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Help me choose my next tires

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Old 05-08-10, 01:57 PM
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Help me choose my next tires

After about 2500 miles on my stock Hutchinson Equinox tires (why such cheapo tires came with my Scott CR1, I don't understand), I think it's time to change them. After I had a flat from a 2x0.25 mm tiny shard of glass on my last ride, I figure I got the life out of those tires. Plus I'm planning on a few centuries this summer, so, new tires...

I'm willing to pay more often for nicer tires (riding is my ultimate stress relief, I don't mind paying ~ $100+/year if necessary for my rides). I ride mostly open clean roads around Nashville (maybe that's how my hutchinsons lasted this long?) and some rural roads in Tennessee, not much debris, and I don't race.

So (with the caveat that almost any tire will be an improvement for me), I'm looking for handling/grip, low rolling resistance, comfort and durability (in that order). Here are what I'm choosing from. I'd love some opinions or further suggestions:

1) Conti GP4000's
2) Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX (320 TPI)
3) Michelin Krylion Carbon

Thanks in advance!

Last edited by wookv; 05-08-10 at 04:19 PM.
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Old 05-08-10, 02:29 PM
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(2) are the best ride, hands down, but last the shortest, still, they rock.

(1) is a better ride then (3).

also consider vittoria diamantes as a very good alternative.
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Old 05-08-10, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by wookv
After about 2500 miles on my stock Hutchinson Equinox tires (why such cheapo tires came with my Scott CR1, I don't understand), I think it's time to change them. After I had a flat from a 2x0.25 mm tiny shard of glass on my last ride, I figure I got the life out of those tires. Plus I'm planning on a few centuries this summer, so, new tires...

I'm willing to pay more often for nicer tires (riding is my ultimate stress relief, I don't mind paying ~ $100+/year if necessary for my rides). I ride mostly open clean roads around Nashville (maybe that's how my hutchinsons lasted this long?) and some rural roads in Tennessee, not much debris, and I don't race.

So (with the caveat that almost any tire will be an improvement for me), I'm looking for handling/grip, low rolling resistance, comfort and durability (in that order). Here are what I'm choosing from. I'd love some opinions or further suggestions:

1) Conti GP4000's
2) Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX (320 TPI)
3) Michelin Krylion Carbon

Thanks in advace!
I have ridden both 1 and 2. 2 offers a better ride, 1 is more durable.

If you have cash to blow and want a compromise of 1 and 2, I'd look at the Vittoria Open Pave EVO CG 320 TPI (usually comes in that nasty green color when it's on sale but also comes in black).
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Old 05-08-10, 03:03 PM
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I personally like the Gator Skins.
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Old 05-08-10, 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Phil85207
I personally like the Gator Skins.
Originally Posted by wookv
I'm looking for handling/grip, low rolling resistance, comfort and durability (in that order).
I have Gator Skins on a set of wheels. They offer one of the worst rides out there, possibly even worse than Specialized Armadillos.

Did you even read the OP?
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Old 05-08-10, 03:49 PM
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I have Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX (320 TPI) and have about 250 miles on them with little signs of wear.

They ride and handle great.

If I have to replace them after 1,000 I am fine with it. Though at 250 miles they look as good as new.
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Old 05-08-10, 04:11 PM
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Something I have put out there before.

I have been riding some tires from a guy on fleabay, nice bike tires .com. I think they were $38.00/ pair shipped. they come in different colors, rode better than those equinox's you have now, and last quite a while. I have almost 2000 miles on one pair, still going strong. They have a kevlar belt so you get some flat protection also. Corner well too.
They are CST. ULTRA SPEED all weather. I am very happy with the 2 pairs I am currently running.
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Old 05-08-10, 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by kimconyc
I have Gator Skins on a set of wheels. They offer one of the worst rides out there, possibly even worse than Specialized Armadillos.
They're not even remotely as bad as Armadillos.

