What a Difference a ......Tire Makes
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Laramie Wyoming
Posts: 2,970
Bikes: Merlin Extralight Topolino Wheels Campy Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What a Difference a ......Tire Makes
Thought I'd share this point on tires. I have been riding on Continental Ultra 2000's for about three years. I had been riding on Conti GP3000's but I got a great deal on a bunch of the Ultra's. They have finally all worn out and I put on a new set of Michelin Pro Race tires (same size as the Ultra's) and I could not believe how much nicer my ride was. Mind you this is a very noticable ride improvement on a Ti bike with wheels built with Carbon&Kevlar spokes. I was actually astounded. I have no idea at this point how they will wear (the Ultra's lasted a long time), but even if they are short lived it might just be worth the trade off!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,132
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Good to know, I'm not surprised though. I've not used Contis., they have a rep.for durability, most say that Vics. ride nicer.Vics. DO ride really well. Reviews on the Michelins are quite positive. Interesting that you're able to feel the difference. I tend to change tires while NOT in the midst of a riding season. I don't feel the difference all that much. Perhaps I'll notice it more with new Vics. that I have on order. I'd consider using your's on a rig.
#3
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: paradise
Posts: 287
Bikes: Waterford, Orbea, Giant
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ive been riding the Michelin's exclusively for a couple of years now and I love them! They wear well, I dont seem to get an unusual number of flats, and I am convinced they roll easier. I bought the first set because I had read some statistics on rolling resistance and the Michelin's were the best of the lot.
#4
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,359
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 510 Post(s)
Liked 639 Times
in
435 Posts
okay, so since the time when I moved from tubulars to mostly riding clinchers, I've been hesitant to spend for the more topline clinchers. Not sure why... actually I did try, back some 10 yrs, and was mostly disappointed by unremarkable diff. between all the clinchers I tried.
so the Q I want to ask, to someone who has also experienced the range of tubulars, from cheapie cotton 'training' to top line Silks
Is the difference in the range of clinchers, from bottom end to top, the same as what we used to experience between the lower end sewups and the silks?
Are those Michelins as awesomely better than just your avg performance clincher?
I'm tempted to start spending the dosh on a better tire, but really need good references for tire suggestions, like yours, this one.
I just can't seem to give much credibility to tire threads in Road Forum, cause, really, a 25+ yr old really doesn't have the experience to know what a real good tire should feel like.
know what I mean?
so the Q I want to ask, to someone who has also experienced the range of tubulars, from cheapie cotton 'training' to top line Silks
Is the difference in the range of clinchers, from bottom end to top, the same as what we used to experience between the lower end sewups and the silks?
Are those Michelins as awesomely better than just your avg performance clincher?
I'm tempted to start spending the dosh on a better tire, but really need good references for tire suggestions, like yours, this one.
I just can't seem to give much credibility to tire threads in Road Forum, cause, really, a 25+ yr old really doesn't have the experience to know what a real good tire should feel like.
know what I mean?
#5
Roadie
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: israel
Posts: 370
Bikes: kestrel
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezen
okay, so since the time when I moved from tubulars to mostly riding clinchers, I've been hesitant to spend for the more topline clinchers. Not sure why... actually I did try, back some 10 yrs, and was mostly disappointed by unremarkable diff. between all the clinchers I tried.
so the Q I want to ask, to someone who has also experienced the range of tubulars, from cheapie cotton 'training' to top line Silks
Is the difference in the range of clinchers, from bottom end to top, the same as what we used to experience between the lower end sewups and the silks?
Are those Michelins as awesomely better than just your avg performance clincher?
I'm tempted to start spending the dosh on a better tire, but really need good references for tire suggestions, like yours, this one.
I just can't seem to give much credibility to tire threads in Road Forum, cause, really, a 25+ yr old really doesn't have the experience to know what a real good tire should feel like.
know what I mean?
so the Q I want to ask, to someone who has also experienced the range of tubulars, from cheapie cotton 'training' to top line Silks
Is the difference in the range of clinchers, from bottom end to top, the same as what we used to experience between the lower end sewups and the silks?
Are those Michelins as awesomely better than just your avg performance clincher?
I'm tempted to start spending the dosh on a better tire, but really need good references for tire suggestions, like yours, this one.
