Recommend me a good 25c commuting tire
02-24-10 | 08:06 PM
#26
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Alfredo Contador
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I guess it depends on how hard you push your bike, or how much you hate fixing flats. A cheap tire will get you from point A to point B, no question. High quality rubber compounds and carcass technology however aren't inexpensive. Also, cheap doesn't necessarily mean inexpensive. Our basic Marathon tire for instance (approx. $39; not cheap, not ridiculously expensive) will last the average rider 5,000+ miles with no significant degradation. It has a fairly substantial kevlar puncture protection belt and a nice all around rubber compound for the tread. Most people will go through 3 sets of cheap tires in the time it would take them to wear out a Marathon. In addition to the cost of the tire, if you take into account the time (and inherent value of that time) it takes to change these tires, not to mention the flats one will get as the tires near the end of their useful lives you'll find that cheap is not inexpensive. The better quality tires will also have a much nicer ride and feel than a cheap tire.
You could go to just about any decent brand, and they'll have a similar tire.... this isn't just about Schwalbe. This is mostly about maximizing value, and maximizing riding enjoyment.
You could go to just about any decent brand, and they'll have a similar tire.... this isn't just about Schwalbe. This is mostly about maximizing value, and maximizing riding enjoyment.
Talk is cheap. Send me some samples and I'll be the judge.
02-24-10 | 08:25 PM
#29
Arizona Dessert
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02-24-10 | 08:32 PM
#30
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02-24-10 | 08:59 PM
#31
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Too many good choices like the Conti Gatorskin, and Specialize Armadillo All Condition, but there are some cheap tires that could work very well, just about any tire with the model Sport after the name would work because these tires have a thicker thread then normal more expensive tires. Nashbar is having a big sale right now and you can find some decent tires that would work great for commuting for $15.
02-24-10 | 09:37 PM
#32
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Alfredo Contador
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thanks for the heads up cia_dog!
Yup, those Fortes are cheap. And they don't even tag $$$ for having to use the Dupont copyrighted aramid stuff 
Quote Originally Posted by ptle View Post
I would check out performancebike.com's Forte 700x25c tires with Kevlar. They provide decent flat protection and aren't really heavy (I think).
Picked up a pair of these on sale and have been very happy with them. Think I paid around 10 bucks a tire.
I would check out performancebike.com's Forte 700x25c tires with Kevlar. They provide decent flat protection and aren't really heavy (I think).
Picked up a pair of these on sale and have been very happy with them. Think I paid around 10 bucks a tire.
02-25-10 | 08:39 AM
#33
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I've heard a few riders complain about the Fortes separating, any others with this experience? I know their tubes suck big time. I think you do get what you pay for, so your better off getting a decent tire made by a major brand on sale rather then some cheap ashe tire that regularly retails for $10.
02-25-10 | 08:43 AM
#34
Galveston County Texas
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From: In The Wind
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The Fortes have been good tires for me with one exception..
The real size is not what they say on the side of the tire.
The real size is not what they say on the side of the tire.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
02-25-10 | 12:41 PM
#35
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Man, I would love to send out samples.... it'd like being a crack dealer..... get 'em hooked, and then start charging for it.
Seriously though, I don't doubt that there are frequently deals to be had out in the big ol' cycling world on good tires (closeouts, traffic generators, etc.), but for the most part a tire that has an MSRP of $20 will generally be of inferior quality in materials and construction than a tire with a $40 MSRP, and in terms of value, a more expensive tire is going to be less expensive and less aggravating in the long run; if you find them on sale, even more so.
Even before I worked here, whatever tire I was running I'd keep several at home so that I always had a backup or two. If I found some on sale, I'd restock.
Seriously though, I don't doubt that there are frequently deals to be had out in the big ol' cycling world on good tires (closeouts, traffic generators, etc.), but for the most part a tire that has an MSRP of $20 will generally be of inferior quality in materials and construction than a tire with a $40 MSRP, and in terms of value, a more expensive tire is going to be less expensive and less aggravating in the long run; if you find them on sale, even more so.
Even before I worked here, whatever tire I was running I'd keep several at home so that I always had a backup or two. If I found some on sale, I'd restock.
Last edited by Kojak; 02-25-10 at 12:47 PM.
02-25-10 | 11:19 PM
#36
nashcommguy
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From: nashville, tn
Bikes: Commuters: Fuji Delray road, Fuji Discovery mtb...Touring: Softride Traveler...Road: C-dale SR300
I tried to fit 700x28c to my road bike last week and it turns out I have brake rub. They were Kenda Kwests. Had great reliability with them on my other bikes. However the 28c of the Kwests are rather large and they are rubbing the rear brake (not pads) but the arch itself.
Anyhow I need 25c now to clear the brake arch. Oh maybe somehow there are 28c tires that have a lower crown. Recommendations please! Price <$20.
Anyhow I need 25c now to clear the brake arch. Oh maybe somehow there are 28c tires that have a lower crown. Recommendations please! Price <$20.
02-26-10 | 07:40 AM
#37
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From: Raleigh, NC
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If cost is an issue, just buy the least expensive folding tire you can buy with kevlar lining. There are lots of good options. I've been commuting on Continental GP 4000s that I bought when they were on sale for $25. They now cost more than $40, so if I was shopping for new tires I might buy something else that was less expensive -- like Vittoria Rubinos, Michelin Krylions, Conti Gatorskins.
Check www.probikekit.com. The generally have some good tires on sale for very good prices, with free shipping from England.
Check www.probikekit.com. The generally have some good tires on sale for very good prices, with free shipping from England.
02-26-10 | 11:08 AM
#38
Justin
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These are $11 and I can't recall ever having a flat with them.
https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Mercha...ry_Code=Serfas
https://www.aspirevelotech.com/Mercha...ry_Code=Serfas
02-26-10 | 11:11 AM
#39
Justin
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I've heard a few riders complain about the Fortes separating, any others with this experience? I know their tubes suck big time. I think you do get what you pay for, so your better off getting a decent tire made by a major brand on sale rather then some cheap ashe tire that regularly retails for $10.
02-26-10 | 01:20 PM
#40
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I find in particular Geax Evolution's to have excellent properties for commuting all around - an reasonably light, very comfortable, easy rolling, decent puncture protection, and excellent grippy compound - rain or dry. At about $30 a piece I find it a good deal. Although I'm riding on 26", I bet there are some similar tires for 700x25. And also, Schwalbe Marathon is another tire I can also highly recommend.
02-27-10 | 10:09 PM
#42
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I forgot to mention one thing in a previous post. I had a set of Conti GP4000''s with the Vectron belt; it's a good tire that cost me $59 each (on sale from $65), but they didn't last long about 1800 miles which kind of pissed me off. So I dropped down to the Gatorskin Ultra, which quite frankly I can't tell the difference and so far they seem to be holding up. Then on one of the other bikes I have the Vittoria Rubino Pro II which I got at a close out for $35; and I think I like these better then the Conti's but I'm still testing.
The best thing to do with tires is to find closeout specials that way you can get a better tire at lower cost. Personally I won't ride on $15 tires (not sale price) because I don't think they ride as well nor handle as well, but if I was on a tight budget then I would without giving it a second thought.
The best thing to do with tires is to find closeout specials that way you can get a better tire at lower cost. Personally I won't ride on $15 tires (not sale price) because I don't think they ride as well nor handle as well, but if I was on a tight budget then I would without giving it a second thought.