Anyway, I like the Vittoria, though tend to look for them on ebay and sales rather than paying full price.
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Old 05-08-10, 10:32 PM
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I was a Conti guy until this season. Decided to try a set of Schwalbe Ultremo R1. I'm sold. They're very light, very round, very grippy, and -- knock on wood -- so far unpunctured after about 700 miles. Very impressed with these tires.
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Old 05-08-10, 11:01 PM
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I'd like to suggest vredestein fortezza tricomp. They may be abit harder to find but they seem to offer a good balance of durability, comfort and low rolling resistance. 'Race' quality tires but perfectly suitable for all round use.
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Old 05-08-10, 11:44 PM
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Ive been riding maxis detonators for the past few hundred miles, not crazy about them. the Schwalbe Ultremo seem to get alot of praise.
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Old 05-08-10, 11:49 PM
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I've heard tires make a big difference. I've always used cheap tires and have been satisfied with them. I need to get some Conti GP4000s.
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Old 05-09-10, 12:12 AM
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Anyone know how good Bontrager race all weather tires are?
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Old 05-09-10, 12:42 AM
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I got 1800 miles out of the Specialized Mondo Pro IIs last summer. I enjoyed them very much!
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Old 05-09-10, 12:50 AM
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Originally Posted by italianopalo
I'd like to suggest vredestein fortezza tricomp. They may be abit harder to find but they seem to offer a good balance of durability, comfort and low rolling resistance. 'Race' quality tires but perfectly suitable for all round use.
I just started using the Fortezza TriComp SLick. Very impressed. My new favourite tyre.
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Old 05-09-10, 01:02 AM
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Originally Posted by Phil85207
I personally like the Gator Skins.
I use Gatroskins and the ride no where near as good as Krylions I used before. I continue to use GS only coz I'm a commuter and value puncture resistance above all else. Grip is lower, and in wet I'm extra slow around corners.

PS: is 2) Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX (320 TPI) really 320 TPI or is that just fruitful marketing where they get the layers and multiply the TPI by number of layers?
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Old 05-09-10, 06:18 AM
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I use both #1 and #2, both have good points and no real bad points. The contis last a long time and ride nice. The vittorias ride like a cloud and could care less if the 320tpi is marketing, these tires are smoooooth. I have over 1500km on mine with no issues at all and still look good.
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Old 05-09-10, 08:45 AM
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Originally Posted by youcoming
I use both #1 and #2, both have good points and no real bad points. The contis last a long time and ride nice. The vittorias ride like a cloud and could care less if the 320tpi is marketing, these tires are smoooooth. I have over 1500km on mine with no issues at all and still look good.
You probably mean one of:
1. Couldn't care less
2. Could care more


Ps: with the GS, dont they now make anotehr model called Gatorskin hardshell which is, well, even harder to puncture (and I'd imagine even more of a btich to install) ?
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Old 05-09-10, 09:14 AM
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I have used #1 and #2.

#1: Fine tires. Roll well, corner well. They are expensive.

#2: Also fine tires. Short lifespan. They run big too... my 23s are more like 25s.

My go-to however right now is the Serfas Seca. Cheap, relatively light, puncture resistant. I've beenr acing them and they do just fine in the corners. They're $19 at Jenson right now.
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Old 05-09-10, 12:54 PM
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My Cannondale came with Schwalbe Ultremo R1. They rode nice but were NOT durable. I switched to the Contis and have been extremely pleased.
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Old 05-09-10, 01:01 PM
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If you are taking votes, I vote for Conti GP4000s. Extra credit (cash in your wallet) by getting them from PBK with coupon code. Good compromise between durability/puncture resistance and performance.
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Old 05-09-10, 01:24 PM
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conti gp4k black chili compound.

literally have 4k miles on tires with no punctures. wear so slowly for me that I move the front to the back, and only replace 1 at a time.
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Old 05-09-10, 02:48 PM
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I have Conit on my other bike, the Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX ride and handle better.
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Old 05-11-10, 03:18 PM
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Thanks to everyone for all your valuable input. I had a hard time deciding between the Conti GP4000 S w/ Black Chili or the Vittoria Open Corsa CX 320tpi.

The Corsa gives a dream ride and they have it in colors that complement my bike, but >50% of posts on the web complained of punctures. The GP4000S is good all around but may not be as smooth of a ride.

I decided on the Conti GP4000 S w/ Black Chili because
(1) it's a good tire for all my purposes
(2) good handling (some say as good/better than the Open Corsa)
(3) lasts a lot of miles
(4) coming from a Hutchinson Equinox, either tire will probably be a better ride.
(5) the "S" version comes with a silver on the sidewall that looks just as cool

the best part: PBK has it for ~$33/tire.

Thanks again everyone.
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