A GOOD commuter Road Tire?
#1
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A GOOD commuter Road Tire?
I just went for a test ride (12 miles) to my work place, just testing my new
700x25C Vittoria Courier TT25 Kevlar 3D Compound tires. Never made it, I had to turn back after 3.5 miles when going dowm hill at "warp" speed - got a flat on the rear one, it was enough that the rear tire hit a small elevated road crack to
go down flat. These tires proved not suitable at all for commuting, especially here in Northern Jersey where there are lot of rough road imperfections on the side of the roads. Thank goodness I didn't use them on weekdays (real commuting time).
What tires are GOOD (in the 700x25C and/or 700x28C size) for commuting??? Enough to take the roughness and imperfection on most roads?
What's your experience folks? Although I'd prefer in the 700x25C size???
Corsaire
700x25C Vittoria Courier TT25 Kevlar 3D Compound tires. Never made it, I had to turn back after 3.5 miles when going dowm hill at "warp" speed - got a flat on the rear one, it was enough that the rear tire hit a small elevated road crack to
go down flat. These tires proved not suitable at all for commuting, especially here in Northern Jersey where there are lot of rough road imperfections on the side of the roads. Thank goodness I didn't use them on weekdays (real commuting time).
What tires are GOOD (in the 700x25C and/or 700x28C size) for commuting??? Enough to take the roughness and imperfection on most roads?
What's your experience folks? Although I'd prefer in the 700x25C size???
Corsaire
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,652
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
From your description sounds like you got a pinch flat, which can be caused by not having enough air in the tire. Common consensus for the most flat proof is normaly the specialized armadillo tires, but it will protect you from thorns.. glass etc in the road..
#3
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Before going out I inflated my tires to 100PSI with my
new JoeBlow, the recommended pressure. The tires were tightly inflated.
The rubber on this tires are buttery soft, that was did it.
How about the Continental Ultragator Skin?
which I hear so much about
Corsaire
new JoeBlow, the recommended pressure. The tires were tightly inflated.
The rubber on this tires are buttery soft, that was did it.
How about the Continental Ultragator Skin?
which I hear so much about
Corsaire
#4
Senior Member
I insist on Kevlar lined tires. Particularily on commuter bikes where I hope I can demand reliability.
My touring bike takes 35mm. I can find only Performance brand Touring tires that are Kevlar lined..I think they are pretty good tires. Anyone use 35 mm. Kevlar lined touring tires...Any recommendations.
My touring bike takes 35mm. I can find only Performance brand Touring tires that are Kevlar lined..I think they are pretty good tires. Anyone use 35 mm. Kevlar lined touring tires...Any recommendations.
#5
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezealot
I insist on Kevlar lined tires. Particularily on commuter bikes where I hope I can demand reliability.
My touring bike takes 35mm. I can find only Performance brand Touring tires that are Kevlar lined..I think they are pretty good tires. Anyone use 35 mm. Kevlar lined touring tires...Any recommendations.
My touring bike takes 35mm. I can find only Performance brand Touring tires that are Kevlar lined..I think they are pretty good tires. Anyone use 35 mm. Kevlar lined touring tires...Any recommendations.
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#6
Senior Member
Rich.. Again are all those tires you mentioned in 35 mm? Not sure a rim for a 35 mm. tire will accomodate a smaller sized tire?
#7
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Corsaire
What tires are GOOD (in the 700x25C and/or 700x28C size) for commuting??? Enough to take the roughness and imperfection on most roads?
What's your experience folks? Although I'd prefer in the 700x25C size???
Corsaire
What's your experience folks? Although I'd prefer in the 700x25C size???
Corsaire
You might also want to look into the Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy or Roll-y Pol-y tires, which are very highly regarded. https://www.rivendellbicycles.com/html/parts.html
My own commuters run wider tires -- 700x32 -- and so my personal experience probably isn't directly transferable to your situation.
However, I agree with the assessment that you had what sounds like a pinch flat. You can prevent them only by increasing tire pressure or going to a bigger tire, if one will clear your brakes and frame.
