Back in the day tubulars were expensive, & I had little money.

Now with $ not really a limitation, & nice tubulars on sale regularly for cheap, I'm tempted to stock up.

I've made a list to put on the computer screen to help evaluate whether I should buy more.


New unmounted:
Pave 3
Sprinter 1
Corsa CX 1
Rally 1
Tufo S33 2
Schwalbe one 30mm 2
Elite Jet 2

Used:
Sprinter 1
Corsa CX 1

Mounted, in use 8
Dedicated spare 1

Total: 23

This does not include CX tires, or clinchers.
At my typical mileage, this appears to be at least 8 years worth.

How's your tire supply?

I at anytime have about 75 Ties in stock along with about 30-40 tubes..

I've got 3 GP4KSII in 25mm, I try to buy one or two each time I come across a sale.

Collecting tires is cheaper than collecting bikes I guess . . .

I think this thread is going to give a whole new meaning to N plus 1

Can we really count the "money is no object" guy?

I'd maybe buy some Corsa Speeds.

Couldn't pay me to ride Tufo. Quite possibly the slowest tire ever made.. I wouldn't ride Contis, either, since they're butyl.

Vittorias will do, though.

There's a line between having a useful supply and hoarding. I've got 5 new tires on the shelf, 3 Michelin, 2 Conti.

The tires I lust after. I don't care whether they are clincher, tubular or even the size. (It matters only once the wheels and bike are given.) Those tires have "the ride", A ride I haven't known since I rode the Clement Setas of my racing days. Heavier (as a clincher) but no valve bump. Sweet, sweet, sweet. Road grip. They roll. And the 28c's completely disappear. Those tires, tubular, in say 25c, on light wheels would be the dream ride for your longest day ever in the saddle. Best rubber ever and the casings aren't far off those silks (and far more practical!)

Edit: I just noticed those are the Speeds. My experience is with their heavier "everyday" version and my comments apply to those lesser tires. The Speeds might be still nicer.

Ben

I've got about 5 new tires on the shelf too. But that's to cover three road bikes.

ocd?

I just replaced Michelin pro 4 clinchers with Continental sprinters tubulars and really like the difference.

I have 1 spare.

I'm trying to get rid of my spare tire.

Yeah, the s33s are uninspiring but they work for around town. The elite jets (20mm) are actually pretty awesome to ride but mostly used as spares.

Sprinters are decent ride quality & super durable IME. That they hold air is good too.

Corsas are nice but 1/2 the life of sprinters with all the glass cuts.

Latest (long) ride was on ridiculously bad pavement, & the Paves at 65/75 psi made it bearable.

So I'm still second guessing my choice of 25mm sprinters. The pro 4 measured close to 27mm, and the contis are definitely a little smaller.

I wanted something durable, because they're specifically for my bad mountain road descending bike. High speed with big frost cracks. Out of cell coverage, so calling for a pick-up isn't an option.

Next time I replace tires, should I consider the Paves?

I see what you did there.

Fatter tires are nice for rough roads, & a little tread is nice in the wet,

but Sprinters are good all around, & sturdy. Experiment w/ lower pressures. Also Paves are no longer made, & the replacement is more expensive.

I am down to two Conti tires and am considering purchasing two more. I have 2-3k miles on the ones on my primary bike. My weekend errand bike has really old tires that are showing a bit of wear because I didn't ride the bike for five years. It's amazing that inexpensive tires are still about $15 a tire. It makes the $35 sale price of Contis look like a bargain.

Actually, since they're discontinued, they're found as clearance items. I'm not one to stock up on new at all - rather the opposite - tend to hang onto worn, but serviceable items instead, even when they've been "replaced." But being the thrifty type, and green being my favorite color, I'm quite tempted to stock up on some of those heavily discounted Paves.... But if I do, just have to remember not to store them in the closet next to the water heater....

But currently, I have a pair of spare 28mm GP 4 Season clinchers (given as a gift), and a couple of old clinchers pulled off an old bike when I upgraded the wheels. No spare tubulars hanging around, and only two spare tubes.

Mounted, on 4 wheelsets
- 23c Michelin Power Competition (aero, measuring 27mm+ on HED Jets)
- 22c/24c Continental Attack/Force II (climbing)
- 25c Continental GP4kSII (rough-n-tumble)
- 24c Force II/25c GP4kSII (daily)

Backup
- 1 x 23c Michelin Power Competition (new)
- 1 x 25c Continental GP4kSII (worn, for spare on very remote rides)

Specialist
- 2 x 23c Vittoria Corsa Speed (aero @ circuit)
- 2 x 28c Continental 4 Season (horrendous stuff)

Considering ...
- 23c Panaracer Gillar (155g, with anti-puncture belt, for climbing)

---

The Michelin Power Competitions have been a revelation:-)

I like the Vittoria Rubino G+ Speed better than the regular (non-speed) Corsa. I'm currently running both in size 25 with Continental Supersonic tubes. The Rubino G+ Speed definitely has more grip than the regular Corsa.

I'd also like to try the Corsa G+ Speed but Vittoria says they have less grip than the Rubino G+ Speed so I'm in no rush.

My point is that the Rubino G+ Speed are a serious tire for everyday riding and much less expensive.


-Tim-

So with tires technologies making strides to produce better grip, lower RR, lighter tires every year, does it even make sense to stock up on tires at all? If money is not a big concern, why don't you just buy whatever is the best/hottest tire at the moment when you need it?
Not even talking about tires shelf life here...

Several points
- I'm kind of a scrounge, & a late adopter, so happy with yesterdays top stuff ie 10 speed, 23mm.
- Getting nice tires for $35 or less is satisfying as per OP.
- The moment a tire is needed is often Sunday evening or such.
- Tubulars have a longer timeline to stretch, apply glue, & often come from overseas. LBS is not a good option.
- You make a logical case, but clearly I am not driven solely by logic in this case.

One can never have to many pairs of cycling shoes or tires for that matter..