grwoolf

I've got about 750 miles on my new bike and no flats yet, so happy about that. My bike has the original specialized pro something or anothers on it in the 700x23 size. My rear tire has a couple very nasty cuts and I figured it would be a good idea to put a new tire on and keep the original as a backup.

I was looking at the Conti Ultra Gatorskin which seems like a reasonable balance between durability and performance (based on reviews). If there is another tire that is a better choice, I'm open to recommendations. I'm just riding for fitness and fun, so my main focus is durability.

Also, do I want to bump the size up to a 700x25? I assume this will make the ride a little smoother and maybe less likely to flat? I'm happy with the current ride quality, but wouldn't mind if it was a little better on longer rides. Will the larger tire fit on my Tarmac frame OK (not much clearance on the chain stays with current tire)? Is the only downside the rolling/air resistance? Also, can I put a 25 on the back and leave my original 23 on the front or would it be best to keep the same size? I'm 6'1" and about 190 pounds if that matters.

caloso

Sheldon Brown has an article somewhere on his site about mixing tire sizes. Personally, I think a 25 rear, 23 front would be great. In practice though, it may be difficult to fit anything wider than a 23 between your chainstays. And keep in mind that not all tires are accurately sized. I had some Specialized Armadillos that were labled as 23 but were more like 26!

grwoolf

Also, does it matter if I go wire bead or folding tire? I don't really have a need to fold, but I've seen some reviews where the wire wears through and causes punctures. Looks like the folding tire runs about $10 more.

Rupert

I'm 6'1", 165lbs. I too had Specialized Mondo Pro tires, and ended up switching to 25c conti gatorskins. I run the front at 95-100psi and the rear at 105-110psi, the ride is nice, haven't flatted in 1k miles, have good traction, etc. I haven't tried out the 23c gatorskins, but if you're not racing I'd definitely get the 25c's. Hope this helped.

akansaskid

My Roubaix came with the same Pro tires as yours: 5 flats and a blowout, all in the rear, in 1800 miles. They have very soft rubber (grippy) that rock shards get embedded in easily. No flats on the follow-on Gatorskin (front) and Armadillo (rear) in the next 7500 miles. 25s will be absorb more shock and vibration, but watch your fit on the Madrone. My 25 Armadillo runs about 27mm wide; my 25 Gatorskin runs about 24 mm wide. I'm betting you can get a 25 Gatorskin in your bike. And, yes, I'd go with them over 23s. Will they slow you down? I doubt it.

grwoolf

Thanks, I think I'll go with the 25's and switch them both out. Any advice on wire vs. folding tire?

Treefox

If the front's still good, why switch it out?

terrymorse 

Wire bead tires tend to be less expensive, heavier, and lower quality. They've been pushed to the low cost margins by folding tires. I expect to see them disappear from the market in the next few years.

caloso

My only experience with wire bead tire was a blowout on the sidewall. It tore at the wire. I don't know if this is a typical problem or not.

docjoe

You could get Specialized Armadillo Roubaix which have a 25c casing and 23c tread. They do fit on the Tarmac (as I have a Tarmac). They're virtually indestructible and comfortable. I liked them better than the Gatorskins I had.

noisebeam

I used the 25c wire bead gatorskins for several years. I recently switched to 23c folding/kevlar bead. At the same psi (120r/110f) I think I prefer the 23c - they actually feel 'softer' to me and I think the bike feels more 'snappy.' I'm 185lbs. I only got the kevlar bead as that is all pbk sells and they were cheaper than any other source I found with the wire bead. The 23c/kevlar are 70g lighter vs. the 25c/wire.

Someone else may chime in, but I wonder if the bead difference accounts for more of a difference in feel than the size. The other thought it that that my old tires were old in age and miles - especially the front. I also am willing to accept that the difference in feel is imagined.

akansaskid

IIRC, my Armadillo costs $50 for wire and $65 for kevlar beads. My Gatorskin was $37 for wire and $44 for kevlar. I've never had a wire bead cause a flat. But, they are harder to mount (Kool Stop tire jack rocks!). Sidewall on the wire beaded tire is stiffer, at least on the Armadillo. I run wire 'cause they are cheaper and I ride >12K/year. ... somewhat slowly by BF standards.