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#8
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezealot
Rich.. Again are all those tires you mentioned in 35 mm? Not sure a rim for a 35 mm. tire will accomodate a smaller sized tire?
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Richmond, BC, Canada
Posts: 78
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I purchased my new commuter road bike at the beginning of April this year. Continental Top Touring 2000 tires 700 x 28c were spec'd and were installed. To date I have put on 4,200 kms on these tires. And have had no problem except for the one flat which was in June after two and a half months of riding. I cycle over sections of rough roads to and from work plus I've gone over broken glass, run over small stones and branches, etc. My commute is 22km one way.
It is very important for me not to have any downtime on my commute, especially to work. So having good tires is very important. Since I started cycle commuting in June 2001, I have had numerous flats on the two types of bikes I used before my current model - one was a MTB converted to commuting with slimmer tires and the other was a twenty year old road bike. I normally spent no more than $ 15 CDN per tire. I experienced on average 3 to 5 flats per month. I don't know what the TT 2000's cost (they came with the bike and I didn't get a cost breakdown of each component) but they are worth the price.
I highly recommend the Continental TT 2000's and I will replace only with the same.
It is very important for me not to have any downtime on my commute, especially to work. So having good tires is very important. Since I started cycle commuting in June 2001, I have had numerous flats on the two types of bikes I used before my current model - one was a MTB converted to commuting with slimmer tires and the other was a twenty year old road bike. I normally spent no more than $ 15 CDN per tire. I experienced on average 3 to 5 flats per month. I don't know what the TT 2000's cost (they came with the bike and I didn't get a cost breakdown of each component) but they are worth the price.
I highly recommend the Continental TT 2000's and I will replace only with the same.
#10
Life is good
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Posts: 18,209
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 522 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
10 Posts
I have Continental Grand Prix 3000 on my road bike. Average mileage between flats ~2000 miles.
I have Vittoria Rubino Intrepid PRB Kevlar 3D Compound on my commuter. Haven't had a flat yet.
700x25 size available in both tires.
I have Vittoria Rubino Intrepid PRB Kevlar 3D Compound on my commuter. Haven't had a flat yet.
700x25 size available in both tires.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#11
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I checked the 04 All Conditions Armadillo 700x25C, looks strong and good.
The Nimbus Armadillo looks strong also, but only 28C
How about performance on these tires?
has anybody notice improved performance as well?
besides the flat protection feature?
Corsaire
The Nimbus Armadillo looks strong also, but only 28C
How about performance on these tires?
has anybody notice improved performance as well?
besides the flat protection feature?
Corsaire
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,941
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12188 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
1,107 Posts
Hi,
take a look at the Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy.
It is very rugged without weighing a ton.
https://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog...bes/10043.html
You know, if it WAS a pinch flat, you could have had a defective tube.
take a look at the Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy.
It is very rugged without weighing a ton.
https://rivendellbicycles.com/webalog...bes/10043.html
You know, if it WAS a pinch flat, you could have had a defective tube.
#13
Senior Member
I've got 2002 Specialized Armadillos on my commuter. It's a mid-90s heavy steel road bike, and the heavy tires roll VERY smoothly when I'm going. The older Armadillos had a bad shoulder corner that impeded fast cornering, but the 2004 tires have a redesigned tread/shoulder that's much better. If the Specialized Rep ever will give my LBS 700X23s, I'll have a new set. The rated pressure for the Armadillos is 125, and I keep them there. The ride is supposed to be rougher, but with my heavy frame I don't notice it.
I use the Continental Gatorskins on my Lemond Zurich. They have a Kevlar belt, and roll very nicely.
I use the Continental Gatorskins on my Lemond Zurich. They have a Kevlar belt, and roll very nicely.
#14
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It WAS a pinched flat caused by a strong blow/impact of the rear tire by going down hill at high speed. The rear tire hit strongly a little part of raised pavement. (roughed out road side) The Vittoria tire is ok, but the tube pretty much blew inside. It's not the first time I ride this road, it's my commuting route.
I had switched from Specialized Nimbus EX, these tires took very well all this road imperfections. But I changed to Vittoria just to gain for speed and lightness, only to realized I had sacrificed strenght and durability.
