What (red?) tyres?

bigmat

I think its time to put some new tyres on as my red Conti GP4000s are looking a bit worn. I've narrowed it down to a few options and would appreciate people's comments. I'm looking for something lightweight, fast, decent grip and relatively durable. Ideally I would like something red, and have been looking at the following:

Schwalbe Ultremo - there were product recall issues with these, anybody have any good/bad experience?

Vittoria Evo Corsa - thinking the 320tpi ones. How long lasting are they? Decent puncture protection?

Veloflex Black - these are 22mm - would that make any obvious difference over 23mm? Also, some say they are really for racing only - would they be a bit lightweight for sportive / training / very occasional race use?

Vittoria Diamante - seem pretty good compromise, but are they maybe not as fast as the others mentioned?

Conti GP4000 - I swore I wouldn't get these again after a couple of sidewall blowouts, but the two I have on at the moment have done sterling service.

Alternatively, I could give up on the red thing and just get some Conti GP4000S (really wish they would do these with red sidewalls!), also like the look of Deda Tre HST for the price.

Any other suggestions would be gratefully received!

APIII

I've got the red Vittorias on one bike and GP4000s on the other. The Vittorias feel more supple, but puncture protection hasn't been as good and I've had a split sidewall. The grip in the wet is also poor in comparison to the contis, so they are definitely a summer tyre.

fnb1

there was a product recall on the original Ultremo R tyre, not the current one. Having siad that how they handled that recall was outstanding customor service and if anything has encouraged me to keep buying their products.

My expereince of the Ultremo is that they are a high quaility, light and resilient tyre (given their weight), very sure footed and punture resisitent. The do cut up a little but any top end tyre with a soft outer layer does tend to.

kingrollo

Pro race 3's - in Red, Awesome !

Lagavulin

I like Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps. They do pick up the odd nick on the shoulders but I've found puncture resistance to be good and they're nice and grippy.

I've not tried them myself but Michelin's Pro Race 3 seems to be held in high regard.

il_principe

Pro Race 3's or Rubino Pro 3's. I run Rubino's on the commuter and PR3's on the best bike. Both are great tires the rubino's sacrifice for the sake of increased P* resistance.

daveydave43

Michelin Krylions - £20 from CRC - Durable - I've been over glass an potholes on these with no marks on the rubber at all. Very grippy, esp. in the corners - i think they've made me a more confident descender.
Seriously the best tyres i've bought, but then i'm no guru, like some of the guys on here. Just thought this tyre should be added to the mix

mike ives

Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps or Vittoria Rubino Pro's. I think the Vredsteins roll better but are not quite as durable. Both seem very good though regarding puncture resistance. If costs is an element, it may be the Vittoria's are cheaper.

Mark1962a

I run Vittoria Evo Corsa 320 tpi for Summer use but they are a def a best only tyre as cut easily although rolling resistance is one of the lowest of all.

Rubino Pros are great tyres and look superb in Red with the double stripe - Some great prices on them and rare that they puncture so a good trainer. Not so hot in the wet though.

I also have a Set of Michelin Krylions which are highly recommended and are better in the Wet. again v sturdy, rarely get flats and look nice with a thin red stripe each side.

I am tempted to try the Michelin Pro 3s in the Summer as some good deals around at £45 a pair and they look great in Red as well and the Ultremos also look great in the Red but not much stock around on the colours it seems? Def both Summer boots though i reckon.

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huuregeil

Of the tyres mentioned, I've used: Open Corsa Evo; Diamante Pro; Pro Race 3; Rubino Pro 2; (and in the dim and distant past) Vredestein Fortezzas.

Open Corsa Evo are lovely but don't last long and are expensive.

Diamante Pro are excellent, actually probably the fastest rolling tyre on the list, and they can usually be picked up at a bargain price. Durability seems good, but I haven't done super amounts of mileage on them yet. I'd highly recommend them, they have a nicer ride but they're not quite as grippy as...

Pro Race 3. Which are really excellent, and give a lot of wet grip, good ride, good life, and normally a decent price too.

Rubino Pro 2. Training tyre - good, but not in the same performance league as others mentioned.

Fortezzas. Good, but I think tyres have come on a bit, and the fortezza is old.

I haven't ridden GP4000, but my experience with contis in the past has been that they're relatively slow and unsupple, but durable, compared to Vittoria and Michelin. Worth trying something different IMO, see how they compare!

In other words, I'd recommend either a Diamante Pro, or a Pro Race 3, depending whether you prefer a better ride or more wet grip. You won't go wrong with either.

Velonutter

kingrollo wrote:

Pro race 3's - in Red, Awesome !

+1

chriskempton

I'd discount Veloflex black as an everyday tyre if you haven't already. They're lovely tyres and would be great on a race bike, but both of mine blew out in punctures with the carcass wrecked

Lagavulin

huuregeil wrote:

Fortezzas. Good, but I think tyres have come on a bit, and the fortezza is old.

There's a new slick version with a higher thread count but it seems uber expensive at £45 a shot. Whether the non-slick/standard version has changed or the marketing department have just given it a new set of sidewall markings I don't know.

bigmat

Cheers for all the replies. I have gone for the Vittoria Diamante Pro 3s in the end. Very good price at Ribble, nice and light and pump up nice and high. I'll report back when they've had a test ride!