Hi all, I have a Marin Venezia road bike that is getting very close to needing a new front tire and I did some searching on the forum but couldn't really find an answer to my question, so I'm posting it as a new thread. If it's not in the right place, I apologize and feel free to move it.

I currently have the original Kenda Koncept tire on the front paired with a Continental Grand Prix in the rear. I am hoping to keep the price down to around $50 or less for the tire but honestly, price is not a huge issue. I just want a great handling tire for the front and don't really know what to buy. The bike is a commuter but doesn't see really high mileage. It will get somewhere around 75-100 miles a month, and I want something that has the most grip and the best handling I can buy, but also want to be able to ride it for a year at least. I was looking into the Continental Grand Prix SuperSonic for the front but didn't know if the tire, being a time trial / racing tire, would last at least 1500 miles on the front of my bike.

Has anyone had experience with the SuperSonic or similar race tires on a bike that doesn't see races?
If not that tire, what tires would you recommend? I don't worry about flats and the such, and even if I was to get a flat, I am rarely more than a mile or two from my dorm so it's a non issue.

Don't make this so hard. Just standardize on a single type tire. If you like what you are running on the rear, then move it to the front and buy another one for the rear. I don't know what "rule" it is, but there must be one about running unmatched tires. NO!

My preference is the Conti GP4000S. Pricey but cheaper on the internet. Other folks have their different favorites.

Just get a matching set. Rotate them periodically if you want to replace both at the same time. Or use a slightly worn rear on the front and just buy a new rear. The rear wears faster. Either plan is good.

You're doing it backwards. Freshest rubber belongs up front, where all your steering/control takes place.

I was all set to argue with you since I don't believe that a slightly worn tire up front is unsafe. Maybe with tread like on a car, it makes a difference, but a smooth bike tire isn't any smoother after is worn a bit. But as you said, you could just as easily use a rear tire until it is ready for the trash, then move the front to the rear, get a new front and start all over again. Actually you're right, although as I said, as long as you stop at a reasonable point, I really think either method will work fine. The rotation to replace both at the same time works well enough too. As long as a tire is safe, it is safe for the front, IMO. But I do like your plan. Thanks.

Agree with GP 4000s. If you shop around you should be able to find for approx $35 each.

I agree the freshest rubber should be in the front and that's why I want to put a brand new tire up there. So I did a little internet search and found that the 4000S on Amazon with prime is $44.95. Not too bad. Also has good reviews on there.

The reason I don't want to get the same as the rear for the front is that I got the rear tire quickly when my old rear wore out. The Grand Prix (not 4000s, just a regular GP) was all they had for the money I had at the time at the LBS. Paid almost $55 for a tire that goes for $35 on amazon! It's not a bad tire but not exactly the best on the market either. This is the tire: https://www.amazon.com/Continental-Gr...dp/B005UGA05O/

So general consensus is not to get the SuperSonic? It's $50 on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Continental-Gr.../dp/B000EXAKEY

I give a lot of thought to what tires I get. Tires are the only part of the bicycle, car, motorcycle that touches the ground and I feel that make's it a pretty important part.

Anyone ever heard of or know anything about the Vittoria Open Corse CX? Found here: https://www.amazon.com/Vittoria-Open-.../dp/B007IDUCYQ

After reading everything I think I am leaning more towards the 4000S but still a little curious about the SuperSonic, just think it may wear out a little sooner than I could afford.

Buy two GP4000S tires and put on both front and back.

When the rear wears out, put the front on the rear, and a fresh one on the front (rear will wear out faster than the front will). Rinse. Repeat.

Keep current rear as a spare tire.

I can honestly say as a college student I don't have the money to buy two and even if I did I couldn't justify purchasing two when I have a almost new tire on the rear. The rear tire only has ~200 miles on it.

But I can see that the consensus recommendation is the 4000S.

https://www.wiggle.com/continental-gr...road-tire-set/

Don't eat out for a week or two and use the money instead on this. I'm in grad school right now (read: I'm paying people to let me work for them), so I know what you mean about being poor.

I can appreciate someone else furthering their education but I think im going to still only be able to buy one. I don't work during the school year. Tried it one semester and it landed me on academic probation the next. So any purchases are coming out of the savings I accumulate every summer break. Maybe i'll buy a second next year if I make enough over winter break but for now I think i'm just getting a single for the front!

Wow. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone recently who didn't hold a job or four while in college.

Yeah, in that case, only buy what you can.

Gommitalia Calypso Ks are sticky, supple.

Yeah, my parents take care of tuition and housing/board in college but everything else comes from working during breaks. When I don't work I average roughly a 3.0, when working I had a 1.75 and was surprised I did that good. I might try it next semester again but definitely not doing the 20-30 hour weeks I did last time.

Forget the supersonics, they are paper thin and I don't let mine touch anything but wood.

That's very nice of them.

What's your major? It's gotta pretty work intensive.

i feel for you students. in my day, the government paid me to go to university.

to buy a cheap tyre that lasts forever and handles very nicely, take a look at the vittorio rubino pro. I am not as poor as you but I am very very stingy. you get good bang for your buck for that.

When you make your millions after graduating, remain stingy on your tyres. it's worth it.

I'm a business management with a minor in psychology. I'm considering bumping that minor to a second major though. The difference between the minor and major is only a single semester's worth of credits. And I might end up studying abroad in Deutschland next year as well. I need to further my German as after college, my dream job would be working for BMW in Germany in some sort of management role.

I'll look into that, thank you!