Originally Posted by
Barrettscv
I'm noticing that high price does not always buy an all-around better tire. Buyers need to select from menu of features and benefits. light weight, supple construction, flat protection, low rolling resistance, good all-weather traction, good aerodynamics, moderate price: Pick your priorities but don't expect to have all positive features in one tire.
I'm finding that moderate levels of performance and price provide the best value and overall performance. I avoid pure ultra light tires, ultra flat resistant tires, ultra durable tires, ultra supple tires, etc... Moderation and balance are ideal for non-race usage.
Reading reviews at Wiggle and other online locations provide a great amount of user feedback. It might not help anyone buy the perfect tire, but it can help anyone avoid the wrong tire.
Right now my favorite tire is the Vittoria Voyager Hyper (AKA Randonneur Hyper). The tire is ultra smooth, fast rolling, good flat resistance, reasonable durability and ultra versatile. Now if it was available is a size that would fit my road bike, I would be all set.
Hey there Barrettscv!
This all sounds like good advice from a very wise sage!
I will give all of your suggestions some very serious thought, as I'm convinced that everything you've stated here is completely logical. That's especially the part about matching moderate levels of performance with moderate pricing. I'm beginning to think that's the key to good tire investment.
The only clincher (no pun intended) here is that, I suspect that Continental's Gatorskin just might be revolutionizing the entire bicycle tire industry. Those tires are beginning to outlast, even the best of most premium tires. Right now, their popularity soars as their price I'm sure, will soon follow.