Skipsjh

I have a pair of 700x25c Vittoria Zaffiro tires on my Raleigh. There are about 550miles on the tires and the rear tire is starting to show a lot of wear. It is starting to "flatten out" and there is one 3/4" cut in the tread and some smaller cuts. I use this tire for all my riding; 10mi commuting every day, training rides all week.

If any of you out there have had these tires, how long did they last? I'm unsure about when to replace at least the rear tire.

For what it's worth, I'm 6'0" and 190lbs.

FidelCastrovich

You're no lightweight, so i wouldn't expect too much of it. I weigh around 178 and the Zaffiro Pro on my rear lasted about 3K kilometers.
Besides, it doesn't really matter what anybody else got out of it - if it's squaring off or flattening off, give it another couple hundred miles, and replace it. That's what's so great about training tires - they're cheap and do the job.

What pressure do you keep?

Skipsjh

I usually try to stay around 110psi. It says 100-120psi on the sidewall. If I have it pumped all the way to 120psi it feels like I'm riding on the rims

Another couple hundred miles is what I thought. Thanks for the quick reply. That gives me some time to shop for tires.

FidelCastrovich

I'd say that's a bit on the low side. I run 110 in the rear - 115 or 120 is where you should be. If you want a plusher ride take 5 psi off the front - that has an immediate effect. But the rear, i think you should run higher. Not carved in stone though, so do what you like. Experiment with the next tire.

BTW, it might be a good idea to keep at least one spare tire around for the unexpected cut. I have a bunch of tires at home, from many brands, but one is a minimum.
Also, some like to put the new tire in the front, and the front in the rear - you need the grip of a new tire in the front. But i don't do this, because i usually wear out one front for every two rears.

bschoen

I switched from Specialized tires (too many flats) to Zaffiro Rubino Pros two sets of tires ago. I got 2400 miles out of the rear tire on the first set. Still on the second. Finally wore thru to the cords and cost me a tube. But I figure that was cheap. I was impressed with 2400 miles. I had decided I was going to ride it until it gave out just to see how many miles I could get. BTW - I'm also 6'0" and between 190-200. YMMV.

I think I'll replace this set when the cross hatch pattern wears just past where the two lines that form the cross interesect. Look at your tire and you'll understand.

Oh - I run them at 120 psi.

Brad

cuda2k

My Zaffiro Pro lasted me about 1200mi on the rear, the front wasn't looking too bad. I tend to be hard on rear tires on stops sometimes which is what I account for some of the difference between the front and rear. Try the Rubino Pro, so far I'm liking them a lot better and can be had at about the same price at PBK.

huytheskigod

Standard Zaffiro tires are cr@p on durability. I think I only ha 500-600 miles on mine before I changed them out.

Skipsjh

That's what I was wondering. Everyone above talked about Zaffiro Pro's which are different tires.

vic32amg

I got some for 11 bucks thru probikekit and they were geat for training. the tire felt horrible at first but after the initial shock they were fine. I probably put 600 miles and they were fine. but I switch wheels and sold them off with the Zaffarios 111 psi

yusuke343

2-3 months 115 lbs. 125-200 miles a week....

KiddSisko

I've been riding x23 Zaffiro's since May of 08. Some 4000 miles later, I'm about to replace them with another low cost, lightweight trainer tire from Panaracer. I've gone through 2 rear to one front with the Zaffiros. For the price and durability, they've been just great. Currently, the flat wear pattern on the rear is at 3/8 of an inch, or 9.5 mm. Almost a slick for a road bike tire!