Tyre Upgraders - RECOMMENDATIONS NEEDED

paulcuthbert

Hi,

I've got a Trek 1.2 09 model, and I've found the factory tyres to be not so good. I've done about 1600km and they're starting to wear- plus they don't give the best grip on slick surfaces on a climb- quite a lot of wheelspin there.

Can someone recommend me a good quality tyre for a road bike- priced between £0 and £30 for each tyre- with good puncture resistance, but still keeping weight to a minimum?

Thanks!

redddraggon

Michelin Krylion Carbons

paulcuthbert

Excellent. What weight are they? And why did you recommend them?

Thanks

redddraggon

Willhub has given Krylion Carbons his seal of approval, so they must be good.

They are heavier than Open Corsa CXs but lighter than Rubino Pro Slicks

paulcuthbert

Who or what is willhub?

*scuse my ignorance*

KillerMetre

Schwalbe ultremo R evolution

maddog 2

the Krylions are about 240g and are good, grippy, hard wearing training/race tyres.

if you want lighter then the ProRace3 by Michelin are 200g-ish and very good IMO, supple and grippy but they'll wear quicker than the Krylions.

Other contenders are the Schwalbe Ultremo R which are very similar to the PR3s in use and weight, and the Conti GP4000s which I've not used. Some good reports on the Evo Corsa CX 320tpi too.

I've just gone tubeless so I'll report back on that soon, when I've had a few days of riding to assess them.

See Merlin, CRC, Parkers and Ribble for some good online prices, particularly Merlin.

APIII

In the last few months I've gone from conti GP4000s to Vittoria Pave Evo CG, and am now on Vittoria Corsa CXII. It's early days, but the CXII are light, fast and supple. Time will tell on the durability, but I have no reasons to doubt them at the moment. Currently on offer at Ribble for a few pennies over £25.

hopper1

maddog 2 wrote:

the Krylions are about 240g and are good, grippy, hard wearing training/race tyres.

if you want lighter then the ProRace3 by Michelin are 200g-ish and very good IMO, supple and grippy but they'll wear quicker than the Krylions.

Other contenders are the Schwalbe Ultremo R which are very similar to the PR3s in use and weight, and the Conti GP4000S which I've not used. Some good reports on the Evo Corsa CX 320tpi too.

I've just gone tubeless so I'll report back on that soon, when I've had a few days of riding to assess them.

See Merlin, CRC, Parkers and Ribble for some good online prices, particularly Merlin.

+1

Bike tyres are like motorbike tyres... If you want sticky, the trade of is mileage...

Anonymous

Heh heh, I see you wear your badge with pride Hopper!

I'm turning very much into a Vittoria fanboy having changed from Conti GP4000...

Chip \'oyler

+1 for Schwalbe Ultremos

Monty Dog

If you want any degree of pucture resistance and durability, then suggest you steer clear of the likes of PR3s, Ultremos and similar lightweight tyres - fine for racing and riding on clean roads, but they simply wear and cut too easily for general use. I'm a big fan or Krylions and GP4 Seasons are quite robust too - a bit more dead fealing IMO. Vredestein Fortezzas are quite durable too and come in a good range of colours also.

Chip \'oyler

Monty Dog wrote:

If you want any degree of pucture resistance and durability, then suggest you steer clear of the likes of PR3s, Ultremos and similar lightweight tyres - fine for racing and riding on clean roads, but they simply wear and cut too easily for general use. I'm a big fan or Krylions and GP4 Seasons are quite robust too - a bit more dead fealing IMO. Vredestein Fortezzas are quite durable too and come in a good range of colours also.

That's funny - I've ridden all summer (including in the rain) on Ultremo's and had my first puncture this morning. And TBH, the industrial staple stuck in my tyre would have got through anything.

So I disagree - for a very lightweight and responsive tyre I think they're pretty robust.

Speed_King

The very new gp4000 F1 tyres stick to the corners like glue, utilising the black chilli compound they ar ethe ultimate in grip also the vitorra pro's are pretty well supported

flasher

Very happy with my GP4000s.

kingrollo

Only been out twice on pro race 3's - but in terms of speed they are pretty awesome.

mike ives

I've been using Fortezza Tricomps for a while and found them to be light and roll well and also good for puncture resistance. However, they do seem to cut quite easily on some of the smaller roads.

I am now changing to Rubino Open Pro. Hoefully they will not cut so easily.

NWLondoner

I did use Pro3 and LOVED them. Very fast and gripped like a vice. However too soft and cut way too easily, I had my only ever puncture with them and was shocked at the amount of glass that was embedded in both tyres. If you live in the sticks then they would be great but living in London IMO are a no go.


I now use Michelin Krylion Carbons and am impressed. Not as fast as Pro3 but as good compromise, although i may be on the looking for a different set.

bobpzero

redddraggon wrote:

Michelin Krylion Carbons

i recommend these too
they are a pain to get on, tho once warmed up they go on easy. confidence inspiring in the wet and can keep up well enough with those on "racing" tyres on the hill climbs.

Mark1962a

Have Krylion Carbons on one and Rubino Pros on either and punctures are rare - beware though as I have seen several reports on the New Krylions now being made in a Far East factory and are not a patch on the old tyres. I think Rubino Pros are superb value and look great in the colours if u like that.I have various Specialized Tyres as well and use the 23/25 Roubaix in the Winter as they are very comfy although feel slower to me. Have just ordered a pair of Rubino Open Corsa Evo 320 tpi although I do not expect them to be as durable and will save them for best on a pair of Duraace Wheels. Ribble do have some great deals on Tyres currently as prev mentioned.

Hope that helps a bit

paulcuthbert

Wow! Thanks for all the answers. A lot to digest!

I currently have Bontrager tyres- do they make any other decent sets than the ones I'm riding?

James_London

Vittoria Open Corsa EVO CX II (320tpi)

Not as durable as GP4000s but better grip and road feel, especially with latex tubes. Although the other tires mentioned are all fine, GP4000s are
utterly dead by comparison.