Tire survey
12-01-10 | 12:08 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 4
From: London, UK
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
Tire survey
This survey is tire-specific so if you use more than one bike then add more than one entry and fill in the Entry Number field (so bike 1 will have Entry Field '1', bike 2 will have Entry Field '2' etc).
Entry Number:
Brand name + model:
Tire size:
Tire pressure (psi):
How long used for:
Annual mileage:
How many miles you get on the tires:
Your weight (or leave blank):
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc):
Number of flats per year:
Happiness with puncture resistance:
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc):
Previous tire used:
What tire will you try next:
Where do you live?
Comments:
Entry Number:
Brand name + model:
Tire size:
Tire pressure (psi):
How long used for:
Annual mileage:
How many miles you get on the tires:
Your weight (or leave blank):
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc):
Number of flats per year:
Happiness with puncture resistance:
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc):
Previous tire used:
What tire will you try next:
Where do you live?
Comments:
12-01-10 | 12:14 PM
#2
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 4
From: London, UK
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Continental Gatorskin
Tire size: 700c x 23
Tire pressure (psi): 115
How long used for: 2 years
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 3000
Your weight (or leave blank): 93kg
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city + open road
Number of flats per year: 6
Happiness with puncture resistance: Could be happier
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Not much grip in wet, very harsh ride
Previous tire used: Gatorskin (replacement)
What tire will you try next: Undecided
Where do you live? London, UK
Comments:
These are pita to install. I have been recommended to use different tire levers but untried yet.
Brand name + model: Continental Gatorskin
Tire size: 700c x 23
Tire pressure (psi): 115
How long used for: 2 years
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 3000
Your weight (or leave blank): 93kg
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city + open road
Number of flats per year: 6
Happiness with puncture resistance: Could be happier
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Not much grip in wet, very harsh ride
Previous tire used: Gatorskin (replacement)
What tire will you try next: Undecided
Where do you live? London, UK
Comments:
These are pita to install. I have been recommended to use different tire levers but untried yet.
12-01-10 | 12:34 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 4
From: London, UK
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
Entry Number: 2
Brand name + model: Specialized Burroghs
Tire size: 700c x 35
Tire pressure (psi): 80
How long used for: 14 months
Annual mileage: 400
How many miles you get on the tires: Too new to find out
Your weight (or leave blank): 93kg
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, single track, mup
Number of flats per year: none
Happiness with puncture resistance: happy, but too new to give really informed opinion
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): very comfortable, pretty decent rolling resistance, reasonable grip on single track
Previous tire used: none
What tire will you try next: no plans to get new tires yet
Where do you live? London, UK
Comments:
Very little mileage on these tires as it's my backup bike.
Brand name + model: Specialized Burroghs
Tire size: 700c x 35
Tire pressure (psi): 80
How long used for: 14 months
Annual mileage: 400
How many miles you get on the tires: Too new to find out
Your weight (or leave blank): 93kg
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, single track, mup
Number of flats per year: none
Happiness with puncture resistance: happy, but too new to give really informed opinion
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): very comfortable, pretty decent rolling resistance, reasonable grip on single track
Previous tire used: none
What tire will you try next: no plans to get new tires yet
Where do you live? London, UK
Comments:
Very little mileage on these tires as it's my backup bike.
12-01-10 | 12:44 PM
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
Bikes: Trek 830 Mountain Track Drop bar conversion
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Vittoria Randonneur
Tire size: 700x32mm
Tire pressure (psi): 90-100 psi (whish is higher than the sidewall recommendation)
How long used for: 2 months
Annual mileage: 3,000+ miles
How many miles you get on the tires: I've put about 500 miles on the Vittoria Randonneurs so far.
Your weight (or leave blank): ~290
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City and MUP mix, hope to do more riding on the open road in the spring ans summer on some weekend tours/bike camping trips.
Number of flats per year: 1 so far with these tires
Happiness with puncture resistance: Quite
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Good grip and a comfortable tire
Previous tire used: Nashbar 700x35 Streetwise Road Tire
What tire will you try next: Not sure
Where do you live? Washington, DC area
Comments: I was pretty happy with the Nashbar tires, too. I got 2,000 or so mostly trouble-free miles out of those tires. Given that they cost me $10 each and I think I had a free shipping coupon from Nashbar, it was a good deal. I hope to get similar or better life out of my Vittorias. The Vittoria's bead can be difficult to mount.
