Vicious49

I have a Trek 2.1 which came with Bontrager R1, 700x23c (43cm: 650x23c) tires. I noticed Performance Bikes is having a sale on a few tires. I was wondering if they are significantly better than what I have now, and if so, which of the 2 you'd prefer.

The 2 wheels are Hutchinson Atom Comp Road Tire and Vredestein Fortezza SE Road Tire.

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...580500_1614008
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._20000_1614008

Elvo

Atom comps are pretty thin - I'd use them as event only tires.

Vicious49

Ok. This would be just for my every day riding. No events.

ILUVUK

I ride with a guy that likes the Vredesteins. I've never ridden them though. Just for everyday riding, I think the Michelin Lithion 2 is a pretty good deal. Just bought a pair from PBK for ~$14-15/each using a coupon code. Free shipping from England last Thursday and arrived here today...not too shabby. I buy all my tires from the British online retailers as I think they have the best deals.

Elvo

https://www.probikekit.com/us/factfin...michelin+tires

Get the Krylions. Should be $22 shipped after code VELONEWS10. Rated to last 4000 km but should be able to go a little longer assuming you're not too fat.

ILUVUK

i really like this tire, too.

Vicious49

Thanks for the tip. Now it says:

• A clincher tyre will only fit on a clincher compatible rim.

Are the rims on my bike clincher compatible? Also, I'm new to bikes so I'm not sure if this is something I can change out myself or is this something I take to my bike shop and they change out for me.

And I weigh 160-165 lbs so not fat.

cyclezen

[QUOTE=Vicious49;12851801]... Vredestein Fortezza SE Road Tire.

been ridin these for 2/3 months...
solid, run well at 105 frt-110rear for me (165 lb)
corner well at speed, especially on twisty descents
a bit chunky - 220g would be better than 260g, but still nice.
blue sidewall - yuk - well you can;t have everything...
Vredes - nice on longish rides, for sure...

also been ridin the Forte Pro DC - same as above, except the Butt-O-meter says they feel a bit faster. A little harsher than the Vredes at same pressure, but I like them - will get more...
Vredes, a little 'stickier' on the corner carves - nice.

DC_United_Fan

You have clincher wheels on your 2.1, and you can and should learn how to change your own tires. There are several good videos on YouTube that will walk you through the process. You do carry spare tubes and something to air up a tire with when you ride, right?

Vicious49

I do not as I've only been riding for 3 weeks now. My buddy who I go riding with usually does though. I guess I really should get my own spares for times when he's not around.

Also, why are the Michelin Krylions better than the Bontrager R1's I have now. I see they weigh 38 grams less but there has to be more differnces than that.

DC_United_Fan

Yes, please invest in a small saddle pack and some tire fixin' items. It will save you much hassle when you have a flat.

Personally, I think the Bonty R1's are fine for general riding and training. I still have a pair on one of my training wheelsets and have no issues with them. Having said that, it is not one of the better, lighter, or more complient tires in the Bontrager line up.

While weight is an important consideration, especially since it's rotating weight, it's not the end-all-be-all factor for choosing a tire. Tread life and road feel are important as well. If you trade up to the Michelin Krylions, I think you will feel a difference in road feel, if nothing else. I run Michelin Pro 3's on my race bike and like them very much. Michelin produces a quality tire.

ILUVUK

If the tires are only 3 weeks old, I'd probably just save the money on new tires until the Bontragers either wear out or you start getting flats more frequently.

jsutkeepspining

unless your 6 foot 3 you're too fat for this sport. but dont worry pretty much all of us are.