That's why I'm looking for a strong, dependable, highly puncture resistance tire, enought to take a blow over an imperfect road.
The All Condition Armadillo looks like the ticket so far @ 700x25C, hopefully it can take it.
Corsaire
I had switched from Specialized Nimbus EX, these tires took very well all this road imperfections. But I changed to Vittoria just to gain for speed and lightness, only to realized I had sacrificed strenght and durability.
That's why I'm looking for a strong, dependable, highly puncture resistance tire, enought to take a blow over an imperfect road.
The All Condition Armadillo looks like the ticket so far @ 700x25C, hopefully it can take it.
Corsaire
#15
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Corsaire
It WAS a pinched flat caused by a strong blow/impact of the rear tire by going down hill at high speed. The rear tire hit strongly a little part of raised pavement. (roughed out road side) The Vittoria tire is ok, but the tube pretty much blew inside. It's not the first time I ride this road, it's my commuting route.
I had switched from Specialized Nimbus EX, these tires took very well all this road imperfections. But I changed to Vittoria just to gain for speed and lightness, only to realized I had sacrificed strenght and durability.
That's why I'm looking for a strong, dependable, highly puncture resistance tire, enought to take a blow over an imperfect road.
The All Condition Armadillo looks like the ticket so far @ 700x25C, hopefully it can take it.
Corsaire
I had switched from Specialized Nimbus EX, these tires took very well all this road imperfections. But I changed to Vittoria just to gain for speed and lightness, only to realized I had sacrificed strenght and durability.
That's why I'm looking for a strong, dependable, highly puncture resistance tire, enought to take a blow over an imperfect road.
The All Condition Armadillo looks like the ticket so far @ 700x25C, hopefully it can take it.
Corsaire
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Oro Valley, AZ
Posts: 146
Bikes: 2012 Schwinn Slicker, 2011 Trek Sawyer, 2014 Kona Unit
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
After having 4 flats in 200 miles along my route, I put on Performance Forte Kevlars in 700x23 size about 800 miles ago. I've had one flat since then. They run about $22.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Alta Loma area of Rancho Cucamonga. About 45 miles east of Los Angeles, California. Uphill, downhill and across hill riding; not too level!
Posts: 1,328
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Corsaire
Before going out I inflated my tires to 100PSI with my
new JoeBlow, the recommended pressure. The tires were tightly inflated.
The rubber on this tires are buttery soft, that was did it.
How about the Continental Ultragator Skin?
which I hear so much about
Corsaire
new JoeBlow, the recommended pressure. The tires were tightly inflated.
The rubber on this tires are buttery soft, that was did it.
How about the Continental Ultragator Skin?
which I hear so much about
Corsaire
#18
8speed DinoSORAs
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Oxford, UK or Mountain View, Ca
Posts: 2,749
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I have just invested in a set of Continental Gator/Dura skin tires to compare against the Hutchinson Excel Kevlar types that have been a mainstay for a while. I run 700x23. The Hutch's have good puncture resistance but are prone to failure of the fabric at the sidewall, close to the bead, always on the rear tire.
The Conti's seem to ride better, although I managed to flat them first day out. I think this was exceptional bad luck though - I pulled out a 3/4 in thorn from the very edge of the tread that was like a hypodermic needle.
I hope they will last better than the Hutchinsons - I like them very much so far.
Cheers,
Ed
The Conti's seem to ride better, although I managed to flat them first day out. I think this was exceptional bad luck though - I pulled out a 3/4 in thorn from the very edge of the tread that was like a hypodermic needle.
I hope they will last better than the Hutchinsons - I like them very much so far.