Brand name + model: Vittoria Randonneur
Tire size: 700x32mm
Tire pressure (psi): 90-100 psi (whish is higher than the sidewall recommendation)
How long used for: 2 months
Annual mileage: 3,000+ miles
How many miles you get on the tires: I've put about 500 miles on the Vittoria Randonneurs so far.
Your weight (or leave blank): ~290
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City and MUP mix, hope to do more riding on the open road in the spring ans summer on some weekend tours/bike camping trips.
Number of flats per year: 1 so far with these tires
Happiness with puncture resistance: Quite
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Good grip and a comfortable tire
Previous tire used: Nashbar 700x35 Streetwise Road Tire
What tire will you try next: Not sure
Where do you live? Washington, DC area
Comments: I was pretty happy with the Nashbar tires, too. I got 2,000 or so mostly trouble-free miles out of those tires. Given that they cost me $10 each and I think I had a free shipping coupon from Nashbar, it was a good deal. I hope to get similar or better life out of my Vittorias. The Vittoria's bead can be difficult to mount.
12-01-10 | 12:56 PM
#5
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 197
Likes: 1
From: Albuquerque, NM
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Panaracer Pasela Tourguard
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): I inflate them until they feel "hard". Yea, I know, I know...
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 1,700. Probably more with recreational rides, but I don't know how much more.
How many miles you get on the tires: Same as above.
Your weight (or leave blank): 165
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): Mostly city, MUP once in a while.
Number of flats per year: I've gotten two flats total with these tires. One was a puncture from a thumb tack, the other was a pinch flat related to a curb & user error.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very happy.
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Grip is fine, ride is a little rough.
Previous tire used: None.
What tire will you try next: Probably same tire, but maybe sized up for a smoother ride.
Where do you live? Buffalo, NY
Comments:
Brand name + model: Panaracer Pasela Tourguard
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): I inflate them until they feel "hard". Yea, I know, I know...
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 1,700. Probably more with recreational rides, but I don't know how much more.
How many miles you get on the tires: Same as above.
Your weight (or leave blank): 165
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): Mostly city, MUP once in a while.
Number of flats per year: I've gotten two flats total with these tires. One was a puncture from a thumb tack, the other was a pinch flat related to a curb & user error.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very happy.
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Grip is fine, ride is a little rough.
Previous tire used: None.
What tire will you try next: Probably same tire, but maybe sized up for a smoother ride.
Where do you live? Buffalo, NY
Comments:
12-01-10 | 02:34 PM
#6
member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: SF bay area
Bikes: 33yr old mtn bike
Entry Number: 5
Brand name + model: Specialized Armadillo
Tire size: 26x1.95
Tire pressure (psi): 50-60 psi
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 7000
How many miles you get on the tires: more than 7000
Your weight (or leave blank): 155
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 50% pavement, roads and trails, and 50% dirt/gravel trails
Number of flats per year: none in the last year
Happiness with puncture resistance: happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): it's fine
Previous tire used: lower cost mtn bike knobby, these wear out fast and do get flats
What tire will you try next: do not know, Marathons?
Where do you live? SF bay area
Comments:
Brand name + model: Specialized Armadillo
Tire size: 26x1.95
Tire pressure (psi): 50-60 psi
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 7000
How many miles you get on the tires: more than 7000
Your weight (or leave blank): 155
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 50% pavement, roads and trails, and 50% dirt/gravel trails
Number of flats per year: none in the last year
Happiness with puncture resistance: happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): it's fine
Previous tire used: lower cost mtn bike knobby, these wear out fast and do get flats
What tire will you try next: do not know, Marathons?
Where do you live? SF bay area
Comments:
12-01-10 | 03:13 PM
#7
The Weird Beard
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,554
Likes: 3
From: COS
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Forte VersaTrac
Tire size: 26x2.0
Tire pressure (psi):65 (run at max)
How long used for: 5 years
Annual mileage: 2,000
How many miles you get on the tires: Still going (road miles)
Your weight (or leave blank): 185 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 95% road, 5% light trail
Number of flats per year: <1
Happiness with puncture resistance: 10 out of 10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 10 out of 10
Previous tire used: WTB
What tire will you try next: Forte Gotham
Where do you live? Colorado Springs, CO
Comments: This is the best tire I have ever ridden on. Smooth on roads, the only flat I've had was a 1/2" nail - would have gone through any tire and liner. Heavy, but that's what you get for this performance. Glad I bought a spare set. I have begged Performance to re-issue this tire, to no avail.
