Tires ????
 

Ok got some questions on tires, I bought a new set of bontrager R2's when I bought my bike back in dec. I now have 1200 miles on them, and they have tons of large cuts and gashes. I am not dealing with any problems with flats, although I do have stop flats tire liners installed. Should I just wait until they blow to replace ? Are there any tires more resistant to cuts ? ( I know dont run over glass and other crap but stuff happens ). Is there any true to more $ on tires means better durability ?

Most tires I run across are rubber on the exterior for a number of reasons, but rubber is going to be cut and shredded by things such as glass if your going to ride over and through it.

I wouldn't personally put much stock in a glass-proof tire, say one made out of chromoly.

Gatorskins are more resistant to cuts, flats, etc. I have some cheapo Kenda's that are actually pretty durable, but probably not good if you are a weight weenie .

1. He's using Stop-Flat liners, he's not worried about weight.

2. He's not experiencing flats, because he already has the tough Stop-Flat inner liners, and they are sufficient for him so far, going to something with more serious inner anti-flat nylon/kevlar whatever belts like Armadillos or Gatorskins would be redundant.

Therefore I can only conclude he is concerned about the outer cosmetic of the rubber being cut by the glass he is running over in the road. He needs a cosmetically glass-proof tire.

1) I would think that Armadillos or Gatoerskins are better than stop-flat and yes weight sure does matter!!

2) When my tires get cut up I replace them. The cost of tires is relatively low and a new set once or twice a year is not a big deal. Most of us spend thousands on the bike why cheap out on tires?

3) Like most of us on BF I have found the Conti 4000-S is the best compromise with regard to flat protection, wear, performance and weight.

+1 and also recommend forte puncture resistant tubes

Thanks for the feedback. I have to admit I am getting tempted by the conti's 4000 s because of all the great reviews, or maybe the gatorskins.

1. GP4000 and Gatorskins are entirely class of tires.

2. Both have outer surfaces made of rubber, which glass will cut.

Yes they are made of rubber and they will get cut what is the alternative?

riding around the glass... err was that rhetorical?

In NYC Metro glass is hard to see/avoid.

no street sweepers?

Serfas Seca RS. My first set got me 4000+ miles without a flat.

Cheap - check
Moderate weight - check
Durable - check

I train and race on them. IMO it's the best bang for the buck Other tires I've used for comparison: GP4000, Ultremo, Continental Race, Gatorskins.

I've used over a dozen different brand tires. From Continentals to $15 tires I bought on chainlove.com. That's what I have on my bike right now and I have another set of them I'll replace them with when they wear out. I've never noticed any real difference in performance, wear or puncture resistance between any of them. I once even bought a wire bead Hutchitson at a small bike shop in an emergency for $20 and rode it until it wore out. I'm 200# ride a Ti bike over 4000 miles a year, been riding for over 20 years. I buy whatever's on sale, don't pay more than $20. performancebike.com has good sales every month or two..