AZORCH

A lot of us run Pacelas because they fit the "look" - but sometimes you just gotta go. What are your favorite "fast" tires? Please discuss.

Zieleman

I think I just got mine in the mail: Vittoria Open Corsa Evo Sc clinchers. They go up to 145 psi, but I don't think I've got the cojones to reach that kind of pressure...

They do also look pretty though!

auchencrow

My Vittoria tubulars are possibly faster than the clinchers I've used, but tubulars are just not the most confidence-inspiring for the conditions here.

So when it come to riding fast and hard, I'm afraid I have to cite Paselas once again - specifically the wired 700x25's, as the best all around and fastest clincher tire I've tried.
Continental's Gator Skins seem to roll pretty well too, but (after having them come flailing off the rim a couple times) I put my Paselas back on and never had to look back.

Michael Angelo 

Conitnental GP 4000s. Fast tire, I run 125-130psi. I use 700x25c

20grit

My current fast tires are Michelin Pro 3 Races in 700x23. I can't compare them to a whole lot of other fast tires, but they're definitely working out for me on the bike. The next closest thing I have would be Michelin Lithions, but I can't compare them because they've been on two totally different bikes.

djkashuba 

I just got a pair of these. How much do you weigh?

-D

KonAaron Snake 

+1 - Continental GP4000s (especially the tubulars). I have them in 23c and 25c - they offer surprising flat resistance, GREAT handling of bad weather conditions and have plenty of pep. I use the GP 4 Seasons as the 28c tire and think VERY highly of them as well.

T-Mar

+1 to the Continental GPs, in all their variations over the years. In addition to the aforementioned performance, I find they are very durable/long wearing for a performance tire.

Lenton58 

Continental 700c 622 23 ULTRA SPORT: I have read some puzzling (to me) nagging reviews about these, but a lot of people must like them, and thus they continue to be in the 2013 catalogue. You can run them at different pressures and go a tad faster? ... or ride a bit softer for comfort. No useless tread pattern; they are virtually slicks. This is a plus AFAIAK. An excellent price! (YEAH!). AND ... I do not need tools to rip them off the rim and repair a tube — bare hands is all. (Way cool!).

OK — they do tend to "tramline" a bit, but my bikes that run tubulars do the same. They are not always on the racks where I shop, but my LBS says they can order them in short order with no problem! My Simplon will get second its second pair in some few months time.

Yep — I think they will go fast. Good training tire for you athletic young racers.

Barrettscv 

Depending on size and usage, I like a few tires. However, I avoid a pure racing tire, since they lack flat protection and are not built for durability.

700x25: Continental Grand Prix 4000s https://www.conti-online.com/generato...p4000S_en.html

700x25: Michelin PRO4 Service Course (these run large, about 26mm wide) https://www.michelinbicycletire.com/m...nt=pro4sc.view

700x28 Continental 4 season (these run small, between 26 to 27mm wide) Continental 4 season: https://www.conti-online.com/generato...season_en.html

700x28 Rubino Pro Tech (these run a little small, about 27mm wide) https://www.vittoria.com/product/rubino/

700x30 (these run large, about 32mm wide) Grand Bois Cyprès https://www.compasscycle.com/tires_gb_700_32.html

Grand Bois Cyprès is a gumwall with a fast, supple ride. The other tires are blackwall and are less plush riding. However, all of the tires are tough enough for suburban streets, on gravel that is firm & smooth, and during century rides.

hagen2456

Limited experience, as I mounted the tyres last fall, and winter has been quite severe and long this year: Best tyre I've ever used is the Veloflex Master 23mm. I notice that they're now available in 25 mm. Must be even better.

The Gatorskins and Paselas are fine tires in their own right, but definitely not fast, and they aren't supposed to be, neither. They're made to be reasonably fast-and-puncture-safe.

buldogge

I use (and would recommend) any/all off the following:

Conti GP4000, probably the best all-around "fast" tire there is. Best compromise of longevity/protection and speed/handling/suppleness. I use both 23c and 25c.

Conti Attack/Force combo, basically GP4000 with a front and rear specific pattern and 22c F/ 24c R.

Schwalbe Ultremo ZX, BEAUTIFUL riding tire, but no where near as robust as a GP4000, lighter by 25g...23, 25, AND 28c.

Veloflex Master and Corsa 23c...there is no beating the ride of this tire in a 23c...plus you can have classic looks. They also seem to hold up fairly well. 25c was just released, and I can't wait to try them!

For larger and fast...Vittoria Hyper Randonneur...32, 35, and 38c..."fastest", best rolling large tire I've ever tried.

photogravity

On my Alpine, I'm running Conti GP 4000 clinchers in 25-622 and I like them pretty well. I run them at around 90PSI front and 100 PSI rear. I've probably done around 150 miles on them so far...