Cheers,
Ed
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,941
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12188 Post(s)
Liked 1,495 Times
in
1,107 Posts
Hi,
the Gatorskins look really tough. I bought a pair, went for one ride, and had my dealer swap them out for something else. They rode like a truck. The problem is the belt goes up the sidewall, so it doesn't absorb as much shock as a regular tire would. I think the Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy would make a good tire for commuting. My wife has been having good luck with her 25c Fortezzas , and the ride quality is excellent. I don't run them at high pressure. I put in just a few more pounds
than is neccesary to let the tire roll on the flat without the sides bulging. This gives a very nice ride qulaity; with the Fortezza it's especially nice.
the Gatorskins look really tough. I bought a pair, went for one ride, and had my dealer swap them out for something else. They rode like a truck. The problem is the belt goes up the sidewall, so it doesn't absorb as much shock as a regular tire would. I think the Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy would make a good tire for commuting. My wife has been having good luck with her 25c Fortezzas , and the ride quality is excellent. I don't run them at high pressure. I put in just a few more pounds
than is neccesary to let the tire roll on the flat without the sides bulging. This gives a very nice ride qulaity; with the Fortezza it's especially nice.
#20
The Flying Scot
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: North Queensferry Scotland and London (and France)
Posts: 1,904
Bikes: Custom (Colin Laing) 531c fast tourer/audax, 1964 Flying Scot Continental, 1995 Cinelli Supercorsa, Holdsworth Mistral single speed, Dahon Speed 6 (folder), Micmo Sirocco and a few more
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've got about 4000 miles on my Conti TT2000's (700x28)
Only one puncture and that was a huge thorn.
Only one puncture and that was a huge thorn.
__________________
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
1985 Sandy Gilchrist-Colin Laing built 531c Audax/fast tourer.
1964 Flying Scot Continental (531)
1995 Cinelli Supercorsa (Columbus SLX)
1980s Holdsworth Mistral fixed (531)
2005 Dahon Speed 6 (folder)
(YES I LIKE STEEL)
2008 Viking Saratoga tandem
2008 Micmo Sirocco Hybrid (aluminium!)
2012 BTwin Rockrider 8.1
#22
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Corsaire
Does anybody know HOW the Armadillos ride?
Does it roll easily, smooth or is it rough??
Corsaire
Does it roll easily, smooth or is it rough??
Corsaire
I have 700X23 2003 Armadillos. They have a stiff sidewall. I keep them at the max, 125 psi. They roll very, very smoothly, but transmit a little more vibration than other tires I've used. That's on an older steel bike that weieghs about 25 pounds.
#23
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I guess it's a trade off, a mix of smoothness with some road vibration....hey! it's not a perfect world I guess...
I hear people raving about these RUFFY TUFFY tires , what gives I wonder....?
Corsaire
I hear people raving about these RUFFY TUFFY tires , what gives I wonder....?
Corsaire
#24
Dancing on the Pedals
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,021
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Got it! made a decision:
I'm getting the All Condition Armadillo 700x25C for the rear tire and the Ultra Gatorskin for the front, also @ 700x25C. I hope this combo will give me the best of both world, given that all my experience with flats/pinch or puncture have always been on the REAR tire.
What about it?
Corsaire
I'm getting the All Condition Armadillo 700x25C for the rear tire and the Ultra Gatorskin for the front, also @ 700x25C. I hope this combo will give me the best of both world, given that all my experience with flats/pinch or puncture have always been on the REAR tire.
What about it?
Corsaire
#25
A Heart Needs a Home
Join Date: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Interesting decision.
I while ago I replaced my TT2K's (the rear was worn out) with Pasela TG's. The TG is a much lighter, thin-sidewall, kevlar-belted and -beaded foldable tire.
I immediately started getting rear flats. So I put the old front TT2K on the rear, and left a TG on the front. This combo is working quite well, and the lighter front tire is a noticeable improvement.
Good luck with your plan!
RichC
I while ago I replaced my TT2K's (the rear was worn out) with Pasela TG's. The TG is a much lighter, thin-sidewall, kevlar-belted and -beaded foldable tire.
I immediately started getting rear flats. So I put the old front TT2K on the rear, and left a TG on the front. This combo is working quite well, and the lighter front tire is a noticeable improvement.
Good luck with your plan!
RichC
__________________
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)
Training: 2002 Fuji Roubaix Pro (105 triple)
Commuting/Daytripping: 2001 Airborne Carpe Diem (Ultegra/XTR, touring wheels)
Commuting/Touring: 2000 Novara Randonee (Sora/Tiagra/LX, fenders, lights)