Brand name + model: Forte VersaTrac
Tire size: 26x2.0
Tire pressure (psi):65 (run at max)
How long used for: 5 years
Annual mileage: 2,000
How many miles you get on the tires: Still going (road miles)
Your weight (or leave blank): 185 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 95% road, 5% light trail
Number of flats per year: <1
Happiness with puncture resistance: 10 out of 10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 10 out of 10
Previous tire used: WTB
What tire will you try next: Forte Gotham
Where do you live? Colorado Springs, CO
Comments: This is the best tire I have ever ridden on. Smooth on roads, the only flat I've had was a 1/2" nail - would have gone through any tire and liner. Heavy, but that's what you get for this performance. Glad I bought a spare set. I have begged Performance to re-issue this tire, to no avail.
12-01-10 | 03:16 PM
#8
The Weird Beard
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,554
Likes: 3
From: COS
Entry Number: 2
Brand name + model: Michelin Transworld City
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 87
How long used for: 5 years
Annual mileage: 1,000
How many miles you get on the tires: Still rolling, very little wear.
Your weight (or leave blank): 185 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 95% road 5% light trail
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: 10 out of 10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 9 out of 10 - loud.
Previous tire used: None in this spec
What tire will you try next: Forte Gotham
Where do you live? Colorado Springs, CO
Comments: Nice skinny MTB tire, deep grooves, which make for a loud ride, but it's not deafening. Grooves attract small gravel and debris which may pose a puncture hazard, but none yet. Grips great in rain.
Brand name + model: Michelin Transworld City
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 87
How long used for: 5 years
Annual mileage: 1,000
How many miles you get on the tires: Still rolling, very little wear.
Your weight (or leave blank): 185 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): 95% road 5% light trail
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: 10 out of 10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 9 out of 10 - loud.
Previous tire used: None in this spec
What tire will you try next: Forte Gotham
Where do you live? Colorado Springs, CO
Comments: Nice skinny MTB tire, deep grooves, which make for a loud ride, but it's not deafening. Grooves attract small gravel and debris which may pose a puncture hazard, but none yet. Grips great in rain.
12-01-10 | 03:57 PM
#10
xtrajack
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Bikes: Kona fire mountain/xtracycle,Univega landrover fs,Nishiki custom sport Ross professional super gran tour Schwinn Mesa (future Xtracycle donor bike)
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 60
How long used for: ~1 year
Annual mileage: ~ 3000+
How many miles you get on the tires: 2K
Your weight (or leave blank):
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): semi-rural, 4-lane highway, MUP
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: Extremely
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): I have been happy the the performance of these tires.
Previous tire used: OEM for '08 Kona Fire Mountain
What tire will you try next: Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Where do you live? west central Maine
Comments: I will replace my Schwalbes with the same tires when they need to be replaced.
In the winter I roll with Nokian Mount & Ground W160's I feel the same way about them that I do with my Schwalbes. You find something that works, you stick with it.
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 60
How long used for: ~1 year
Annual mileage: ~ 3000+
How many miles you get on the tires: 2K
Your weight (or leave blank):
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): semi-rural, 4-lane highway, MUP
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: Extremely
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): I have been happy the the performance of these tires.
Previous tire used: OEM for '08 Kona Fire Mountain
What tire will you try next: Schwalbe Marathon Plus
Where do you live? west central Maine
Comments: I will replace my Schwalbes with the same tires when they need to be replaced.
In the winter I roll with Nokian Mount & Ground W160's I feel the same way about them that I do with my Schwalbes. You find something that works, you stick with it.
12-01-10 | 04:22 PM
#11
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,719
Likes: 4
From: London, UK
Bikes: 2006 road bike, 2012 cx bike, 2012 carbon rb, 2014 hardtail
12-01-10 | 04:59 PM
#12
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 23,208
Likes: 10,653
From: Seattle, WA
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Vittoria Randonneur Cross
Tire size: 700x28mm
Tire pressure (psi): 100 - 110 psi
How long used for: 1 year 6 months
Annual mileage: ~3,500 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: About 2,500?
