bfloyd6969

I was out for a ride yesterday morning and had a rear flat. I must have run something over because there was a punctured gouge clear through the tire. Due to a group ride I had this morning, I was forced to visit my only local bike shop to get a new tire and tube. Usually I order all my bike parts online because my local bike shop doesn't have much of a selection in stock when it comes to tires and the like. So I head down there to find that the only 700c tires they had were a couple of 28c tires. Normally I run 23c but I was in a pinch so bought one of them for the rear. It was only a lower quality tire at $20, but all they had. The tire is a Conti Ultra Sport, which when I got home and looked them up found all kinds of bad reviews on them - bad reviews from many puncture flats to excessive wear due to the soft rubber.

So I go out on the group ride this morning, doing everything I can to avoid any kind of road debris I possible could, and noticed that the 28c tire was a very comfy tire. Like I wrote, I normally run a 23c and never rode a 28c. I really enjoyed the ride and this was only on the back. I imagine how comfy of a ride it would be with one on the front as well. Now my question for all of you - I don't expect these Conti Ultra Sports to last very long and would like some recommendations for a good quality, fast rolling, long wearing, durable tire in a 28c size. Thanks.

Mr. Beanz

I have sefas Seca 28's on my tandem. They roll fine and much more protection than Conti's IMO. I was shocked with the reults after the rec in the tandem forum. I slapped some on my sngle as well. I did use the 25's as the tire runs bit narrow compared ot a GP 4000.

Try the 28, not much of a loss considering you can pick them up at REI for $24. Their stock is hit and miss but if they are out, you can out in a request.

Phantoj

Continental GP 4-Seasons? Continental Ultra Gatorskins?

BengeBoy 

I've had great luck with Continental GP 4-seasons. Not as heavy as the Gatorskins, but still excellent flat protection.

ClarkinHawaii

I'm sold on the Schwalbe Marathon (Kevlar Guard)--supposedly Europe's biggest-selling touring tire.

Beware of the Marathon Plus--it might be too tall for your frame.

Barrettscv 

Conti Gatorskins. These perform well, and I get a flat about every 2500 miles. I can accept that.

Michael

Glynis27

I'm using 700x28 Vittoria Rubino Pro Tech tires this year and have been very happy with them. You can also get the normal Rubino Pro in a 28. They wear very well.

sci_femme

First off - congratulations on a road bike that can take something fatter than 25 mm.
Second - Conti 4-seasons. 700x28 is not exactly a common size in road tires but these were worth the wait.

Have fun

SF

kandyredcoi

Serfas Seca here as well...white stripe...700x28c

bfloyd6969

Thanks for the replies and recommendations everyone. I'll start shopping around for the above mentioned...

A question please - is it considered unusual to run different sizes from front to rear? Should I stick to 28c for both front or rear, or is there some benefits to running different sizes? Thanks.

kandyredcoi

Jenson USA has the serfas on sale now

bfloyd6969

Good find!! Thanks.

Paulie

I like Conti GP 4 Seasons in 700 x 28.

But note that when they're on my DT Swiss RR1.1 rims the measured width is just on 26.

habcup

I run Bontrager Racelite Hardcase in 28c. No flats yet. I also like the Cont GP 4 season.

BengeBoy 

You can run different sizes in front vs. rear, but not that many people do it.

Sheldon Brown has something about this on his website, but I couldn't find it in a quick search. I think he said something like, you could have a bigger tire in front if you want better traction in rain; use a bigger tire in back if you are big or carrying big loads and you want a bit more comfort by running a bigger tire w/lower pressure. But there's a high probability I'm remember that wrong! The point is, you can run different tire sizes front and rear...but, I think most people just switch to bigger sizes and keep it simple.

adrien

not sure what bike copmputer you're using, but if it's magnet-based (not GPS), keep in mind you will need to re-program it for accuracy, as the effective diameter of the wheel with the 28 has gone up.

As for me, Ultra Gatorskins.