On my Norman Rapide, I just installed a pair of Gran Bois Cypres tires in 30-622 (they measure 31mm on Velocity Synergy rims). I ran the tires at about 75PSI front and about 80PSI rear for this first ride, but may run them at a lower pressure because I don't think they need to run at that high a pressure. I've only ridden about 15 miles on them so far, but I am quite impressed with the feel of them. Grippy, yet cushy.

southpawboston

I thought the Cypres is labeled as a 32mm? I have my eyes on these for my Jack Taylor build.

My fastest 700c tires have been:

Challenge Parigi-Roubaix: these are labeled as 27mm, but measure 29mm on wide Super Champion 58 rims. They measure 28mm on a narrow VO PBP rim. They are supremely smooth, and seem to be happiest at about 60psi. There seems to be no increase in rolling resistance at 60psi as opposed to higher, and they just soak up bumps supremely well at 60psi. They almost feel as good as Hetres, almost.

Vredestein Fortezza Duo Comp: these are 25mm tires and measure true on a narrow rim. I got these on sale from Nashbar for about $25 each, and they're fantastic! Very supple casings and a smooth ride. Classic brown wall styling, too, but the label is a little garish. These seem happiest at 80-85psi and are surprisingly smooth for a 25mm tire, smoother than my 28mm Paselas on another bike.

Barrettscv 

Yes, the Vittoria Hyper Randonneur (AKA Vittoria Voyager Hyper) is a great all-around fast tire in these sizes. Tough enough for touring, fast enough for fast fitness rides and century events. The tire is very plush riding. The reflective sidewall is a great safety feature, but might clash with the aesthetics if the owner wants a C&V look.

fender1

I run wider tires overall, so for my "fast" road tire I use the Challenge Roubaix (about 28mm) and for the wider tires, I use the Vittoria Rano Hyper in 35mm. I have a set of 28mm Paelas on my tandem and they are good bit less confortable than the other two.

ColonelJLloyd 

I've been pleased with these:

• Michelin Pro Race 3 700x25: They measure closer to 27mm on Velocity Aerohead rims.
• Challenge Parigi-Roubaix 700x27: They measure closer to 29mm on most rims.
• Vittoria Rubino Pro 700x28: They measure pretty right on.
• Grand Bois Cypres 700x32: They measure pretty right on.

In my experience, bicycle tires have been one of those things where the expression "you get what you pay for" has been true.

jimmuller 

I've been running these on my Masi and I do run them at 145psi. The combination of light-ish rims with these tires feels very nice. Had one flat from a sliver of glass. An aramid-belted tire like the Pasela TourGuard might have deflected it. But maybe not.

Someone recently recommended Veloflex Masters. They have the same threads per inch rating as the Vittoria Open Corsas and are cheaper. Never tried them.

Two my bikes have Pasela TG 25mm, my utility/commuter UO8 has Pasela TG 28mm, and the Bianchi has Gatorskins 25mm. The Gatorskins feel like they roll easily, but so do the Paselas. Not sure I could feel the difference without a stopwatch but they work well on our roads.

I tried Conti UltraSports once, took them off immediately. Maybe it was just me, not the tires.

southpawboston

I just retired a worn pair of 700x28 Pasela Tourguards, and replaced them with the non-tourguard version. They are lighter and I actually can feel the lower rotational mass when I accelerate. They also seem a little smoother and softer riding, but the difference is subtle.

RFC

Vredestein Fortezza. I run them at 160 psi and still supple and grabby.

southpawboston

Wow, I run mine at half that.

RobbieTunes

Clincher:
1-Continental Attack/Force 120psi, can go more I suppose.
Best handling tire I've ever ridden. 2 seasons would be pushing it.
2-Vredestein Fortezza Tri Comp 130psi. Best all-around tire I've used.

Tubular:
1-Tufo S3 Lite (195g and 215g, I can't tell the difference) 160psi
(I have problems getting that much air in them due to the valve extensions.)
2-Continental Sprinter, smoother at lower psi, just as hard at 160psi

Tubular Clincher:
1-Tufo C Jet.
2-Tufo C S 33 Pro. Not a racing tire, but at 160psi, acts a lot like one, and is tough.
(only ones I've ever used.) The C 2 33 Pro should not be used for hard cornering.

All of them are faster than I am, and my experience with tubulars is fairly limited.
The ProRace tires from Michelin are plenty fast, but you'll lose time with the flats.

Cougrrcj

Am I the only Luddite still riding on 27s?

Anyway. since the selection for 27s suck, I've pretty much resigned myself to Vittoria Zaffiro 27x1-1/8 on 1-1/8 rims, inflated to 105. Might not be the fastest out there,but there isn't much choice. Will probably go to Pasela Tourguards next time.

ScottRyder 

I've had REALLY good luck with the Panaracer Practice tubular at 130psi. Very quiet, they make it seem like your flying.

Scott

photogravity

I can double-check, but I'm pretty sure they say 700x30 on the package and on the tire. I like them so far... They fill out the Bluemels Airweight fenders nicely compared to the previous tires.


Norman Rapide: Burkittsville Ruritan - 4 by Sallad Rialb, on Flickr