Tire recommendation
 

Is there a tire out there that is above all puncture resistant, and not a complete hassle to get on and off the rim? I have Michelin Axial Super Comps on now, and I have suffered a rash of flats lately even with using slime tubes. These tires are 20's. Can I get 23's on the same rim?

That depends on which variety of rim. Some tires may go one rim easily, and be a beast on another. I would suggest, and did myself, getting a Kool Stop tire-jack - or a VAR super-tyre tool. Either of these will give one the upper-hand when mounting difficult tires. One side of these slide onto the rim on one side, and grab the tire underneath the opposite side. Then it's simply a matter of pulling the tool back - leveraging the bead up and over the rim and seating it in the rim.

The Kool Stop is rather large to carry and should be an in-home/shop tool:

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...e.aspx?sc=FRGL

While the VAR is small enough to fit in a seat-bag or pant's pocket:

http://cgi.ebay.com/VAR-Super-Tyre-T...13125009r29737

Armed with one of these, you'll be free to continue your pursuit of a full Kevlar-belted tire. Regardless of how much of a bear they can be to successfully mount on a rim with conventional tire-levers/thumbs.

Thanks Panthers I will pick up both tools. With continued research on the subject I have come up with three tires that seem to be thought of pretty highly. Specialized Armadillo, Continental Gatorskins, and Vittoria Rubino Pros. Any thoughts about these three? Any additional tires to consider?

I use and recommend Conti gatorskins. They are easy to mount on mavic open pro rims. I never use a slime tube. You might wont to try a wider tyre. The performance of the 25mm gator is very good. I have also used the Bontrager Hard case...still an easy mount, not as lively as the gator, but very tough! hope that helps.:)

Gators x2!

I agree with the Conti Gatorskins. These are very well known for being very difficult to puncture - yet still giving you a fast and responsive ride.

Some tire/rim combos are just bad. No way to know until you get to those last couple inches.

'nother one for Gatorskins.

No major issues with my Campy Eurus rims...

I used to use Specialized Turbo Armadillos..... they don't make them anymore. I have not used their newer ones. The only time I got a flat was when the tire was when I wore the rear down well below where it should have been replaced. They had a poor lifespan though, I had some saved..... but they all went brittle on me in storage, despite no light.

No tire is flat proof though.

How old are these Michelin Axial Super Comps though? I don't think they've been made for years, have they? Some tires loose their integrity over time..... then you'll get lots of flats.

Schwalbe seems to be a hot brand right now, but some of their tires cost more than a car tire. A bit overpriced.

The Schwalbe Ultremo R's are the heat!
http://www.starbike.com/images/Schwa...o_r_farben.jpg

I put them on about three years ago. The G skins are on the way. I am considering pulling my old Mr. Tuffies out of the closet too.

Gatorskins are a little stiff, I think. My most recent tire is Michelin's Krylion Carbon. Supposed to be flat-resistant but maintains most of the feel of the Pro Race series, which I like. It's fairly light also, not too pricey, and available at probikekit.com, and biketiresdirect.com. http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y2052