I just can't seem to give much credibility to tire threads in Road Forum, cause, really, a 25+ yr old really doesn't have the experience to know what a real good tire should feel like.
know what I mean?
What I can say with confidence is that the cotton tubular I use on my rear wheel (mostly for hilly rides) is still in a different league than the best clinchers I've used. I am planning to build up a front tubular to complete the set.
#6
OnTheRoad or AtTheBeach
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Weston, FL
Posts: 2,170
Bikes: Ridley Noah RS, Scott CR1 Pro
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My buddy just a got set of the new Conti GP 4000 S. Very nice tire and is suppose to have better durability. At $42ea on PBK it is not a steal, I think I will see how his mileage is. I ride the GP 4000 and I am very happy with them as I get about 2500-3000 miles on the rear, $32ea.
__________________
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS
The problem with the gene pool is that there is no lifeguard and the shallow end is much too large
2013 Noah RS
#7
Senior Moment
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lakeside California
Posts: 952
Bikes: Litespeed Blueridge
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by RockyMtnMerlin
Thought I'd share this point on tires. I have been riding on Continental Ultra 2000's for about three years. I had been riding on Conti GP3000's but I got a great deal on a bunch of the Ultra's. They have finally all worn out and I put on a new set of Michelin Pro Race tires (same size as the Ultra's) and I could not believe how much nicer my ride was. Mind you this is a very noticable ride improvement on a Ti bike with wheels built with Carbon&Kevlar spokes. I was actually astounded. I have no idea at this point how they will wear (the Ultra's lasted a long time), but even if they are short lived it might just be worth the trade off!
#8
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
I have 700Cx28 Continental Ultra-2000s, which are only about 25mm wide, on the Bianchi. I want to try something else next time because they are such a bear to remove and install on my Campagnolo Omega rims. I put a 27x1-1/4" Vittoria on the front of the UO-8, and I like it well enough to consider Vittorias all around.
If you want a really durable tire, try a Specialized Turbo "with Armadillo Technology." I have had a set of 700Cx28s on the Capo for over 7 years (these are REAL 28mm tires, too wide for the Bianchi), and I am ready to replace them simply out of concern over age-related rot, although they still look good.
If you want a really durable tire, try a Specialized Turbo "with Armadillo Technology." I have had a set of 700Cx28s on the Capo for over 7 years (these are REAL 28mm tires, too wide for the Bianchi), and I am ready to replace them simply out of concern over age-related rot, although they still look good.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#9
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Tyres are not that expensive in relation to wheels but they can make a world of difference to a ride. I went from the OM tyres straight to pro race2's in 23 and they added 3 mph to my average speed-and I do not know if it was the tyres or the new wheels- but I strongly blame it on the wheels- but the ride was comfortable.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#10
Software for Cyclists
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redding, California
Posts: 4,618
Bikes: Trek 5200, Specialized MTB
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+1.
I tried Conti 3000's a few years back, and they felt sluggish and slow to me.
I've been on Michelin Pro Race tires for years now, and love 'em. They're not a long-lasting, bulletproof tire, but they are bloody fast, and their ability to hold a line inspires a lot of confidence when ripping down hill at speed.
I tried Conti 3000's a few years back, and they felt sluggish and slow to me.
I've been on Michelin Pro Race tires for years now, and love 'em. They're not a long-lasting, bulletproof tire, but they are bloody fast, and their ability to hold a line inspires a lot of confidence when ripping down hill at speed.
Last edited by SSP; 05-25-07 at 02:25 PM.
#11
OM boy
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Goleta CA
Posts: 4,359
Bikes: a bunch
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 510 Post(s)
Liked 639 Times
in
435 Posts
so, the michelin ProRace 2s are $55 ea, about what I normally pay for >4< tahrs... (on sale)
so the other Q I have, relating to me running my tires at about 95-100 lbs front and 105-110 rear, is
how much difference of perception on these 'better' tires might be accountable to higher inflation pressures, like 120 lbs and above? rather than actual tahr construction diffs.?
I mean, 110 lbs on the rear almost feels harsh to my scrawny butt. I really haven't ridden much at 120+ lbs to say it makes a diff. - does it?
how about those in-betweeners, like the Michelin Krylion Carbon Roads? is there a positive bene to these (other than more money into Michelin coffers)? Or is it not worth the diff?