Your weight (or leave blank): ~235
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City roads, stairs, parks, plus dirt and gravel trails in the mountains
Number of flats per year: A few...?
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very
Previous tire used: ?
What tire will you try next: ?
Where do you live? Seattle
Brand name + model: Vittoria Randonneur Cross
Tire size: 700x28mm
Tire pressure (psi): 100 - 110 psi
How long used for: 1 year 6 months
Annual mileage: ~3,500 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: About 2,500?
Your weight (or leave blank): ~235
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City roads, stairs, parks, plus dirt and gravel trails in the mountains
Number of flats per year: A few...?
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very
Previous tire used: ?
What tire will you try next: ?
Where do you live? Seattle
12-01-10 | 05:20 PM
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Continental Gatorskin
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 110
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Moderately happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very happy
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: The flat protection with this tire was great for the first 2000 miles, but then I suddenly started getting flats quite frequently. I put the tire aside for about 2 years, but I recently installed it on a beater bike, so I may update the mileage estimate if it works out. I like the ride of these tires a lot. Not too harsh, not too squishy. While sold as 700x25, these are actually closer to 23mm wide on my rims. At 2000 miles, the tread surface was significantly squared off, there were a few places where the threads on the side wall had broken, and the tread surface was covered with deep cuts.
Brand name + model: Continental Gatorskin
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 110
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Moderately happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very happy
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: The flat protection with this tire was great for the first 2000 miles, but then I suddenly started getting flats quite frequently. I put the tire aside for about 2 years, but I recently installed it on a beater bike, so I may update the mileage estimate if it works out. I like the ride of these tires a lot. Not too harsh, not too squishy. While sold as 700x25, these are actually closer to 23mm wide on my rims. At 2000 miles, the tread surface was significantly squared off, there were a few places where the threads on the side wall had broken, and the tread surface was covered with deep cuts.
12-01-10 | 05:21 PM
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 2
Brand name + model: Panaracer Ribmo
Tire size: 700x28
Tire pressure (psi): 110
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Moderately happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Mostly happy
Previous tire used: Continental Gatorskin
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: Like the Gatorskins, these tires were good for a while but then started getting frequent flats. Flat tires seem to be a wear indicator on my roads. I got my first flat very early on these tires, with a large construction staple, but I regarded that as a fluke. The ride is noticeably squishier than with the Gatorskins. To some extent that makes these tires more comfortable, but they are also distinctly slower than the Gatorskins. These measure at exactly 28mm wide for me. At 2000 miles, the tire is a bit squared off, but not terribly so. There are a number of cuts in the tread, one large enough that I patched it with Shoe Goo. I put these on the shelf for a while also, but I recently decided to swap front and rear and give them another shot (since the front tire had much less wear and the rear had more than enough for traction).
Brand name + model: Panaracer Ribmo
Tire size: 700x28
Tire pressure (psi): 110
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Moderately happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Mostly happy
Previous tire used: Continental Gatorskin
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: Like the Gatorskins, these tires were good for a while but then started getting frequent flats. Flat tires seem to be a wear indicator on my roads. I got my first flat very early on these tires, with a large construction staple, but I regarded that as a fluke. The ride is noticeably squishier than with the Gatorskins. To some extent that makes these tires more comfortable, but they are also distinctly slower than the Gatorskins. These measure at exactly 28mm wide for me. At 2000 miles, the tire is a bit squared off, but not terribly so. There are a number of cuts in the tread, one large enough that I patched it with Shoe Goo. I put these on the shelf for a while also, but I recently decided to swap front and rear and give them another shot (since the front tire had much less wear and the rear had more than enough for traction).
12-01-10 | 05:21 PM
#15
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 3
Brand name + model: Continental TownRide
Tire size: 29x1.6
Tire pressure (psi): 55
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 3
Happiness with puncture resistance: Somewhat happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Not thrilled
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: These tires came stock on my Muirwoods 29er. They don't seem to be avaiable through retail channels. That's just as well. I wasn't terribly impressed. Near as I can tell, they use the "thick rubber" flat protection strategy. The tires are heavy and the ride is a bit harsh. I went about 1800 miles without a flat and then they started getting frequent. If you read my previous entries, you may notice a pattern here. The difference with these tires was that instead of just getting flats from things like glass, I got flats from small rocks too. The tread after 2000 miles was getting thinner but was still good enough for traction (most of the siping was still visible) but no longer thick enough for flat deterence.
