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Old 12-11-09 | 09:45 PM
  #19  
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Andy_K
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From: Beaverton, OR

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I definitely think some tires are more flat prone than others. I also agree that how frequently you get flats is a function of environment. When I read someone saying they've gotten zero flats in X miles, I take it with a grain of salt. When I read someone saying that they got a lot of flats in a small number of miles, I take it with a grain of salt. But when I buy tires, I look at a lot of reviews to see what the prevailing opinion is and also consider the technology claims of the manufacturer.

Based on the above, I would expect Gatorskins to be fairly dependable but prone to sidewall damage. I would expect Re-Fuses to be very flat resistant, but prone to having the tread flake off. I would expect Marathon Pluses to be incredibly durable and flat resistant but very heavy and hard to mount. I would expect Marathon Supremes to be very flat resistant with no major weaknesses (unless you count size availability). I would expect RibMos to be somehwat unknown, but with high and growing expectations. I would expect Michelin County Rocks to be no more flat resistant than the average tire, but very good for MUP/dirt trail/gravel riding.

As it turns out, I've got a set of each of those in my garage, all on bikes except the Gatorskins (which are worn out but kept for emergency use), and among those with enough miles on them to reasonably evaluate, they've all been about what I expected. (If you're curious, I did have sidewall problems with the Gatorskins; the Re-Fuse haven't flaked or flatted yet but only ~500 miles; the Marathon Supreme and RibMo have both been excellent for 500 and 1500 miles respectively and counting; and the Marathon Plus and Country Rock are still nearly new on my wife's and daughter's bikes).
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