Tyres?

PH5121

My new Defy 3 arrived by carrier this morning, it is sat in the box for me to take home and build. I have noticed that the tyres are not the Kenda Kriterium it shows in the Giant catalogue, but some Vittoria Zaffiros - total slicks.

Are total slicks (as smooth as an inner tube) a suitable general tyre for a beginner? has the bike shop who supplied it stuck some cheapo tyres on it and palmed them off on me?
Sorry for the numptie questions, I was sure that the Kenda tyres had a bit of tread on them.

If they are not suitable any advice on a good tyre for some one just riding to build fitness/reduce fatness at a leisurely pace.

Paul

desweller

Tread patterns on road tyres are completely superfluous, even in wet weather.

The contact patch is so small that it doesn't make a difference.

soveda

PH5121 wrote:

My new Defy 3 arrived by carrier this morning, it is sat in the box for me to take home and build. I have noticed that the tyres are not the Kenda Kriterium it shows in the Giant catalogue, but some Vittoria Zaffiros - total slicks.

Are total slicks (as smooth as an inner tube) a suitable general tyre for a beginner? has the bike shop who supplied it stuck some cheapo tyres on it and palmed them off on me?
Sorry for the numptie questions, I was sure that the Kenda tyres had a bit of tread on them.

If they are not suitable any advice on a good tyre for some one just riding to build fitness/reduce fatness at a leisurely pace.

Paul

I'm pretty sure they are an upgrade!
The Kenda Kriterium tyres didn't inspire confidence in fast corners.

Bobbinogs

DesWeller wrote:

Tread patterns on road tyres are completely superfluous, even in wet weather.

The contact patch is so small that it doesn't make a difference.

If that is the case, how comes a lot of manufacturers have patterns on the shoulders? I thought it was to assist with cornering in conditions that weren't optimal (see Giro d'Italia)?

I would be interested in the answer because I have previously discounted getting completely smooth tyres because I have presumed that there are not suitable for wet weather riding (which I often end up doing )

danowat

I've ridden both in the wet, slicks and ones with slight grooving on the shoulders, made no discernable difference to me.

cotti

Bobbinogs wrote:

DesWeller wrote:

Tread patterns on road tyres are completely superfluous, even in wet weather.

The contact patch is so small that it doesn't make a difference.

If that is the case, how comes a lot of manufacturers have patterns on the shoulders? I thought it was to assist with cornering in conditions that weren't optimal (see Giro d'Italia)?

I would be interested in the answer because I have previously discounted getting completely smooth tyres because I have presumed that there are not suitable for wet weather riding (which I often end up doing )

It is simply to sell more tyres the manufacturers know the common belief is that tread means grip so they put some on to ease peoples minds. It does as the others above point out do nothing for grip levels on road bikes.

cougie

I ride slicks in all weathers - not a problem.

danowat

I think its a common worry, infact, I had the same worry when I started riding, infact, I asked the very same question, albeit elsewhere!

Bunneh

I have noticed that if I'm with someone else downhill, starting at the same point and just rolling, they seem to get in front so much quicker. THe tyres are Continental Ultra Sport and I did wonder if their rolling resistance was crap; that said I'm a bit dumb when it comes to tyres.

pbt150

Bunneh wrote:

I have noticed that if I'm with someone else downhill, starting at the same point and just rolling, they seem to get in front so much quicker. THe tyres are Continental Ultra Sport and I did wonder if their rolling resistance was crap; that said I'm a bit dumb when it comes to tyres.

Weight and aerodynamics probably a bigger factor for this. And your wheels too.

pianoman

Weight and aerodynamics probably a bigger factor for this.

Yes indeed, aerodynamics, particularly on the front end, are paramount every time.

As for the question regarding tread, I've used Michelin Pro 2's and Panaracer Extreme Duro's through two similar winters and didn't have a single problem with either, shame the Pro 3's are so easy to wreck with cuts in no time. The only tyre I've used that didn't inspire confidence in winter was the Schwalbe Stelvio (now called Durano S). It's got "dimpled" tread on the sides, which only serves to lift rubber from the road, but it's also a "shiny-slick" in the middle meaning that it slides far easier under large amounts of torque on less-than-perfect surfaces. Heck, even the Ultremo's were more surefooted on crap roads..........do yourself a favour and pick a "rough slick" like the Extreme Duro in 25c if you're really that worried, they will serve you well year-round.

For summer the Evo 3's in 23mm are superb all rounders. 3,500 miles out of a 210g clincher? Can't argue with that

desweller

pbt150 wrote:

Bunneh wrote:

I have noticed that if I'm with someone else downhill, starting at the same point and just rolling, they seem to get in front so much quicker. THe tyres are Continental Ultra Sport and I did wonder if their rolling resistance was crap; that said I'm a bit dumb when it comes to tyres.

Weight and aerodynamics probably a bigger factor for this. And your wheels too.

+1 for weight. I can never keep up with my Dad on straight descents, due to the 3 to 4 stone 'advantage' he has over me.

potters1863

Have just changed to slicks and the grip is brilliant in the dry.

Enquired about the wet weather performance of the tyres and informed that due to the amount of tyre in contact with the road that this wasn't a problem.

Shall have to see when it rains but they are very good and a lot better than my previous tyres.

ilm_zero7

DesWeller wrote:

pbt150 wrote:

Bunneh wrote:

I have noticed that if I'm with someone else downhill, starting at the same point and just rolling, they seem to get in front so much quicker. THe tyres are Continental Ultra Sport and I did wonder if their rolling resistance was crap; that said I'm a bit dumb when it comes to tyres.

Weight and aerodynamics probably a bigger factor for this. And your wheels too.

+1 for weight. I can never keep up with my Dad on straight descents, due to the 3 to 4 stone 'advantage' he has over me.

and I thought it was my hubs ans aero position that made all the differences - my hopes are dashed!......