Brand name + model: Continental TownRide
Tire size: 29x1.6
Tire pressure (psi): 55
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: ~2000
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 3
Happiness with puncture resistance: Somewhat happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Not thrilled
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: These tires came stock on my Muirwoods 29er. They don't seem to be avaiable through retail channels. That's just as well. I wasn't terribly impressed. Near as I can tell, they use the "thick rubber" flat protection strategy. The tires are heavy and the ride is a bit harsh. I went about 1800 miles without a flat and then they started getting frequent. If you read my previous entries, you may notice a pattern here. The difference with these tires was that instead of just getting flats from things like glass, I got flats from small rocks too. The tread after 2000 miles was getting thinner but was still good enough for traction (most of the siping was still visible) but no longer thick enough for flat deterence.
12-01-10 | 05:22 PM
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 4
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Tire size: 29x2.0
Tire pressure (psi): 70
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 1500 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 1
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very happy
Previous tire used: Continental TownRide
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: I love these tires. They're a bit heavy because they're huge. Relative to their size, they're quite light I think. They roll great, have nice ride feel, have fantastic grip even in wet conditions, and the flat protection seems to be very good. I use these tires almost exclusively in the rain (because that's the purpose of the bike they're on) and have only had one flat tire in 1500 miles. That one flat was from a 1 inch screw that got completely embedded in the tire, and even then I was able to ride about a mile to where my car was parked before losing pressure. Also, after 1500 miles the tires (front and rear) are showing virtually no sign of wear.
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Tire size: 29x2.0
Tire pressure (psi): 70
How long used for: 1.5 years
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 1500 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 1
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very happy
Previous tire used: Continental TownRide
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: I love these tires. They're a bit heavy because they're huge. Relative to their size, they're quite light I think. They roll great, have nice ride feel, have fantastic grip even in wet conditions, and the flat protection seems to be very good. I use these tires almost exclusively in the rain (because that's the purpose of the bike they're on) and have only had one flat tire in 1500 miles. That one flat was from a 1 inch screw that got completely embedded in the tire, and even then I was able to ride about a mile to where my car was parked before losing pressure. Also, after 1500 miles the tires (front and rear) are showing virtually no sign of wear.
12-01-10 | 05:23 PM
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 5
Brand name + model: Maxxis Re-Fuse
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 120
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 1500 miles and counting quickly
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 1
Happiness with puncture resistance: Cautiously happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Fairly happy
Previous tire used: Continental Gatorskins
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: The biggest concern I have about this tire is its tread life. After 1500 miles, the rear tire has gotten quite smooth (it started out with micro-bumps). The flat protection has been decent, but most of the miles have come on dry days. The one flat I got was on a rainy day. These tires have a suprisingly nice ride feel, in light of their cost.
Brand name + model: Maxxis Re-Fuse
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 120
How long used for: 1 year
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 1500 miles and counting quickly
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 1
Happiness with puncture resistance: Cautiously happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Fairly happy
Previous tire used: Continental Gatorskins
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: The biggest concern I have about this tire is its tread life. After 1500 miles, the rear tire has gotten quite smooth (it started out with micro-bumps). The flat protection has been decent, but most of the miles have come on dry days. The one flat I got was on a rainy day. These tires have a suprisingly nice ride feel, in light of their cost.
12-01-10 | 05:23 PM
#18
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 6
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Ultremo R.1
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 120
How long used for: 4 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 600 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Not happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Extremely happy
Previous tire used: Panaracer Ribmo
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: So this obviously isn't intended as a commuting tire. I knew that when I got it. I've been told that it has the same flat protection as the Marathon Supreme, but for me it hasn't been nearly as good -- two flats in 600 miles on dry roads. I think the high thread count, which is responsible for the heavenly feel of these tires, causes it to collect debris a bit. I enjoy riding with these tires more than any tires I've used and will continue using them next summer, but maybe not for commuting.
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Ultremo R.1
Tire size: 700x25
Tire pressure (psi): 120
How long used for: 4 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 600 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: 2
Happiness with puncture resistance: Not happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Extremely happy
Previous tire used: Panaracer Ribmo
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: So this obviously isn't intended as a commuting tire. I knew that when I got it. I've been told that it has the same flat protection as the Marathon Supreme, but for me it hasn't been nearly as good -- two flats in 600 miles on dry roads. I think the high thread count, which is responsible for the heavenly feel of these tires, causes it to collect debris a bit. I enjoy riding with these tires more than any tires I've used and will continue using them next summer, but maybe not for commuting.
