Armadillo

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Tires: Bontrager Hard Case Vs. Specialized Armadillo

Old 01-07-10, 06:46 PM
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Tires: Bontrager Hard Case Vs. Specialized Armadillo

Hello -

I currently have Hard Case Race Lite tires on my city bike (700x32) and have not had a flat in 4,000kms. - can I expect similar flat proofness on my road bike with these tires at 700x23?

How about the specialized Armadillo - are these comparable? (the Roubaix Armadillo Elite)

Thanks and please excuse the noobness of the inquiry.
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Old 01-07-10, 06:50 PM
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I would not recommend Armadillos as from what I have heard around here on BF that while they are very durable, their ride quality is very harsh. I would recommend going with Continental GatorSkins as a better alternative.
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Old 01-07-10, 08:10 PM
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I'm running bontrager x lite hardcase tires right now in 700x23. They aren't flat proof but a puncture is a rare event (I had a couple of flats while riding to work for a few months).

I agree with acaurora and would skip the Armadillos; the ride quality is horrible.
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Old 01-07-10, 08:23 PM
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I have the 23 version of the Race Lite HC on my CAAD9 and no flats in just under 1000 miles on them and the 28's I had on my Trek had almost 2800 miles with only 1 flat until I had to replace them. Only tire I ride now.
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Old 01-07-10, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by acaurora
I would not recommend Armadillos as from what I have heard around here on BF that while they are very durable, their ride quality is very harsh. I would recommend going with Continental GatorSkins as a better alternative.
Gatorskins ride is twice as good but they'll flat twice as often. Of course 2x0 = 0...
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Old 01-07-10, 08:41 PM
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I know some lite guys that have complained about too many flats with the Armadillo elites. I'm a heavier ride and flatted far to many times on Gatorskins.

I did use an Armadillo throughout the entire year of 09, NOT ONE FLAT! ...That includes city roads, streets, mtn roads, climbs and trail rides. Toughest tire I've ever used but did seem a bit heavy (700X25).
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Old 01-07-10, 10:48 PM
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I have the Armadillo Roubaix Elites and rode 5000 miles on them since June 15. I've had two flats (one was one of those survey markers that look like a giant thumbtack and one was a wire from a radial tire piece). The rear tire wore out at 3500 miles and the front one is still on the bike.

I replaced the rear tire because there were cuts from the survey marker and some cuts from glass, etc. The actual tire tread would probably have lasted more miles but I didn't want to chance a tire split when I can afford to buy another tire.

I can't really tell you if they ride any harsher than other tires as they are the only ones I've had on this bike (09 Specialized Roubaix Elite). I don't want fix a flat when it's 100+ degrees so I stick with this tire.

P.S. I think these tires are really 25's. They say 23/25 because they have the width of 25mm but the tire is tapered and the contact patch is supposed to be the same as a 23.
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Old 01-07-10, 11:04 PM
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Armadillo for flat free riding...if you need to get somewhere...and back.
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