Tire Suggestions
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 81
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From: Kalamazoo
Bikes: 2009 Bianchi Axis, 1972 Raleigh LTD-3, Huffy POS
Tire Suggestions
I just bought a Giant Butte and it came with knobby's on it. I was wondering what kind of road tire somebody could suggest that would do good in the rain as well as dry pavement. Thanks a ton for your help!
#2
Performance's house brand, Forte, (I hear that giggling in the background... knock it off) sells this. I use the 700X35 version on my bomber. They roll well on pavement, and the inverted treads works pretty much like street motorcycle tires. There's a Kevlar belt under the tread area for a little extra protection. I get 8K miles
out of 'em for not much money.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5430
out of 'em for not much money.
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=5430
#3
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 40
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#5
howdy; i live in denver. when i first got here from l.a. i had the same question. first chance i got i stopped a police officer on bike patrol to check out the kind of tires they were using. took the name to my local bike shop and presto. good commute tire, decent price no slipping on wet roads. also, ask your local bike shop folks for a rec and your price range.
#6
Low car diet
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,407
Likes: 4
From: Corvallis, OR, USA
Bikes: 2006 Windsor Dover w/105, 2007 GT Avalanche w/XT, 1995 Trek 820 setup for touring, 201? Yeah single-speed folder, 199? Huffy tandem.
I just got the Forte Gotham in 26x1.75" for our tandem city bike: https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...slisearch=true
We used it the first time tonight for a few miles. Too early to tell, but they worked pretty well. Pretty smooth, but with some tread. Actually, the smooth parts have tiny grippy nubs. 1.75" may be wider than necessary for you though.
We used it the first time tonight for a few miles. Too early to tell, but they worked pretty well. Pretty smooth, but with some tread. Actually, the smooth parts have tiny grippy nubs. 1.75" may be wider than necessary for you though.
#7
<user defined text>
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 417
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From: Sydney, Australia
Bikes: 80's peugeot. Somewhat knackered. Lovely new Salsa Casseroll singlespeed.
roffle
I got 32mm Conti Sport Contacts put on my new commuter on the recommendation of the LBS.
https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml
They are awesome. Very very grippy in the wet, and fast too. I've also not had a puncture (yet).
My other bike has Gatorskins, which whilst indestructible, are definitely less good in the wet.
I got 32mm Conti Sport Contacts put on my new commuter on the recommendation of the LBS.
https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml
They are awesome. Very very grippy in the wet, and fast too. I've also not had a puncture (yet).
My other bike has Gatorskins, which whilst indestructible, are definitely less good in the wet.
#9
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
For 26" tires, you can't beat Serfas Drifters.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#10
Goon
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 864
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From: Ypsilanti, MI
Bikes: Rocky Mountain RC30, Soma Sport Fixed
roffle
I got 32mm Conti Sport Contacts put on my new commuter on the recommendation of the LBS.
https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml
They are awesome. Very very grippy in the wet, and fast too. I've also not had a puncture (yet).
My other bike has Gatorskins, which whilst indestructible, are definitely less good in the wet.
I got 32mm Conti Sport Contacts put on my new commuter on the recommendation of the LBS.
https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticy...0contact.shtml
They are awesome. Very very grippy in the wet, and fast too. I've also not had a puncture (yet).
My other bike has Gatorskins, which whilst indestructible, are definitely less good in the wet.
It can only mean one thing, Nature approves of Cyclocommuters.
#11
I'm happy with Conti Sport Contacts too. Actually just received an order for another bike of mine. I've got 37 mm version which "eats" potholes & still plenty fast. As the matter of fact, I do 20-25 miles on them 3-4 times a week every morning. They are great for dry and wet conditions & no flats yet. www.biketiresdirect.com has a very good deal on tires, especially if you buy more than two. And you should because you'll wear out the rear tire much faster & also you want to have a spare tire in case of irreparable damage like tears etc.
As of Performance Forte Tires, stay away from them. They are the only tires that I got flat in my front wheel. And I have more than 10K miles under my belt. One ride I got two flats in my rear tire during a SINGLE ride! The tires were new and the Kevlar version & got punctured by the banal glass. I got home after the ride, put them in the garbage & ordered the Contis.
As of Performance Forte Tires, stay away from them. They are the only tires that I got flat in my front wheel. And I have more than 10K miles under my belt. One ride I got two flats in my rear tire during a SINGLE ride! The tires were new and the Kevlar version & got punctured by the banal glass. I got home after the ride, put them in the garbage & ordered the Contis.
#12
Infamous Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 24,360
Likes: 6
From: Ohio
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Gatorskins are fine on wet pavement. I've never had a problem with them.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
#13
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 417
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From: Sydney, Australia
Bikes: 80's peugeot. Somewhat knackered. Lovely new Salsa Casseroll singlespeed.
Don't get me wrong; I ride the gators in the wet with no problems.
I just feel the sport contacts have the edge on grip. But then they are on a different bike, so it's possible it's just a bike thing.
I just feel the sport contacts have the edge on grip. But then they are on a different bike, so it's possible it's just a bike thing.
#15
I have Gatorskins 23 mm with Kevlar beads, 28 mm with wire bids, Sport Contacts 37 mm. The Sport Contacts have the edge on grip because they are wider (larger contact area). They are also heavier because of that. Otherwise they are all pretty similar. The Gatorskins are sportier while the Sport Contacts are cushier (i.e. lower air pressure) . My Surly Pacer which I ride on weekends at higher speeds has Gatorskins. The Bianchi Volpe that I ride during the week has Sport Contacts. Both are high quality tires so chose what you like.





