trobinson017

I want to get new tires for my Specialized Secteur Elite. It currently has 25's and I want to go to 23's. I see so many different tire manufacturers in LBSs and online. I do try to read people's reviews on different makes but I thought I'd check in here. I don't race but I do 3x week solo and club rides from 20-35 miles each, almost always on urban streets. I don't want to spend a fortune on the tires but I would like something not so heavy, good tread for all types of conditions but still roll well, good wear time and puncture resistance.

Any mature suggestions?

Trob

tagaproject6

Budget?

bonz50

around the 41 it seems there is little reason to go to 23's even for performance... most will quote studies that show the 25s can roll as efficiently (more so?) than the 23s... i'm sure you'll get some that will chime in with the hard data to show it... they'll also tell you to quit worrying about tread and run slicks (a lot of data to support that as well)...

trobinson017

My budget is about $100 total ($50/tire). I've seen Vittoria's, Michelin's and others on most online stores. The LBS around here are beholden to single brands like Bontrager so very limited options with them.

tagaproject6

Continental GP4000 at PBK.

Wested

Mmm, $25 Krylions at PBK... maybe you can find a promo code floating around here somewhere.

https://www.probikekit.com/us/tyres-t...road-tyre.html

jrobe

+ 1, watch for sales.

If you don't get these, make sure you have at least a couple spare tubes, a cell phone and good walking shoes on every ride.

danvuquoc

I'm partial to either Veloflex Corsa or GP4Ks -- they are fairly different tires though.

BikeWise1

Gotta say the new Bontrager R4 tire is 40 grams per tire lighter than the GP4K and seems to be pretty puncture resistant. I have 2000 miles on a pair and they feel great. Bonty tires also have an unconditional 30 day satisfaction guarantee....

roby

I've run Specialized Mondo Pro's for the past 2 years, using only 3 tires. I'm heavy so had to change my rears around 10k and my front lasted about 20k. I had only 1 flat, and in Ottawa our roads are fairly bad due to winters. To help put the wear these tires went through into perspective, I weigh 200lbs and hold an avg over 30km/hr and take off hard most of the time.

I recently switched to Maxxis Hors Cat due to suggestion from this forum about a month ago. My front tire is trashed and has had 2 flats. I'm back to a Specialized. My rear is barely holding and has had 1 flat, I'll be changing it as soon as I can afford another tire.

I might bother trying the gp4000's some day due to the rave reviews on this forum, but my Specialized tires have served me very well and my dealer gives me killer prices as I've known him a long time.

My 2cents.

Cheers,
Roby!

byrnemm

Use promo code PBKTDF.

trobinson017

You all ROCK!! Thanks for all the input and the promo code! The Conty's seem to have a great rep here so I'll look closer at them.

Trob

jayp410

Here's my suggestion: stay with 25's. I went from 25 to 23 and back to 25 (all GP4000S - which I love and recommend). After riding on 23's for about a year, my first ride back on the 25's was like a magic carpet ride. I actually gained 0.3 MPH on my normal training route with the 25's.

Although people can compare rolling resistance and air resistance, there is another factor which is how the tire affects your riding style. I think my speed increased because it changed the way I ride over bumps. Steering felt more stable. I was more aggressive over rough pavement, and it felt like more of my energy was directed forward vs. up/down vibrations. I also did not waste as much energy "lightening up" in the saddle.

MONGO!

Conti GP 4000

trobinson017

I couldn't get the promo code to work for any item at PBF. Is it particular to any one brand?

NRZ

The promo just worked for me.

hhnngg1

For training: Gatorskins. Pricier than normal tires, but worth it, IMO. They pretty much will not tear, ever. (You still can get pinch flats, but this will be minimized with proper psi 100-110). Will also last the longest, making the money premium worth it.

For racing: Vittoria Rubino Pro. Great feel, costs less than GP4000s.

trobinson017

This is for Performance Bike online? Maybe I'm trying the wrong website.

Trob

Munk69

+1 on the R4's. I have a pair and they have held up suprisingly well. I have 1k on mine and they are still in good shape. 1 flat and that was more my fault than the tire.

svtmike

No, it's for ProBikeKit. www.probikekit.com

byrnemm

You are.

pbk = probikekit

ILUVUK

For the OP's types of rides, these tires are a good choice.

trobinson017

Oh, wow, thanks! Never heard of that webshop before! Something new to bookmark!

Trob

datlas 

I know the 23 vs 25 has been debated on here a lot lately and I am too lazy to try going back and forth, but it seems to me a good compromise might be 23 on front for handling and a 25 on back for stability/comfort. Another option is 24 but I also know that some manufacturers 23's are almost the same width as others' 25's.

I also suspect weight may be an issue. I weigh only 145 pounds and do well on 23's but if you weigh say 180+ then 25's might make more sense.

Anyway, back on target, I agree wholeheartedly with Continental GP4000s from ProBikeKit. If you are not in a hurry, you can often find them on sale for $30ish after coupon code. Then it's time to stock up and buy a half dozen, which will last you a long time.

datlas 

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