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Old 01-26-11 | 01:35 PM
  #82  
pdlamb
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: northern Deep South

Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee

Originally Posted by Ritterview
Lots of Armadillo fans. But I don't know if the reference is to the Elite or All Condition version. From the specs, these look like entirely different tires. Does Elite have the same robust flat protection for which the All Condition is famed, and does it have the stiff, low-traction ride for which it is notorious?
Obviously I don't know about anybody else's experience, but the plain Specialized Armadillo All Condition looks more like mine (red sidewall). Over 3,000 miles, no flats; reasonably easy to get off and on (I re-trued the wheel earlier this month). The feel isn't terribly sporty, but I'll take fewer stops on the commute to make up for it.

I think the only tire I've had that came close was the Continental Contact, but with over 4,000 miles, I lost patience when I tore the tube trying to get the blasted tire off the rim. Still plenty of tread left at that point, but another millimeter or two on the diameter would have made the fit much less maddening.

Panaracer Paselas feel much better than either of the above, but also wear out and flat much quicker, IME.

I loved Vittoria Randonneurs until a wire in the sidewall broke out on tour and flatted me four times before I found it. I didn't even know the tire was built with wires in the sidewall! I won't look at another one after that.
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