My Continental Grand Prix 4-Season tires (700x25c) have 2700 miles on them and, while there is still some tread, there are also spots where they have gotten some pretty good gauges.

So, as I consider what to get, I'm thinking about the Armadillos. I have liked the tires I have. They seem to grip well for one thing and I wonder what I might lose with the Armadillos. Also, will they be a lot harder to mount and remove? I've found it fairly hard to change tires. Of course, my present ones have been changed so often, they have stretched pretty good! I believe the Armadillos have a wire bead - doesn't that make them harder to deal with?

I put Mr Tuffy in the rear wheel of my present tires. Had some trouble with them wearing on the tube at first. Since I last readjusted them, I went 240 miles before getting another flat today. However, it seems something came in just outside the end of the strip so the strip didn't cause the flat. But the strip is a hassle when changing a flat (just hoping it stays lined up correctly).

Now, besides the question of what tire to get, I'm also considering dropping down to 700x23. This would offset some of the weight difference (even if it isn't enough to really matter). But I also wonder if there will be any difference in speed from the fact they are narrower. I know they should result in a bouncier ride. And what about control? How much do I lose from narrower tires? What if I only put the 23c on the rear?

If a 25c and 23c tire are both rated for 120 lb pressure, does the 23c really help?

Oh, if you have tires pumped up to 120 lbs, is a pinch flat still possible?

Bob