Soon I will need to replace the tires on my Scott Foil 30. The bike came with Continental Ultra Race Tires, and I could easily just buy them again. But the LBS that I purchased the bike from told me that I have other choices, which I already knew of course.

He said I could go with the same tire, or if I want better flat protection (with the same brand) that I should go with the Gatorskins. He also said, if I want performance, that I could go with the Continental Grand Prix 4000S II's.

I asked if I would notice a difference in performance, explaining to him that I am not a racer, either pro or amateur. He assured me that I absolutely would notice a difference even though I am not a racing cyclist.

So I figured I would post this here. Not only to get opinions on the three tires I listed, but also to solicit other opinions as well. My tire size is 700 x 23c.

Thoughts?

Recommendations?


Here is a pic of my bicycle when I first bought it:

I made the mistake of putting Gatorskin 700x25's on my Secteur. It's true that they don't get flats--but that's because the ride was so abysmally harsh on anything other than glass-smooth pavement that I felt like I'd start losing teeth fillings every ride, so they were repurposed for use with my winter trainer. Even after reducing the pressure to unreasonably low levels, they were just insanely uncomfortable.

The GP4000's are generally well regarded, so you're likely to be fine with them.

I have gatorskins on my commuter bike, but always put GP4000s on my road bike. I bought a bunch of them on sale one time and still have a pair.

Schwalbe Durano plus in 25's .... i have used several tyres, and these are by far the best when you commute ... roll well, grip well in dry and wet,last long and has schwalbes puncture rating of 6 (same as marathon plus)

Here's my tire routine: summer/warm weather I ride GP 4000s IIs. Reasonably durable, and a very nice ride. Good grip, low rolling resistance. I ride 700 x 25s. On October 1st through May 1st I ride GP 4 Seasons. Much more durable, and not a bad ride at all. They are at their best in cold or wet weather, and while they are not as supple as the 4000s tires, they're not bad. And I've never flatted one out, ever. I make the change over for one very simple reason: I really hate flats when riding in the cold or dark. I ride after dark during the late fall and winter months, and don't want to risk a flat under those conditions, a little slower tire doesn't bother me at all.

Grand Prix 4000 S II is the gold standard. There is a measurable difference between the gatorskin and the S II. If you believe the tests at bicyclerollingresistance.com, the gatorskin has nearly 2x the rolling resistance as the S II, at 11W and 20W per tire. 20W goes a long way, especially if you're not a racer.

Only tire I ever noticed "ride quality" on was Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy, whose round profile turns well.

Other then those tires, I can't tell. My Conti Grand Prix 4 Seasons go better then 2000 miles and I haven't had a flat in more then 2 years. A very durable and flat resistant tire.

I look for for them on sale and recently moved to 25's.

I notice a definite change in ride quality when I put new tires on, even when replacing like for like. I tried climbing a big mountain in Gatorskins and wished I had GP4000s on instead, but I also wished I had my own bike instead of the rental (it was a very nice rental, about equivalent to my own, but still not my own).

I've had some other tires on my regular road bike over the years and always regretted not just using the Conti 4000s.

+1

I use Durano S (slick) on the front and Durano Plus on the back. Admittedly, I use 23's but will probably switch out to 25's when these wear out...which they show no sign of doing yet. No punctures in over 2 years, not one, and very minimal wear. Competitively light, decent price and great longevity.

Schwalbe are the best tyres I've ever used. I will not switch to another brand.