Originally Posted by
23109VC
I called the LBS and they recommended Conti Gatorbacks. the guy said they were more durable than the ultra race tires I had, but he said they are heavier. asming I want something that is lighter/faster - should I avoid a tire like this or would I never notice the difference?
Gatorskins
are durable tires. They've got great puncture resistance. But that durability is a tradeoff with rolling resistance and weight.
Staying in the Continental product line, the Grand Prix 4 Season has puncture resistance almost as good as the Gatorskin, but the tire is lighter and rolls a bit easier. I've seen it called a "Goldilocks" tire, splitting the differences between the Gatorskin and the GP4000S II.
The Continental GP4000S II rolls a whole lot better than either of those tires, but its puncture resistance is only fair. Not that it isn't a durable tire -- you can get lots of miles out of 'em -- but if you run over a sharp object, you're more likely to get a flat with the GP4000S II than a 4 Season or Gatorskin.
Originally Posted by
23109VC
I don't mind spending a few extra bucks to get a better tire that is lighter/faster...
GP4000s II sounds like a good one...
If you want a reasonably priced, high quality, light & fast tire, the GP4000S II is definitely worth a look. It's a popular tire for good reason.
Originally Posted by
79pmooney
First - look at your brake. The brake shoe isn't touching the tire when you squeeze the lever, is it? (Shouldn't be on a new bike. Poor setup by the shop it if is. But that is a common cause of sidewall damage and easy to see and fix. (And will destroy your next tire also.)
Ben's got a really good point... That's a common culprit for sidewall damage.