Advice on training tyres

SkyBlueKangaroo

Can anyone give me some pointers to a good tyre for my new road bike (Focus Cayo)? I'm a beginner, so not up to racing yet, and tyres will be purely for churning out the miles in training. So my priorities are punture resistence and durability, but still as light and fast as possible.

Is there a good all year tyre, or do people tend to have summer and winter tyres?

I've looked at Specialised Armadillo and Continental Ultra Gatorskins, but would anyone nominate alternatives?

alfablue

I would nominate Specialized All Condition Pro's, light, high tpi in carcass, dual compound rubber (for sidewall and tread), takes 125 psi, kevlar (aramid) bead (folding), "flak jacket" puncture protection (I have never punctured with these in 4000 miles), good grip, fast - will that do you? I predict that if you inflate to the right pressure you will wear them out before you puncture.

Gatorskins get very mixed reviews, some love 'em but there are lots of reports of punctures, cuts and poor grip. My trial of Conti Contact Sports was very disappointing, the rubber is very soft (I think common to other Conti's) they cut a lot and punctured often (despite anti-puncture 1 yr guarantee) and they wore out fast.

redddraggon

Michelin Krylion Carbons

nmcgann

redddraggon wrote:

Michelin Krylion Carbons

Seconded - very good tires. Also Schwalbe Stelvio Plus - I use these on my winter bike.

Neil

duckfoot1606

Take a look at Bontrager Racelite Hardcases; tough as old boots and a tenner a throw from allterraincycles.co.uk

AP

Rich Hcp

I've just fitted Vittoria Rubino Pro Folding from Wiggle.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/ProductDetail.aspx?Cat=cycle&ProdID=5360013214&N=Vittoria%20Rubino%20Pro%20Folding%20Tyre%20Set

Full set and tubes for £30.

They look cool tooo 8)

Lagavulin

SkyBlueKangaroo wrote:

So my priorities are punture resistence and durability

Another vote for the Krylion Carbons. No nicks or punctures when riding in pretty shocking conditons late last year and there was very little sign of tread wear when I removed them.

shmo

redddraggon wrote:

Michelin Krylion Carbons

Thirded, or fourthed, whatever.

Although I was most perturbed last week when the pair that I've had for about 10 months gave me my first puncture since buying them. Only noticed the flat the next morning after a 50 miler so don't know how it happened. .

SkyBlueKangaroo

Well it would appear I'll not go wrong by getting me some Michelin Krylly thingys. Surprised the Armadillos didn't get a vote as I thought the Armadillo technology was the standard by which all else is measured when it comes to puncture resistance, or have I been reading too many PR articles?

Obvious question, best place to buy Michelin Krylion Carbons?

nmcgann

SkyBlueKangaroo wrote:

Well it would appear I'll not go wrong by getting me some Michelin Krylly thingys. Surprised the Armadillos didn't get a vote as I thought the Armadillo technology was the standard by which all else is measured when it comes to puncture resistance, or have I been reading too many PR articles?

Obvious question, best place to buy Michelin Krylion Carbons?

Armadillos are good, but IMO a commuting tyre rather than a training tyre. I use them on my town bikes where puncture resistance is the most important thing, but they are very stiff and hard so don't feel brilliant to ride.

Neil

Wooliferkins

Krylion Carbons? They are as rare as hens teeth at the mo. Michelin appear to be wholly wrapped up in producing the Pro Race 3 to the exemption of all other road tyres. I've 2 grey 700x23 on the shelf and outstanding orders going back to last summer for more.

Rich Hcp

That's why I fitted Vittoria Rubino Pro

Very please with them too

SkyBlueKangaroo

Ordered a set of Michelin Kryllion Carbons from stock from Wiggle yesterday. The guy from City Link should be knocking on my door tomorrow....