12-01-10 | 05:24 PM
#19
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 15,103
Likes: 4,737
From: Beaverton, OR
Bikes: Yes
Entry Number: 7
Brand name + model: Michelin Country Rock
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 50
How long used for: 2 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 165 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: None yet
Happiness with puncture resistance: Happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Happy
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: I haven't used these tires much, but so far I like them a lot. They're dirt cheap, which is nice. The flat protection scheme is thick rubber, so that will have a limited usefulness. The ride is good, for a square and wide tire. Right now, I have no complaints.
Brand name + model: Michelin Country Rock
Tire size: 26x1.75
Tire pressure (psi): 50
How long used for: 2 months
Annual mileage: 4000
How many miles you get on the tires: 165 and counting
Your weight (or leave blank): 200 lbs.
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): suburban, paved with bike lanes
Number of flats per year: None yet
Happiness with puncture resistance: Happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Happy
Previous tire used: GT Guardian
What tire will you try next: TBD
Where do you live? Beaverton, OR
Comments: I haven't used these tires much, but so far I like them a lot. They're dirt cheap, which is nice. The flat protection scheme is thick rubber, so that will have a limited usefulness. The ride is good, for a square and wide tire. Right now, I have no complaints.
12-02-10 | 10:08 AM
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Westlake Village, CA
Entry Number: 1
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Tire size: 26" x 1.6"
Tire pressure (psi): 60
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 5000
How many miles you get on the tires: Don't know yet. 3000+
Your weight (or leave blank): 160
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, suburban
Number of flats per year: 1, plus some slow leaks I fixed at home
Happiness with puncture resistance: Happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Happy
Previous tire used: Conti GP 4-season (different bike)
What tire will you try next: None, happy with these
Where do you live? Colorado
Comments: I've been using these tires since I set up my current bike in May.
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Marathon Supreme
Tire size: 26" x 1.6"
Tire pressure (psi): 60
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 5000
How many miles you get on the tires: Don't know yet. 3000+
Your weight (or leave blank): 160
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, suburban
Number of flats per year: 1, plus some slow leaks I fixed at home
Happiness with puncture resistance: Happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Happy
Previous tire used: Conti GP 4-season (different bike)
What tire will you try next: None, happy with these
Where do you live? Colorado
Comments: I've been using these tires since I set up my current bike in May.
12-02-10 | 10:11 AM
#22
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Westlake Village, CA
Entry Number: 2
Brand name + model: Nokian Mount & Ground
Tire size: 26" x 1.9"
Tire pressure (psi): 20-40 depending on conditions
How long used for: 1 winter as needed
Annual mileage: 500
How many miles you get on the tires: Don't know yet
Your weight (or leave blank): 160
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, suburban
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: very happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): very happy with grip, ride quality is what you would expect with a snow tire
Previous tire used: None (this is my first winter tire
What tire will you try next: Don't know
Where do you live? Colorado
Comments: Nokian M&G is a studded tire for icy conditions. I swap my tires when I need to, so these don't get too many miles.
Paul
Brand name + model: Nokian Mount & Ground
Tire size: 26" x 1.9"
Tire pressure (psi): 20-40 depending on conditions
How long used for: 1 winter as needed
Annual mileage: 500
How many miles you get on the tires: Don't know yet
Your weight (or leave blank): 160
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): city, open road, suburban
Number of flats per year: 0
Happiness with puncture resistance: very happy
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): very happy with grip, ride quality is what you would expect with a snow tire
Previous tire used: None (this is my first winter tire
What tire will you try next: Don't know
Where do you live? Colorado
Comments: Nokian M&G is a studded tire for icy conditions. I swap my tires when I need to, so these don't get too many miles.
Paul
12-02-10 | 10:27 AM
#23
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,055
Likes: 2
From: Riverside, CA
Bikes: Lynskey R230 DA DI2 ENVE 3.4 SES, 6KU Fixie, Cheap Aluminum Slapstick Trainer only bike
Entry Number:
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Big Apple
Tire size: 20x2.0 inch
Tire pressure (psi): 35-70. 55/65
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 2500+
How many miles you get on the tires: ? 1100+
Your weight (or leave blank): 186 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City
Number of flats per year: 1 in 6 months ... (so 2 per year?)
