Tyres - sportives / TT / training

simbil1
simbil1 Posts: 620
edited August 2007 in Workshop
To round off my new wheels, I'm thinking of new tyres. They need to be pretty good all rounders and I was leaning towards Conti 4000. I'm on Ultrasports currently and they're not bad, but I reckon something like the 4000 might roll more nicely.
I was thinking of 25 on the front and a 23 or maybe 20 on the back, looking for efficiency of power transfer on the back and good stopping power on the front. Does that make sense or have I lost the plot :P

Comments

  • mrdsgs
    mrdsgs Posts: 337
    wrong way round!

    you should either have same width front and rear or perhaps 23mmm front and 25mm at rear, or for tt perhaps 20mm f and 23mm rear
    Colnago Addict!
  • mossycp
    mossycp Posts: 233
    If you're going to have different width tyres I think it's more usual to have the thinner one on the front. I think mostly it would be for TTers though to have a thinner tyre on the front to aid aerodynamics. Can't see any benefit in doing it for general riding.

    I have 23mm GP4000s on my "good" bike and they are fine, roll well and no punctures yet. I also like my Hutchinson Equinox on my commuting bike, very sticky and good in the wet but not quite as fast rolling as the Contis. Most people also rate the Michelin Pro Races but I haven't tried them.
    Today is your day, your mountain is waiting, so get on your way {Dr Seus}
  • andyp
    andyp Posts: 10,549
    I think Contis are like Marmite - you either love them or hate them.

    Don't waste your money on 20 mm tyres as they are uncomfortable and prone to punctures. Get either 23 mm or 25 mm if the roads you train on are a bit rough.

    I'm a very happy user of Michelin Pro Race 2 tyres as they are fantastically grippy in most conditions. I've swooped down Alpine descents on them without any hairy moments despite me pushing it hard on corners. Great tyres.
  • simbil1
    simbil1 Posts: 620
    Interesting - I know some TTers run a smaller front, I presumed that was solely for aerodynamics and at the cost of braking power. Some MTBs have a fatter front to help with steering and braking - that was the effect I was after. I broke my collar bone in March and am very keen to avoid loosing my front wheel again!

    Anyhow, thanks for the advice 2 x 25mm GP 4000 it is :D