bautieri

Hey folks!

I'm looking for a bit of advice on a new set of rubber for my Tricross. I'm probably going to go with 700 x 25 if it makes any difference. The tires I have researched and have locally available are:

Bonti Hard Case
Continental Gatorskins

They cost roughly the same so price isn't really a factor. I'm looking for a tire that is the best compromise of rolling resistance and flat protection. Weight is also a non factor to an overweight rider so 50 grams here or there doesn’t matter. Does anyone here have experience (for or against) they wouldn't mind sharing on these tires? Any good? Overrated? Will they be plotting against me while I sleep?

Thanks!

Bau

Neil_B

You've seen my Bontrager hardcase tires. You've even helped me mount them. I don't know what else to say about them, aside from the fact they wear like iron.

CliftonGK1

Aside from knowing some people who ride the Hardcase tires, I don't have any experience with them. I am a big fan of the Gatorskins; both 28mm and 25mm. I've tried other tires and keep coming back to the Contis. They're reasonably puncture resistant, long wearing, and smooth rolling for a flat-resistant tire.

bdinger

I'll +1 to the historian, if I was going smaller than 700x35 anytime soon, I'd go with the Hardcases again. They rolled buttah-smooth and wore very well. Great tires, priced great IMO.

I've also heard excellent things about the Gatorskins.

Mr. Beanz

I've had problems with the Gatorskin but I'm prolly not as lite as you and I used them on my tandem. But $37 per tire and getting 1000 miles before the thread shows tru? Not for me. The front tire I pulled off the tandem was placed on my single bike wih the same results. But like others say, thye've had great luck, just not my case with mentioned conditions and SEVERAL flats!

I did read a rec in the tandem forum on tires. $22 Serfas Seca tires at REI. I thought it was a joke but I picked up a tire 700 X 28 for the rear of the tandem. I had nothing to lose after thrashing several others. GREAT tire! Wire bead but if I can't keep up, it aint the wire. I've seee the $27 folding version at the shop but onl in 23's and they do run a little narrow compared to the GP400. About one hundred thousandths narrow as is the $30 Conti Ultra Race. Reason I went with the 25.

I put one on the front of my single, wearing great. Just picked up another (25) for the rear of my roadie. Might install it later tonight.

I just wore out the rear tire on my roadie, 700X25 Specialized Armadillo. OVer 5000 miles with not one flat. I hate to see it go, great trainging tire but pretty heavy. But hey, several climbing rides, street and trail rides without one flat!

bautieri

Thanks Beanz, that was exactly the type of first-hand expirience I was looking for, everyone says these two tire choices are great and it is nice to hear from people on the other side of the fence .

Mr. Beanz

Just got back from my second ride on the 25 (rear tire). Man, what a good tire, rolls great, wears great (tandem rear, 6 months,and front 2 months experience). No cuts whatsoever. Matter of fact, the label on the Serfas says if anything is abnormal within 30 days, money back!


Some reason, the tire form the LBS has big white letters. REI tire doesn't, same tire, same label, name, just letters??"p

Saltybeagle

Have Gatorskin, wire bead type, 25 on front wheel and 23 on rear, no problems 1 year, 2k ish miles on backup bike. Carbon bike has 25 on front and had 23 Conti GS4000s for about 800 miles, gs4000 blew side wall yesterday after about 800 miles. Pressure is 120 psi rear and 110 front on both bikes.

Gatorskin is not as smooth rolling as gs4000 but its longevity is great. I read somewhere that folding Gatorskins had some issues.