Happiness with puncture resistance: 5/10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 7/10
Previous tire used:
What tire will you try next: Greenspeed Scorcher 20x1.5 Kevlar.
Where do you live? S. California
Comments: Pretty happy over all but not sure about puncture resistance. I think it could have been better. Repaired the flat from glass debris and been on another 150+ miles at this point.
Brand name + model: Schwalbe Big Apple
Tire size: 20x2.0 inch
Tire pressure (psi): 35-70. 55/65
How long used for: 6 months
Annual mileage: 2500+
How many miles you get on the tires: ? 1100+
Your weight (or leave blank): 186 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City
Number of flats per year: 1 in 6 months ... (so 2 per year?)
Happiness with puncture resistance: 5/10
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): 7/10
Previous tire used:
What tire will you try next: Greenspeed Scorcher 20x1.5 Kevlar.
Where do you live? S. California
Comments: Pretty happy over all but not sure about puncture resistance. I think it could have been better. Repaired the flat from glass debris and been on another 150+ miles at this point.
Last edited by bored117; 12-02-10 at 11:25 AM.
12-02-10 | 11:14 AM
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 919
Likes: 3
Brand name + model: Michelin City
Tire size: 700 x 28C front, 700 x 32C rear (moved 32C to rear for longer wear)
Tire pressure (psi): 75 front, 80 rear (pumped once per week)
How long used for: Brand new set (16 weeks old)
Annual mileage: ~5200 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: Easy 6.5K miles. Average cruising speed in city is 17-18 mph. 12-15 mph with head wind, and 20-22 mph with tail wind. Average stop n go speed per computer is 15.4 mph.
Your weight (or leave blank): 152 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City with potholes, glass, nails, etc....
Number of flats per year: Depends on road condition. Recently ran over a 1/2" long roofing stapler, which would probably take down an automobile radial tire. These tires roll on many hazards without a fuss except for nails, staplers, and sharp pieces of metals.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very good. If I have $ to burn, then I would step up to the Michelin City Pilot (3mm thick puncture resistant belt).
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very good speed and ride quality. Sharp turn can be a little noisy due to the thread pattern. Not the lightest tire, but then the extra mass doesn't affect my average stop n go speed (15.4 mph) or cruising speed.
Previous tire used: 700 x 23C Michelin Omron.
What tire will you try next: Michelin Pilot.
Where do you live? OC in S Cal.
Comments: Great tire if you're not obsessed with mass and speed. I'd say these tires may drop my top speed by 0.7 mph. Ride quality is vastly superior to the 23C tires. I just pump them up to about 78 psi and ride for a whole week. Mounting is more difficult due to the steel bead, but can still be done without tool with some practice.
Note that there are three versions of Michelin Citys...Transworld, City (with reflective sidewalls), and Pilot City (3mm thick belt with reflective sidewalls). The Pilot is similar to a slick tire, which should provide excellent cornering performance. These tires will feel hard and slippery when new. Michelin puts some sort of coating on the rubber to extend durability. The coating will disappear from the contact patch after ~30 miles. The carbon black rubber grips well in dry/wet weather.
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...trip+Tire.aspx
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...City+Tire.aspx
Tire size: 700 x 28C front, 700 x 32C rear (moved 32C to rear for longer wear)
Tire pressure (psi): 75 front, 80 rear (pumped once per week)
How long used for: Brand new set (16 weeks old)
Annual mileage: ~5200 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: Easy 6.5K miles. Average cruising speed in city is 17-18 mph. 12-15 mph with head wind, and 20-22 mph with tail wind. Average stop n go speed per computer is 15.4 mph.
Your weight (or leave blank): 152 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City with potholes, glass, nails, etc....
Number of flats per year: Depends on road condition. Recently ran over a 1/2" long roofing stapler, which would probably take down an automobile radial tire. These tires roll on many hazards without a fuss except for nails, staplers, and sharp pieces of metals.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very good. If I have $ to burn, then I would step up to the Michelin City Pilot (3mm thick puncture resistant belt).
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very good speed and ride quality. Sharp turn can be a little noisy due to the thread pattern. Not the lightest tire, but then the extra mass doesn't affect my average stop n go speed (15.4 mph) or cruising speed.
