Recommended tires for a fast-rolling clyde?
 

So, I've been informed the cheap (my cost under $10), heavy (well-over 400g apparently), but fairly plush-riding (though slow) Kenda Kwest 700x28C tires on my C&V bike (Tange No2 frame, Cyclone GT parts, touring geometry) are very likely slowing me down...

My Cannondale has some 700x23C and they ride much faster, though it's like being on solid rubber when inflated to a pressure that works well for a 230-pounder...

So I'm looking for some recommendations as to what might work well for me...

I'd like to stay with either 700x25 or 700x28C simply because I *LOVE* the shock-absorption that comes from having more tire... But I'm looking for something that rolls a little faster, especially uphill as I need all the help there I can get, as we all do...

I typically ride 200km minimum a week (120 miles) and as much as 350km in a big week... average is 250km or so weekly. My rides are normally around 2-3hrs but every two or three weeks I throw in a long one - anywhere from 110 to 160km on a Saturday.

Can I get some recommendations on tires from other guys my size that are still looking for decent speed without a rock-hard ride? Thanks all!

If you like em why change em? That being said I like GP4000's in 25mm for a nice ride. Just wait til you can get em on sale somewhere because full price is a bit much.

I have no experience with the tires you currently have. I exclusively ride Michelin Pro3 Race 700x23 tires. I would say they're close to a Vittoria Corsa EVO ride quality (especially the clincher versions). Every week is 350km's, and lately I'm doing 450-500km weeks.

All that said, I have never had a comfort problem other than the normal "riding for 3-4 hours" issues.

Fat tyres roll better than skinny ones at similar pressures. Try the schwalbe Durano. They come in a 700x28 at 290 grams. Good tyres.

+1. It's what I ride

Read through the recent post here. Someone posted a sale link for two tires shipped in the 85.00 range

There are lots of previous threads on similar topics if you do a thorough search.

But that said, what I always recommend (and use in 700x25) are Schwalbe Durano Plus. I weigh 215 or so right now, and I don't even come close to taxing these wheels. They'd be fine even over 300lbs IMO. Maybe a stiff ride compared to some tires, but I've never gotten a flat riding through rough urban streets, and they are very quick. Almost a totally slick tire with just vestigial tread. If I weighed 165, I might be willing to sacrifice some toughness for ride quality, but these are perfect for me right now...

I like Panaracer T-serve PT. I don't know if they are the fastest, but they are very light 700x28.

700 X28s weight 280 g average

You can get Conti GP 4 seasons in 25mm and 28mm from Wiggle for about $45 ea. plus modest shipping. Best price I've found. I use the 28's on tandem and single although at my weight the 25mm would be fine on the single.

I like tufo tyres, 220tpi, 220lbs pressure 19's and 20's, may not be the best rolling tyres but seem to last forever, I use the type that are sew ups with a bead, it takes awhile to set the bead properly but they are very round and ride excellently, running low pressures for comfort is akin to throwing out the baby with the bathwater, just watch where you're going and get off the seat for bumps.

The 4000s and the four season are two different tires are they not?

They are. The 4000's seem to be very highly regarded for use on singles. GP 4 Seasons might be overkill for a single, but nice tires nonetheless.

For that ONE person that runs different size tires at the same pressure, that should be quite useful info,

FWIW I've got a set of 700x28 Schwalbe Kojaks on my Cannondale Bad Boy. Keep them at 100psi, I weigh 240. I find the tires to roll nicely, but I'm not a high-speed guy, just going for commuter speeds on city streets.

I'll start off with the fact that I "hate" Vittoria Rubino Pro's. The 25mm set currently on my bike can't wear out quickly enough for me. They offer poor traction, low flat protection and nothing to speak of with regard to road feel. They are however, cheap.

Previously using and quite pleased with some Maxxis Re-fuses in 25mm. Excellent flat resistance, good traction, fair road feel and milage. The lone survivor is currently mounted on a backup wheel.

As soon as I can warrant another parts order, I'll be picking up either some Michelin Optimums (25mm+) or GP4Seasons (28mm).

Continental Gatorskins here - great tires.

I ride the Schwalbe Durano, and Durano Plus tires, staggered 23 front 25 rear. If they hold me, they should hold you just fine.

The point is that many people think that to achieve the comfort they require, they have to sacrifice a lot of speed. Skinny tyres aren't faster because they roll better, it's mainly a matter of weight and, to a lesser extent, aerodynamics. If you have a fairly lightweight tyre in a 28 you'll get the benefits of the more comfortable ride without sacrificing much speed.

If you want a fast rolling tire and price is not a big factor _ I would look at the Vittoria Open Pave Evo CG - they are 700x24. These are the tires made for paris roubaix so flat protection is very good.. They seem to roll very nice and the in between size is a nice plus for 200+ riders..

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/produ...evo-cg-320-tpi

I'm rollin some Gatorskins. No problems with them.

Panaracer Type A's seem to be a tad wider than the 25C they advertise, I like that and have been pleased with their ride and stickiness. Not sure about durability. My other road bike has 28C Gatorskins - not as sticky, but a decent ride. I don't think I'd like those as much in 25C...

The last couple years I've been riding Michelin Pro 3's. 23mm on my roady and 32 on my cychocross. I like them. And you can pick them up about half price now that the Pro 4's are out.

OP - your unloaded weight is no big deal. I'm close and ride 25c GP4000s on my Roubaix, Ultremos on another fast bike. No issues, great ride.

For additional flat protection and weight management on my Tricross with bags on the rear..I subsitute a 25c Gatorskin on the back. Since my flats always seem to happen in the rear, the combo of GP4000s front and Gtskin rear have worked out to be a good compromise between speed, handling, stiffness under weight and durability.

No big deal? Tell that to the 140lb-ers I climb with, LOL. =) But I know what you mean...

Gotcha. I pretty-much flat only on my rear as well. So people are finding 25c works well at our weight? I must admit I like the comfortable/shock-absorbing ride of the 28c's, so I think I'll be setting up two distinctly different rides - one of my bikes I'm setting up more for touring (my Nishiki), the other (my Motobecane) more for fast riding...