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-   -   New Tire suggestions for an old racer? Too many choices. (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/818527-new-tire-suggestions-old-racer-too-many-choices.html)

Lewis_Moon 05-16-12 09:51 AM

New Tire suggestions for an old racer? Too many choices.
 
I’m building a new set of wheels (Mavic MR601s, Velocity Fusion, Sapim) and I need to get them shod.
I’d like to find some fast training tires that won’t break the bank. I’ve been looking around and there are a LOT of tire makers out there and you can find any review you want for any tire so some of the reviews sites are worthless. I need suggestions.

Here are my “likes”:

• Slick: I live in AZ and you never have to train in wet conditions unless you want to. I’ve always liked slick tires and feel more rubber on the ground is good.
• Folding if possible (a big plus but not required)
• High(er) TPI
• 700 x 23c good, 25c better
• Tubed
• No hipster colors (black wall preferred, but not required)

I’m an old racer who always rode either sew ups or something like the old Avocet folding slicks.

I’ve seen a bunch of tires on sale for <$25 ea and would at least like to stay in that range if al all possible.

…and please don’t say Pasela. Please. I’m asking nicely. Don’t make me stop the car.

Seattle Forrest 05-16-12 09:55 AM

GP4000, and forget it. Buy them from the UK and you'll get close-ish to your target price. Last year I bought a small "handful" at $37 each, with shipping included. (They're $75 a pop at LBS.)

Juan Foote 05-16-12 10:14 AM

Agree with the above, hard to beat the Conti's at any price range. I believe they are the top ranked, and top purchased tire at the shop I work in. We carry other, but are rethinking that decision fast. If you are "stuck" on slicks, Conti makes a "Tri" tire that is just like the GP, but smooth.

Terry66 05-16-12 10:44 AM

Conti 4000s are what I ride. There was/is a guy on ebay in Florida who was selling them for like $90 a pair shipped. I know that is over your stated budget, but they are normally 65-75 each retail.

twodownzero 05-16-12 10:45 AM

GP4000S, 700x25, from Ribble

Pinkbullet3 05-16-12 11:05 AM

How much/How long is shipping from the UK to the US (specifically the Midwest, if anyone has experience)?

Lewis_Moon 05-16-12 11:19 AM

Much as I'd love the GS4000s, I can't afford to have tires that cost 2/3 the price of the wheel they're mounted on. Can anyone suggest something closer to my original price range? I'm not looking for "best", I'm looking for good enough.

topflightpro 05-16-12 11:22 AM

If you want durable and cheap, Maxxis Refuse are good, but not great.

Also, if you shop around, you can find Michelin Pro 3 races on clearance for about $30.

svtmike 05-16-12 11:23 AM


Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon (Post 14231224)
Much as I'd love the GS4000s, I can't afford to have tires that cost 2/3 the price of the wheel they're mounted on. Can anyone suggest something closer to my original price range? I'm not looking for "best", I'm looking for good enough.

How much are you willing to pay per mile or km? There's a huge variation in how long tires will last. I can get 4000 miles easily out of a pair of GP4000S. I'd much rather have them than a tire that lasts 1/3 as long for 1/3 the price.

Lewis_Moon 05-16-12 12:00 PM


Originally Posted by svtmike (Post 14231251)
How much are you willing to pay per mile or km? There's a huge variation in how long tires will last. I can get 4000 miles easily out of a pair of GP4000S. I'd much rather have them than a tire that lasts 1/3 as long for 1/3 the price.

I get it. Any suggestions for a cheaper set to bridge to the time I can spend that type of dough? Unless I skip a car payment I'm not seeing that type of money unless I save for a while.

svtmike 05-16-12 12:08 PM

Maybe the Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick? With the wire bead and 60tpi casing it's easily found in the $25 range.

twodownzero 05-16-12 12:08 PM

You were prepared to spend $50+ shipping when you started this thread. Somehow, $50 isn't going to cause you to skip a car payment but $80 + shipping is?

Maybe you should just hit up the local bike shop and ask them what you can buy for $25. Because if a $38 tire costs 2/3 of what the wheel is worth, maybe a high end road tire just isn't for you.

Guys on this forum (not me) have wheels that cost $1000 each. A $38 expendable tire is a drop in the bucket.

I can say though, that if you're new, you'll probably notice more of a difference in cornering grip and ride quality from a $38 tire than a new $1000 wheel.

If a decent set of tires isn't worth it to you, save your money on the shipping and buy local.


Originally Posted by Pinkbullet3 (Post 14231163)
How much/How long is shipping from the UK to the US (specifically the Midwest, if anyone has experience)?

3-5 days most likely. If you order them on a Monday, you'll probably have them the same week, maybe as late as Saturday or as early as Thursday.

If anything I'd like to know how to skip the 2.5% currency conversion fee. The shipping time and cost is the same as ordering them from the states.

Lewis_Moon 05-16-12 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by svtmike (Post 14231465)
Maybe the Vittoria Rubino Pro Slick? With the wire bead and 60tpi casing it's easily found in the $25 range.

Data I can use. I'll throw that into the search parameters. Thanks.

canam73 05-16-12 12:18 PM

I'd look for Michelin Krylion Carbons on close out for $30. Price per mile I don't think they can be beat for something in the weight range of a race tire. And as long as you stay on dry pavement the grip is not bad at all. They were replaced by the new Pro Race 4 Endurance, but they tent to be +$40.

Seattle Forrest 05-16-12 12:25 PM


Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon (Post 14231224)
Much as I'd love the GS4000s, I can't afford to have tires that cost 2/3 the price of the wheel they're mounted on. Can anyone suggest something closer to my original price range? I'm not looking for "best", I'm looking for good enough.

I suggest paying less for the GPs. I paid $37 each for mine (including shipping, and there was no tax) which isn't a huge stretch from your $25 per tire budget.

Otherwise, I recommend staying away from Gatorskins.

Lewis_Moon 05-16-12 12:41 PM


Originally Posted by Seattle Forrest (Post 14231564)
I suggest paying less for the GPs. I paid $37 each for mine (including shipping, and there was no tax) which isn't a huge stretch from your $25 per tire budget.

Otherwise, I recommend staying away from Gatorskins.


I meant GPs. My mistake.

hueyhoolihan 05-16-12 04:06 PM

i can't think of anything readily available at less than 30 bucks a tire, but i buy a lot of out-of-date/recalled and seconds. these have never failed me, but apparently have failed others :lol:. can usually get a pair for less than 50.

sometimes i see them in very unattractive colors (for me), like pink, but, like the OP, i won't go there.

AlphaDogg 05-16-12 04:12 PM

Serfas Seca, wire bead. Has great puncture protection, too! I used to run them in 28c on my hybrid and they can take a huge beating! They corner well, too. Can be had for $25 apiece on amazon. The folding bead versions run about $40 apiece.

Drag 05-16-12 07:04 PM


Originally Posted by Lewis_Moon (Post 14231477)
Data I can use. I'll throw that into the search parameters. Thanks.

The Rubino Pro Slick II tires are 150tpi and are on sale at Competitive Cyclist for $25 each at the moment.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za...ID=11410&MODE=


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