Previous tire used: 700 x 23C Michelin Omron.
What tire will you try next: Michelin Pilot.
Where do you live? OC in S Cal.
Comments: Great tire if you're not obsessed with mass and speed. I'd say these tires may drop my top speed by 0.7 mph. Ride quality is vastly superior to the 23C tires. I just pump them up to about 78 psi and ride for a whole week. Mounting is more difficult due to the steel bead, but can still be done without tool with some practice.
Note that there are three versions of Michelin Citys...Transworld, City (with reflective sidewalls), and Pilot City (3mm thick belt with reflective sidewalls). The Pilot is similar to a slick tire, which should provide excellent cornering performance. These tires will feel hard and slippery when new. Michelin puts some sort of coating on the rubber to extend durability. The coating will disappear from the contact patch after ~30 miles. The carbon black rubber grips well in dry/wet weather.
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...trip+Tire.aspx
https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...City+Tire.aspx
Last edited by furballi; 12-03-10 at 10:28 AM.
12-02-10 | 12:44 PM
#25
The Weird Beard
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,554
Likes: 3
From: COS
Brand name + model: Michelin City
Tire size: 700 x 28C front, 700 x 32C rear (moved 32C to rear for longer wear)
Tire pressure (psi): 75 front, 80 rear (pumped once per week)
How long used for: Brand new set (16 weeks old)
Annual mileage: ~5200 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: Easy 6.5K miles. Average cruising speed in city is 17-18 mph. 12-15 mph with head wind, and 20-22 mph with tail wind. Average stop n go speed per computer is 15.4 mph.
Your weight (or leave blank): 152 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City with potholes, glass, nails, etc....
Number of flats per year: Depends on road condition. Recently ran over a 1/2" long roofing stapler, which would probably take down an automobile radial tire. These tires roll on many hazards without a fuss except for nails, staplers, and sharp pieces of metals.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very good. If I have $ to burn, then I would step up to the Michelin City Pilot (3mm thick puncture resistant belt).
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very good speed and ride quality. Sharp turn can be a little noisy due to the thread pattern. Not the lightest tire, but then the extra mass doesn't affect my average stop n go speed (15.4 mph) or cruising speed.
Previous tire used: 700 x 23C Michelin Omron.
What tire will you try next: Michelin Pilot.
Where do you live? OC in S Cal.
Comments: Great tire if you're not obsessed with mass and speed. I'd say these tires may drop my top speed by 0.7 mph. Ride quality is vastly superior to the 23C tires. I just pump them up to about 78 psi and ride for a whole week. Mounting is more difficult due to the steel bead, but can still be done without tool with some practice.
Tire size: 700 x 28C front, 700 x 32C rear (moved 32C to rear for longer wear)
Tire pressure (psi): 75 front, 80 rear (pumped once per week)
How long used for: Brand new set (16 weeks old)
Annual mileage: ~5200 miles
How many miles you get on the tires: Easy 6.5K miles. Average cruising speed in city is 17-18 mph. 12-15 mph with head wind, and 20-22 mph with tail wind. Average stop n go speed per computer is 15.4 mph.
Your weight (or leave blank): 152 lbs
What kind of roads you ride (city, open road, mup etc): City with potholes, glass, nails, etc....
Number of flats per year: Depends on road condition. Recently ran over a 1/2" long roofing stapler, which would probably take down an automobile radial tire. These tires roll on many hazards without a fuss except for nails, staplers, and sharp pieces of metals.
Happiness with puncture resistance: Very good. If I have $ to burn, then I would step up to the Michelin City Pilot (3mm thick puncture resistant belt).
Happiness with performance (grip, ride quality etc): Very good speed and ride quality. Sharp turn can be a little noisy due to the thread pattern. Not the lightest tire, but then the extra mass doesn't affect my average stop n go speed (15.4 mph) or cruising speed.
Previous tire used: 700 x 23C Michelin Omron.
What tire will you try next: Michelin Pilot.
Where do you live? OC in S Cal.
Comments: Great tire if you're not obsessed with mass and speed. I'd say these tires may drop my top speed by 0.7 mph. Ride quality is vastly superior to the 23C tires. I just pump them up to about 78 psi and ride for a whole week. Mounting is more difficult due to the steel bead, but can still be done without tool with some practice.