Well I'm sure this is well trodden territory, but who wants to put in their 2¢ as to what is THE BEST C+V tire for under $25?

I'm sure we can all agree that "best" in this case would be some mix of durability, road feel, style and price.

In my particular case the tires are for a pair of 700c Wolber Alpine anodized road rims. I'm partial to the classic look of gumwall style tires (I understand Panaracer Paselas are nice), but if there's a superior tire that isn't gummy I'll buy it. My current preference is for 23-25c widths, but if anyone has any recommendations on that front I'm all ears as well.

Just like in Highlander, there can be only one (set of two). So let's settle this poor man's "the best" debate once and for all!

It's well-trodden territory because people don't realize that "cheapest" and "best" are diametrically opposed. So the debate will never be settled anyway.

I admit I was being a bit tongue in cheek with with the whole "best" business. But I figure there's gotta be at least one decent skin available out there for $25 clams, right? What's your favorite?

I'm surprised, Panaracer Pasela appears in the original post, usually you have to wait for the 1st reply. But ya, they're the bestest. The only real debate is black or skin wall.

+1

No brainer there.

I think most folks on here agree that Paselas are the way to go. I love them. I real bargain as far as tires go, and perfect for everyday riding. The debate would probably be whether or not to go with puncture protection. I have been riding the regular (no puncture protection) for years and have not had a problem. Though the streets in our fine city tend to be usually well swept.

Yeah, I'd researched this issue here awhile back and seemed to recall that the Paselas were well regarded. But I wanted to put this thread out there in case anyone else had any other tire suggestion tricks up their sleeve. And who knows, maybe it will help some similarly tire confused person in the future.

Kenda Gumwalls fit HALF of your criteria! I have had good and bad luck with them...their quality control is POOR at best.

Pasela. Non-Tourguard. 28s, FTW.

Just get some good quality non-gumwall tires and don't look back. GP4000s, Vittoria Rubino Pro, etc etc

Get highest TPI offered by the manufacture! It is so important along with some kind of kevlar belt between the outer and inner casing. I use Continental 4000 and Michelin Pro4, on the streets of Chicago, I've been very fortunate without a flat for thousands of miles.

Which Conti 4000 exactly?

I had some cst tires that were 10 bucks which lasted a while and rarely were got flats. but if you're going to spend bigger money then the paselas are worth it for sure.

paselas=good is one of the most popular opinions in c&v. if 10 commandments were compiled it would def make the list. paselas, brooks, sheldon's site...kool stop?

I like fyxation accelas but don't think many people use them and not really a c &v tire.

I use Continental Gran Prix 4000, 3000 and find both models durable, supple and long lasting. Currently on my Colnago I have over 3000 miles and very little wear. When I approach the issue of price and longevity, I choose the middle ground. Going to my LSB, unfortunately they usually cost $50 or more, on the internet between $35 to $45 and even less for Michelin Pro's. Buying the lowest price may not be the best way to save, when the tire wears out in a short distance of ownership, or the inconvenience of repairing a flat.

If you decide you don't really need gumwalls I've had luck with Serfas Secas. The large lettering on the sides doesn't really look vintage though but I guess you could paint over it.

For gumwalls - Paselas

Yeah, I thought that was what I thought. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't totally senile before I pulled the trigger on 'em.

I agree that maybe long term it makes more sense to up my budget. Also, I believe I've tried at least one Grand Prix and found it hard as a rock. But no flats.

Now that's better. I'll chime in with the Panaracer Pasela crowd -- looks like Niagara has them for $18.68 right now.

Vittoria Rubino's are a good tire. My 700x23 were $18 each for the rigid steel-bead model. They offer a great combination of performance, flat protection and price. Here is the 150tpi folder for $24 https://www.probikekit.com/bicycle-ty.../10780309.html

Yellow Jersey Servizio Corse

See I already learned something in this thread: I'd never heard of tpi before. Interesting that the Pasela's are listed as 66 tpi, which seems a bit on the low side. I suppose there are other factors that influence the feel of tire than just the tpi, but I imagine a Pasela would ride much differently from a Vittoria Rubino Pro.

DO NOT ORDER THESE -- IT'S A TRAP! (Unless you're into sniffing tubular glue. )

I'm a big fan of Michelin Lithions - light, cheap, very smooth riding, puncture protection

Paselas look perfect on a vintage bike, are well made, and ride great. If they were $45 I'd probably still buy them. Not the most durable tire out there, but not bad. More miles per dollar than anything else you'll find.

Thread count over about 60 may be overrated.
https://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/art...e-myths-29245/

I've read that the non-tourguard Pasala's ride well, supple with reduced rolling resistance while the tourguard version can feel a little stiff and slow.

I try to use tires with a tpi of 120 or higher. I'm using several tires that fit this definition. They all ride super smooth and fast.

700x32 Vittoria Voyager Hyper: 120 tpi
700x27 Challenge Parigi Roubaix: 260 tpi
700x25 Vittoria Corsa CX: 320 tpi

None of these tires are "inexpensive", however.