Hi Everybody!
I have been doing mostly road rides with my Fuji Tread, about 95% pavement. After loading the Strava app, (exciting and sobering at the same time, haha) I started looking for ways to improve speed & efficiency. I decided to swap out my 35c Duro Ellie Mae tires (380 grams), for some 28c Conti GatorSkins (280 grams). I tried them out today after airing up to about 105 psi (I weigh #180 with gear), I took them out for a usual 19.3 mile loop. Typical light wind, same as most of my rides. I did get a PR on Strava on one segment, beating my previous record by 5 seconds. However, at the end of my ride I saw that I had the same average speed as I did with the 'cross tires, which also had stop flats liners that weigh about 90 grams each. I realize it was the first ride, so I plan to do a few more of my usual rides and compare results. My last ride with the cross tires aired up to 65 psi, I averaged 16.29 mph over a 28.5 mile ride. Today with the GatorSkins, my average speed was 16.27 mph and a shorter route of of 19.3 miles. My average speed hovers around 15.6-16.3 mph. I am a bit disappointed, as the tires seemed to accelerate quickly, but seemed to roll about the same speed as the 'cross tires, (once up to speed) without more (noticeable) power output. Not to mention I got a goat head flat about 5 miles into the maiden voyage (one of the very reasons I decided on the GatorSkins). Anybody have a similar experience? Is the Gator just a slow tire? Any info or input would be highly appreciated. I am almost ready to put the 'cross tires back on if there is really such a minimal difference. Thanks so much, Scott