Well, got through my first regular ride on the ARmadillos today (26-27 miles). No flat, but I have a long way to go before that will mean much.

Now, for a little comparing. These are 700x23 and only on the rear. They are rated at 115-125 lbs. I put them at 120 because that is what my old tires were.

Frankly, I didn't find the ride to be much different, if any. Sure, sometimes I wondered if it was stiffer, but I was REALLY PAYING ATTENTION and that alone would likely make me notice every bounce more than normal. Heck, sometimes I thought it handled bumps better, which made me wonder if it was going flat again. Fortunately it wasn't.

Perhaps if both tires were Turbo Armadillos, it would be different. I'm still using my original Continental Grand Prix Four Season on the front (700x25).

If I have good success at avoiding flats or other problems with the rear tire, I'll replace the front one too.

Let's see, handling was fine (dry day). I don't deal much with making turns which would tax its grip. Actually, I only have one such turn and I took that more cautiously than normal because I am adverse to risk! Over time I'll get a better feel for this. Even if it doesn't handle fast, sharp turns, that would not be a big deal in my situation.

So, that seems to mostly leave me with two issues, both of which are time dependent. One is how long I can typically go without a flat (I hope to get 1000+ miles). The other concerns those sidewall problems some people have reported (don't know if the 2003 model has that problem).

If anyone has had this problem, can you report what I should look for on the tire?

Bob (26 miles without a flat!)