murpes

Ditto. I've ridden through a couple of sets of these and they really prevent punctures. I have had longevity issues with them, though, with the tread cracking and peeling away.

sced

I too am a Lithion fan.

$24 w/shipping at PBK https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y0103

Sir Real

I hope it's ok to toot my own horn.

https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...Stuff-for-Sale

grwoolf

I use conti 4000 in front and a gatorskin in the rear for flat protection and really like the combination (both 25mm). Some prefer to keep their tires matching, but it doesn't bother me. Also, if you like the PBK price, but don't want to order overseas, you can often get a price match (I use this at my local performance bike all the time and I get 10% back, less the taxes I pay locally).

joe_5700

+1 on the Zaffiro's too.

As others have said the Serfas Seca RS is a good tire BUT it flats pretty easily. You can get 2 tires and 2 tubes on Ebay for about $60. I think Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slicks are even better. Lighter than the normal Zaffiro's, folding bead and much more puncture resistant than the Serfas Seca RS.

https://www.amazon.com/Vittoria-Zaffi.../dp/B003TNI9PI

joe_5700

If you want a terrible ride, high rolling resistance and no confidence in corners but get 5,000 miles out of a set of tires, then I highly recommend Bontrager Racelite Hardcases.

bikerjp

So how do those Zafiro pros compare to Gatorskins? Are the gators worth the extra money (buying state-side at least)? There is also a pro 2 and pro 3. Are they more racing oriented?

bikerjp

Not entirely sure, but the folding have a kevlar bead and are usually lighter. They also fold which is of little value when riding unless you are packing one along.

joe_5700

I have not used Gatorskins, so I cannot comment on them. Michelin Pro Race 3's are awesome tires, but are prone to flats and low mileage because they are made primarily for racing.

GP

About a year ago my wife told me to quit saving old tires so I've been mixing Rubino Pros, Diamontes, GP4000 and Gatorskins. I found that I'm not a good enough cyclist to notice a huge difference.

caloso

Pretty good deal right there.

sced

Zaffiro Pros at PBK for $22 shipped - https://www.probikekit.com/advsearch....affiro&x=0&y=0

I ride both the Lithions and the Zaffiro Pros on different bikes. I like the suppleness of the Lithions more, but am not picky. Both seem to wear well and have puncture resistant belts for not a lot of money.

canam73

One more thing I'll add is that wire beads are often easier to mount. I ended up swapping my wife's folders for wire beaded because she couldn't get them on/off by herself and didn't want to get stranded with a flat.

keisatsu

I have not had these issues. They seem to roll plenty fast, I corner like a madman, and I have never gotten 5000 miles out of these tires, 3k if I'm super lucky.

pgjackson

Here's what I have narrowed it down to so far:

Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick
Kenda Kaliente Iron Cloak
Serfas Seca-RS
Gatorskins

I want a slick (tread is marketing). It must be all black. Needs to have puncture protection.

revchuck 

I'm satisfied with Gatorskins. Be advised that there are two versions of them, one with max protection all around the tire, and one with max protection under the majority of the tread, but not the sidewalls. The second (original) version is a good bit lighter and cheaper.

I went through a set of the original Lithions, and while they rode and gripped well, the rear only went 1100 miles until the cords were showing. The newer version might be better.

ericm979

I've been using Panaracer EVO 3s. They stick well in the wet, which is important to me. I haven't flatted yet and I'm on my second tire. They cost about $35.
But the first one (used on the rear) didn't last as long as the Performance Forte Pro Kevlar tires that I had been using. Unfortunately those are no longer sold.

I hate Gatorskins... they're sluggish and lack traction in the wet.

joe_5700

I would axe the Serfas Seca RS's and opt for Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slicks. https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y0012 $18.33 a tire!

The Serfas Seca RS's are great for about the first 1000 miles and then you will become an expert at patching tubes. Trust me.

mazdaspeed

Rubino pros, end of discussion.

pgjackson

Kind of leaning that way to the Pro Slicks. $29 at PB. I can use my points and get a discount on top.

Phantoj

Not a pain at all in my experience... I got a pair for around $65 last year...

pgjackson

Went ahead and ordered the Rubino Pro Slicks. $29 each at PB. Free shipping since I had them shipped to the store (it's on the way home from work). Thanks to all for the help. No matter how these work out, I'm sure they will be significantly better than my $10 Kenda K-152's that came with the bike.

mazdaspeed

You'll love them, they're incredible tires for the price (although I probably would have went with the non-slicks for training purposes, the casing on the slicks doesn't feel as tough as the non slicks although I've yet to have a problem with them).

pgjackson

Can't wait till they get here. Just in time for my century ride.

doctor j

Maxxis Re-Fuse.