flat protection
#2
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 3
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
The only tire that comes close to being flat proof is the Specialize Armadillo Turbo. Since switching to these tires I have not had a single flat in over 15,000 miles. They are not racing tires and they are heavy at about 360grms (23mm) but I run them with Specialize ultralight 65grm tubes. Prior to these tires I tried many different brands after moving to a place that had very trashed streets along with natural and man made objects waiting to puncture tires. I was averaging 3-5 flats a WEEK, now I haven't had one in over 3 years. Plus I never got more than 750 miles on a tire before something fatal happened to it, now I routinely run them out at about 3400miles on the front and 2600 on the rear (I use a 28mm in the rear and a 26mm in the front). They also tend to be a bit harsher riding but I air them only to 100 in the rear and 90 in the front for more softer ride.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
#3
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,665
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Bikes: 2012 Trek Madone 6.2
Originally Posted by froze
The only tire that comes close to being flat proof is the Specialize Armadillo Turbo. Since switching to these tires I have not had a single flat in over 15,000 miles. They are not racing tires and they are heavy at about 360grms (23mm) but I run them with Specialize ultralight 65grm tubes. Prior to these tires I tried many different brands after moving to a place that had very trashed streets along with natural and man made objects waiting to puncture tires. I was averaging 3-5 flats a WEEK, now I haven't had one in over 3 years. Plus I never got more than 750 miles on a tire before something fatal happened to it, now I routinely run them out at about 3400miles on the front and 2600 on the rear (I use a 28mm in the rear and a 26mm in the front). They also tend to be a bit harsher riding but I air them only to 100 in the rear and 90 in the front for more softer ride.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
#5
Member

Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: London, England
Originally Posted by froze
Specialize Armadillo Turbo.
#6
Banned.
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 3
From: Fort Wayne, Indiana
Bikes: 84 Trek 660 Suntour Superbe; 87 Giant Rincon Shimano XT; 07 Mercian Vincitore Campy Veloce
Originally Posted by Roy Gardiner
100% agree. I used to get one every two weeks or so commuting, now three in about eighteen months. One normal, one a 3/4" self-tapping screw going straight through, one razor sharp piece of mild steel. They are just called Armadillo here in UK, unless Turbo is a model you have but we don't.
#7
Life is good


Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 18,208
Likes: 14
From: Not far from the Withlacoochee Trail. 🚴🏻
Bikes: 2018 Lynskey Helix Pro
I'm on my second set of Continental Grand Prix 3000 tires. 
I average ~1500-2000 miles between flats - and that's riding on Atlanta's glass and trash littered roads.

I average ~1500-2000 miles between flats - and that's riding on Atlanta's glass and trash littered roads.
__________________
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. - Psalm 103:8
I am a cyclist. I am not the fastest or the fittest. But I will get to where I'm going with a smile on my face.
#10
OTB is imminent

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 943
Likes: 0
From: Campbell,CA
Bikes: '06 Trek 5.2, '06 Lemond Poprad, '06 Bianchi San Jose
I use the Armadillos now and would recommend them to anyone willing to sacrifice a little extra weight for no flats. I am on my 3rd set. The only thing I notice is they only last for me around 2000 miles or so.
#11
Another good tire is Continental Top Touring 2000. I have the 700 x 32. They are new now, but I have not had a flat yet. The tread is a lot more aggressive than the specialized armadillos so there a tad bit more roller resistance, but at the same time they are a hell of a lot more comfortable. I use to be a deadhard Specialized Armadillo fan and I still am, but there are other tires out there with just as much punture resistance.
By the way, Continential has a tire that they say is super duper flatproof called UltraGateur Tires, DO NOT Purchase these, the tread is very very thin and cuts easily, they are about the same price as the Top Touring and the Armadillos around 30 bucks each, but Never ever get them.
4130phile
By the way, Continential has a tire that they say is super duper flatproof called UltraGateur Tires, DO NOT Purchase these, the tread is very very thin and cuts easily, they are about the same price as the Top Touring and the Armadillos around 30 bucks each, but Never ever get them.
4130phile
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 0
From: Gambrills, Maryland
Originally Posted by edwin
which tires do you think has the best flat protection. I hate getting flats and am willing to give up a little speed to not have to fix flats.
#13
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Bikes: Trek 1000, Giant TCR Composite 2
Originally Posted by 4130phile
By the way, Continential has a tire that they say is super duper flatproof called UltraGateur Tires, DO NOT Purchase these, the tread is very very thin and cuts easily, they are about the same price as the Top Touring and the Armadillos around 30 bucks each, but Never ever get them.
4130phile
4130phile
#14
Originally Posted by froze
The only tire that comes close to being flat proof is the Specialize Armadillo Turbo. Since switching to these tires I have not had a single flat in over 15,000 miles. They are not racing tires and they are heavy at about 360grms (23mm) but I run them with Specialize ultralight 65grm tubes. Prior to these tires I tried many different brands after moving to a place that had very trashed streets along with natural and man made objects waiting to puncture tires. I was averaging 3-5 flats a WEEK, now I haven't had one in over 3 years. Plus I never got more than 750 miles on a tire before something fatal happened to it, now I routinely run them out at about 3400miles on the front and 2600 on the rear (I use a 28mm in the rear and a 26mm in the front). They also tend to be a bit harsher riding but I air them only to 100 in the rear and 90 in the front for more softer ride.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
They only cost $30 each by the way. I still carry a flat kit, spare tube and spare ultralight folding tire because nothing is flat proof or destruction proof.
#15
Elitist Jackass

Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,262
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Bikes: Cannondale 2.8, Specialized S-works E5 road, GT Talera
Ive got a set of the wire bead armadillos, something like 500 grams, but they are bomb proof. The guy above who has 15,000 miles without a flat......... I believe it.
#16
Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,521
Likes: 2
From: Beaufort, South Carolina, USA and surrounding islands.
Bikes: Cannondale R500, Motobecane Messenger
I'm with the Armadillo guys. The only reason why I had to trash one was an overinflation by an idiot at my LBS that used a 16g CO2 on it. The expolision ripped a 4" gash in the sidewall that turned a good tire with many a mile left in it into a decrotive peice.
#17
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,665
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Bikes: 2012 Trek Madone 6.2
Got a better one,they lost my tire.It was nowhere to be found and they did'nt have anymore.They said i could get another tire which meant different tires on my bike.I said i did'nt want that and they said we'll give you one but you have to buy the other if you want the same tires.
#18
Pain Cleanseth

Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 1
From: The only drug in me is beer.
Bikes: On*One Imbred (commuter), Specialized Rockcombo(commuter)
Originally Posted by shokhead
Got a better one,they lost my tire.It was nowhere to be found and they did'nt have anymore.They said i could get another tire which meant different tires on my bike.I said i did'nt want that and they said we'll give you one but you have to buy the other if you want the same tires.





