Here in northern Michigan we dont have the same concerns as others with urban/glass/debris along the roadsides or the special things that all seem to line up to puncture tires out west....our goatheads are still attached to the critter for the most part.

So when shopping for a lighter and quicker tire last summer for this years replacement of the worn Bontrager B 700x25's I'd read someone's posting of a graph that charted rolling resistance. The Krylion's were in the upper ratings so that's the tire I waited all year for the price to come down and finally make the purchase.

Yesterday was the first ride of the season and I'd wondered what the initial feel of the tire would give. Wow. Talk about responsive and in every way. It took a few blocks to get used to being on the bike after 5mos of winter layoff. I rode up to the stoplight downtown and behind the first car waiting for the light change. People's stares were easily sensed while waiting. The light turned green and being in the big chainring all that was left to do was hammer and shift my way to the top gear. I was astounded at how quickly I reached 35mph. Next thing I had to do was catch my breath after that 3/4mi all out sprint.

With wet pavement due to mud puddles and snowbanks melting there was no urge to test the cornering or general "stickiness". This will have to wait another week here as the snow continues to melt.

These tires are nice. If I had a bike shop it would be one of my products.

I've been riding them as my primary everyday tires for two years, and like them too. I don't think they are quite a grippy in the rain as Continental 4000s, but much better than Continental Gatorskins. I'm not racing so I just back off a bit when the roads get too slippery.

I like them as well. But I have found them harder to mount than Contis unless they are warm. They tend to mount tighter I believe because I can't push them on with just my thumbs. If I use them on my Dura Ace rims I need a tire jack to get them on. But if they mounted easier on your rims they seem like good tires.

Yes, they are a tight tire to mount. The first one I mounted up I put a hole in the tube....the old "hiss" sound made it obvious. So I put a new tube in and noticed how much easier the tire mounted. So for the second one I mounted it without the tube first, then after removing the tire I put the tube in and remounted. That solved the problem for me.

The big knock against these tires appears to be their lack of traction in wet conditions. Having never used them, I can't comment from personal experience, but I generally find that a 235 gram folding clincher (in the 23mm size) would typically last about 3,000 km on the rear (I weigh 175 lbs/75 kilos). For the tire to go to 5,000 km (as advertised), it would need to be built with a much harder tread compound; hence, poor wet-weather traction. However, the harder compound would account for the sensation of reduced rolling resistance.

The reviews would also tend to indicate a lack of quality control, as many of these tires aren't even going 2,000 km according to some.

The 25mm version of this tire, at 290 grams, sounds like it would be more durable. But the only Michelin tire I've got mounted right now on one of my spare wheels is a Pro3 Race. But at 200 grams, it goes on the front only! There, it might make it to 5,000 km.

Luis

Cycling Plus gave them a top rating, so I tried them on one of my bikes and loved them. I believe the quality control issue is based upon where they are produced. The ones from France are good the ones made in Asia not so much.

Mine came from Nashbar with Taiwan on the box.

It's my continued goal not to test the wet cornering ability since I dont ride much in the rain. If these tires last 3000 it will double what my Bontrager B's lasted. Those were 25's and very very sluggish.

Never used Krylions but I do use Michelin Tyres. The ProRace series and I have a mixture of PR2's and 3's in 23 on various bikes. This is one tyre I do find works well in the wet so I am loath to change from them. However----I bought some Lithions for the winter wheels. I should have known better as I had them before and didn't like them in the wet-----but they were really cheap.

Have tried several tyres over the years with what was supplied on the bikes and have changed over to PR's as soon as possible. Latest bike has a tyre that seems to work well but I Haven't tried them in the wet yet--Ice-- YES and they kept me upright but Once you find a tyre you like- Why use anything else.

The Pr's seem to last well and Puncture resistance is not bad. But they do cut up badly. Have a pair that have done about 3,000 miles and the rear has a distinct flat on the tread- Front is OK. Had 2 punctures in the rear and none on the front but both tyres have deep cuts and gouges in them so I reckon it is time for replacement. Funnily enough the Lithions have done about 1,000 miles and the rear still has the mold marks- but once again they have cuts in them.

I just ordered a set,on sale at nashbar at 29.95 with an additional 20
% off. a steal!I;ve run 2 sets and they lasted 3000 miles with almost no flats.Love'em!

Mine might not have lasted more than 1500 miles because I put them on in the summer and it gets hot here. The softer the compound the better it grips but the faster they wear. I am now trying some Surfas Seca tires in a 25 and they seem to be rolling pretty well. I got them because they were a closeout when one of our LBS closed. But my problem typically isn't wearing out a tire it is cuts. My default tire is a Gatorskin and tires either have to roll better or last longer. The Michelins do tend to roll better.

I've been riding the Pro3s for a couple of years and love them. I have some Pro4s in the boxes that I'll mount when the roads get a little cleaner here in soggy Seattle. Does anyone have any experience with the new ones?

I've been putting new rubber on more due to death by a thousand cuts than from wear. Lately I've been inspecting the rubber once a week or so by letting the air out and pinching it open so that cuts are made visible. This is a tip learned from this guy. https://www.flammerouge.je/content/3_...06/descend.htm

Thanx for the tip!

I just bought a pair of the Krylions from Nashbar for $55 and that included shipping. Looking forward to seeing the difference between them and my Bontragers.

I used the Pro3 race Michelin tires on my R500 and now my son rides on them. Good rolling tire and the Service Course model I use has good flat resistance. When the Schwalbe Luganos on my CAAD 10 wear down I'll probably switch to the Pro3 Race or Pro4 Race.

Bill

Are they the same width as your Bontragers?

I've come to the realization that the only part of the bike I want to contact the road is the tire. I use good rubber. I'll give up some mileage durability for handling and ride quality.

The cliche is true... your life rides on your tires. Especially when you consider the contact patch is about the size of a dime.

Some years back I had 12.00 Vredestein Ricorso 700x23's on the bike. Kept them on there for more summers than I should have. Age was more the factor than wear but they were a very nice tire and the for the money I dont think I could have found much better. Very light, very durable and a true training tire. They were fast. Too bad they arent available anymore or I'd return to that brand.

I absolutely hated the Bontrager B's yet I was committed to using them through last summer and for my first century. The Krylion's are a refreshing change and something very similar to the Ricorso's withstanding the price, of course.

Yes. They are both 700X23. Wanted to make an "apples to apples" comparison.

Agreed. Most of the contrast I feel with the Krylions compared to the Bontragers are the 23 vs 25 issue and the expected weight difference. I'm not trying to refuel a rolling resistance debate but I will say the Krylions really do roll well. That is very obvious.

I have used Krylions for two years and generally satisfied. I have had flats with them. In our area they use very sharp gravel when the snow and ice show up. I decided to use Gatorskins as a result for the winter and haven't had flats but I will be mounting the Krylions as soon as that season is over. Both tires are good at the targeted purpose.