It be great to hear from all you longer term roadies who have spent the dosh to use the top and medium level stuff, like RockyMtnMerlin...
so the other Q I have, relating to me running my tires at about 95-100 lbs front and 105-110 rear, is
how much difference of perception on these 'better' tires might be accountable to higher inflation pressures, like 120 lbs and above? rather than actual tahr construction diffs.?
I mean, 110 lbs on the rear almost feels harsh to my scrawny butt. I really haven't ridden much at 120+ lbs to say it makes a diff. - does it?
how about those in-betweeners, like the Michelin Krylion Carbon Roads? is there a positive bene to these (other than more money into Michelin coffers)? Or is it not worth the diff?
It be great to hear from all you longer term roadies who have spent the dosh to use the top and medium level stuff, like RockyMtnMerlin...
#12
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Shop around and you can find cheaper
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1123
As to the other tyres mentioned- perhaps someone could enlighten me also. All I know is my LBS recommended the Pro race 2's and I bought them- At a lot more than Probike are selling them at.
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1123
As to the other tyres mentioned- perhaps someone could enlighten me also. All I know is my LBS recommended the Pro race 2's and I bought them- At a lot more than Probike are selling them at.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
#13
Bike Curious....
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 890
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I love my ProRace 2's, got replacement at ProBikeKit as Stapfam mentioned. Plus they come in colors! My bike went from ho hum to o la la just because of my new tires!
Clearly, I have my priorities straight. I bought the same tires in yellow for my wife's bike, though they are not on yet.
Clearly, I have my priorities straight. I bought the same tires in yellow for my wife's bike, though they are not on yet.
#14
I need more cowbell.
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Reno, Nevada
Posts: 8,182
Bikes: 2015 Specialized Sirrus Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by bobby c
I love my ProRace 2's, got replacement at ProBikeKit as Stapfam mentioned. Plus they come in colors! My bike went from ho hum to o la la just because of my new tires!
Clearly, I have my priorities straight. I bought the same tires in yellow for my wife's bike, though they are not on yet.
Clearly, I have my priorities straight. I bought the same tires in yellow for my wife's bike, though they are not on yet.
__________________
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
2015 Sirrus Elite
Proud member of the original Club Tombay
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: North Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,281
Bikes: Cannondale R600
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I agree. I bought the Michelin Pro Race II for a little bling, but they've performed well for me.
My wife got some GP 4000's and they seem quite nice as well.
My wife got some GP 4000's and they seem quite nice as well.
#16
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,796
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1392 Post(s)
Liked 1,324 Times
in
836 Posts
Originally Posted by cyclezen
... so the other Q I have, relating to me running my tires at about 95-100 lbs front and 105-110 rear, is how much difference of perception on these 'better' tires might be accountable to higher inflation pressures, like 120 lbs and above? rather than actual tahr construction diffs.?
I mean, 110 lbs on the rear almost feels harsh to my scrawny butt. I really haven't ridden much at 120+ lbs to say it makes a diff. - does it?
how about those in-betweeners, like the Michelin Krylion Carbon Roads? is there a positive bene to these (other than more money into Michelin coffers)? Or is it not worth the diff? ...
I mean, 110 lbs on the rear almost feels harsh to my scrawny butt. I really haven't ridden much at 120+ lbs to say it makes a diff. - does it?
how about those in-betweeners, like the Michelin Krylion Carbon Roads? is there a positive bene to these (other than more money into Michelin coffers)? Or is it not worth the diff? ...
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#17
His Brain is Gone!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Paoli, Wisconsin
Posts: 9,979
Bikes: RANS Stratus, Bridgestone CB-1, Trek 7600, Sun EZ-Rider AX, Fuji Absolute 1.0, Cayne Rambler 3
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Is that a 2006 TCR C3 composite? It looks a lot like the bike I test rode the other day. I liked the blue/black colors.
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Laramie Wyoming
Posts: 2,970
Bikes: Merlin Extralight Topolino Wheels Campy Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Geez - I'm getting old. I got 4 of the Michelins for $26 each but did so last fall and now can't remember where. And for those of you who know and appreciate Sheldon Brown andhis work, he has been diagnosed as having MS. You can go to his personal website and read his journal about the lengthy process of the diagnosis. He has a great attitude about it though.
