I want to get ready for when my Giant SL1 tires bite the dust and am looking at tires again.

I'm trying to decide between Vittoria Rubino Pro G+, Schwable One, Schwable Durano Race guard, Micheline PRO4 Endurance V2, and Michelin Power Endurance. I've used/using the PRO4 tire. The rear one I had only lasted 500 miles before I had a critical cut. The front one I've put around 1500 or more miles on it and it seems to be doing well with some cuts and nicks in it. I really like how the tires rode though, much better than the stock tires they replaced. The Durano that replaced it doesn't ride as nice, but has been holding up pretty well, but aren't as nice of a ride (still better than Specialized Espoir).

I mostly commute on decent roads with some debris, but no goat head thorns or anything like that. I would like a nice ride, but also don't want to be fixing a flat tire every couple weeks. I'm also thinking I would like to try some latex tubes. Inflating every morning isn't a problem, but inflating at the end of the work day too would be tiresome.

Thoughts, comments, suggestions?
Any thoughts on these tires.

I'm no help on the others, but I'm curious - do you like the Giants? Are you running them tubeless? I wanted to pick up some SL1s, but Giant USA was out, so I picked up a pair of SLRs instead, though it might be a couple months until I get around to running them.

I really like Maxxis Re-Fuse. They're durable, light, get great traction in all conditions.

I really don't know why you would bother with latex tubes on a commuting bike. Even on a race bike, what tube you have is not going to make the difference between winning and losing. If I were you, I'd just get some Conti GP4000s II and call it a day. They're even on sale now at most places for $35. If you must have the brands/choices above, Id get the Michelin Power Endurance.

I once bought some Continentals tires, but the sidewall started unravelling shortly after I started using them, and then the the failed pretty early too. Sure, it wasn't their nice racing tire, but I didn't like it and am not that interested in giving them another chance.

As for the latex, I'm just interested in them. Especially since I read they're less prone to puncture... Really, I do like trying new things and finding what works for me and doesn't.

My bike came with the Giant P-SL1 tires, and they seem to ride fine, and I haven't gotten a flat on them, but they seem to wear down quick. They're much better than the stock tires that came on my Allez.

That's fine, I totally get that. What I will say is that I have had Gatorskins unravel on me, I have been through Dozens of Gp4000s and never had that problem. I have a friend/teammate who won't use Contis for the same reason. That being said, that tire is definitely one of the most popular choices for cyclists who are at all serious about performance. If the tires sucked, natural selection would have killed them off. Re: latex, I've used plenty of latex and I cannot say that the puncture rate was noticeably different between the two. I've punctured both, and frankly, for most punctures, it would have flatted anything. I've even flatted tubeless. I personally only get about 1-2 punctures a season on average, so a reduction of punctures probably isn't really a big deal. The ride is noticeably a little more plush, but nothing dramatic. Don't expect to be floating on a cloud. Can you really "feel" 1-2 watts per wheel, 2-4 watts less effort total? I don't know, but I doubt I'd be able to feel that. There are some things that you don't necessarily need to try to see if it works out for you or not because it doesn't make much sense in the first place. I don't need to try heroin to know it isn't going to work for me.

Conti Ultra Sport 2 with Vittoria latex tubes.

I'm running the G+ speed.

$32 from the typical UK based sites.

They are lighter and have less rolling resistance than the Corsa. Very supple, never twitchy or unpredictable when pushed hard.

Not enough miles to speak to durability yet but they feel very fast. They accelerate and climb really well when paired with a light wheel like the Dura Ace C24.


-Tim-

You're probably right about the latex. I might notice a better ride, but probably not the Watts. I get about 2-3 flats a year, so I'm not doing to bad, I just dread getting the flat on the way to work, or even wise in the dark and cold on the way home (of course puncturing my spare tube fitting the tire on the rim). However,I don't dread it enough to go for super heavy tires, especially after riding some nice tires.

Cool - thanks. Do you have an idea of what kind of mileage you have on them? They're probably one of the more reasonably-priced tubeless road tires out there ($50 in the US) and I've heard some good things about them, but no real reviews.

I've been using this combo successfully for two seasons, no complaints. however, GP4000's are $33 at probikekit right now, so for an extra few bucks the GP's are worth a try, so I'm placing my order and switchin it up there year.

+1 for Conti GP4000S II I've been running nothing but them for years and get really good wear and service from them. I had the unraveling problem long ago with early GP4000S, not in a long time. Also I won't run latex tubes they don't hold air well and you have to pump them up all the time, plus they are more expensive. For a commuter you have enough to do in the morning just getting out the door without checking pressures.
That's my .02
John

I like Kenda Kountach Endurance with dual layer of full protection from side to side, 100% dual side protection and weighs 220grams, 120 TPI. Me likey.

I have tubes in mine, but right now they have a little over 700 miles on them. I might be able to pick up the bike this weekend, and if I do I'll be able to take some pictures of the wear on them.

Gone over to tubeless and never looked back for year and half now. My wheel selection criteria #1 is being tubeless compatible or not. Finally getting my Enve 3.4 this year as they became tubeless this year... So from your list I would say Schwalbe one. (I do ride pro one). Pro one has been much more comfortable, rolls better than gp4000 or pro4 endurance, service course I used to use. (and much more puncture proof since I have sealant in it)

TONS of good info here:
Road Bike Tires Rolling Resistance Reviews

+2

Tires: Conti GP4000S II

Tubes: Butyl for commuting. Latex gives you a rolling resistance advantage, and an air loss disadvantage. Avoid the pressure loss for commuting. You don't want to worry about tire pressure every day, or if the pressure is too low on your return commute. I'm not aware of a latex advantage for punctures. Consider latex tubes for performance rides; use butyl tubes for everyday transportation.

How is it fixing a flat? Could I just throw a tube in if I do get a flat on the way to work?

Make that +3 for Conti GP 4000 SII (and butyl tubes). I will probably never buy another road tire unless they come out with something better.

I used Maxxis Refuse (mentioned above) for training/commuting, and got about 3,000 miles without a flat. Definitely great bombproof tires, though they seemed a bit harsh/heavy to me and had a tendency to pick up little pebbles.

I was done with Vittoria after my experience with the Rubino Pro 3 (and discovering the Contis). Mine were very pleasant but wore out quickly. I had one go boom. The G+ might be better.

So you want high end performance from the low end tire? Doesn't really make any sense that you are dismissing Continental through this reasoning. Get some GP4000's for $35 for goodness sake.

Had way too many flats with Conti GP4000SII. Now have Michelin PRO4 Endurance V2, haven't flatted yet (knock on wood). They are sharing duty with Veloflex Arenberg tubs, so maybe not picking up miles quite as fast.

scott s.
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Conti GP 4000 S II are nice.

Better feel and better overall value would be Clement LGG

Gatoskins aren't low end tires.

Get good tires with sidewall protection.

I can tell you, GP 4000 S II sidewall protection is worthless. Apparently in Germany, they don't have sharp rocks and glass on their roads.