#19
Peddlin' Around Detroit
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Livonia, MI
Posts: 740
Bikes: Legend, Saluki, Trek 730
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It appears that most of the comments about the Pro 2 Race are for the 23 width.
What is the verdict for Pro 2 Race in 700x25? I still have reservations about taking the leap from 32 width of my hybrid bike ... to roadie tires ... so decided to cut my teeth on the pro 2 race in the 25 width first. Same kudos for the Pro 2 Race 25 width as its skinnier 23 width?
What is the verdict for Pro 2 Race in 700x25? I still have reservations about taking the leap from 32 width of my hybrid bike ... to roadie tires ... so decided to cut my teeth on the pro 2 race in the 25 width first. Same kudos for the Pro 2 Race 25 width as its skinnier 23 width?
#20
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
The Continental GP 4000's are my tire of choice for now. Just waiting for the 3000's to wear out.
Tire pressure. I suppose it's just what yout get used to, isn't it? I run 130 in the rear and 120 on the front.
Tire pressure. I suppose it's just what yout get used to, isn't it? I run 130 in the rear and 120 on the front.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Citrus county Fl.
Posts: 787
Bikes: Litespeed Tuscany , Lemond Poprad, 1970's Motobecane Grand Record
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
My new Michelin's just got here from England yesterday and I put them on after my ride today. I have only been a couple of blocks on them, but they feel good. My wife said the yellow is a bit much, but I think it makes the old steed look good. I got them from probikekit.com for $56 for both with free shipping. They had them in blue, black and yellow. I think the yellow ones are probably the fastest.
#22
Let's do a Century
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 8,316
Bikes: Cervelo R3 Disc, Pinarello Prince/Campy SR; Cervelo R3/Sram Red; Trek 5900/Duraace, Lynskey GR260 Ultegra
Mentioned: 59 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 651 Post(s)
Liked 879 Times
in
408 Posts
Originally Posted by RoMad
My new Michelin's just got here from England yesterday and I put them on after my ride today. I have only been a couple of blocks on them, but they feel good. My wife said the yellow is a bit much, but I think it makes the old steed look good. I got them from probikekit.com for $56 for both with free shipping. They had them in blue, black and yellow. I think the yellow ones are probably the fastest.
#23
Time for a change.
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: 6 miles inland from the coast of Sussex, in the South East of England
Posts: 19,913
Bikes: Dale MT2000. Bianchi FS920 Kona Explosif. Giant TCR C. Boreas Ignis. Pinarello Fp Uno.
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
4 Posts
Originally Posted by RoMad
My new Michelin's just got here from England yesterday and I put them on after my ride today. I have only been a couple of blocks on them, but they feel good. My wife said the yellow is a bit much, but I think it makes the old steed look good. I got them from probikekit.com for $56 for both with free shipping. They had them in blue, black and yellow. I think the yellow ones are probably the fastest.
__________________
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
How long was I in the army? Five foot seven.
Spike Milligan
Last edited by stapfam; 05-26-07 at 09:20 AM.
#24
just keep riding
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Milledgeville, Georgia
Posts: 13,560
Bikes: 2018 Black Mountain Cycles MCD,2017 Advocate Cycles Seldom Seen Drop Bar, 2017 Niner Jet 9 Alloy, 2015 Zukas custom road, 2003 KHS Milano Tandem, 1986 Nishiki Cadence rigid MTB, 1980ish Fuji S-12S
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 173 Post(s)
Liked 33 Times
in
22 Posts
Originally Posted by RoMad
My new Michelin's just got here from England yesterday and I put them on after my ride today. I have only been a couple of blocks on them, but they feel good. My wife said the yellow is a bit much, but I think it makes the old steed look good. I got them from probikekit.com for $56 for both with free shipping. They had them in blue, black and yellow. I think the yellow ones are probably the fastest.
#25
Bike Curious....
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 890
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Tom Bombadil
Is that a 2006 TCR C3 composite? It looks a lot like the bike I test rode the other day. I liked the blue/black colors.