Specialized Allez Tyres

dave_rudge

Hey Guys,

Im brand new to cycling in any form (so im sure that ill have alot more queries over the next few weeks!), but ive just picked up a brand new specialized allez elite. Ive taken it out for a quick spin and love it so far.

But I was wondering, is there any benefit to switching tyres over from the smooth tires provided to some with tread? Ill mostly be riding on tarmac'd cycle path as opposed to road, so wasnt sure wether some tread would offer any benefit?

Cheers!

Lagavulin

Slicks are better than treads on road bikes. The more surface area in contact with the the road the better. A tread just reduces that.

The supplied tyres (Spesh Mondos or Mondo Pros?) aren't great in my experience. There are much nicer tyres out there but you might as well get some use out of them while the roads are relatively clear/clean.
I found mine to be OK when I first purchased my Spesh Allez Sport back in 2006 but once the flints and general road grot started to pick up come September/October they started to cut up badly and eventually puncture.

Upgrading to something like Michelin Krylion, Vittoria Open-Pave or Schwalbe Durano for winter would be worthwhile.

dave_rudge

Thanks for the imput guys - I've looked into the Michellins and theyre only 16quid on Chain Reaction - sounds a bargin judging by the reviews! Silly question, but what size would I need for my Allez?

Also Stanley222, im just up the road from you (just off the westerleigh road) - in you experience what is the best local bike shop?

dave_rudge

Cheers Stanley - Thanks for the offer, although I think at that price with those reviews I cant go far wrong! Out of interest, what do you mean that the 25s would give me more confidence?

And I hadnt noticed that bike shop in Yate before - the servicing costs seem cheaper than others, so looks like it would be worth becoming a regular there"

dave_rudge

Haha yea, I meant comfort - not sure where I got confidence from! I think I meant to say that i wasnt very confident on the 23's which came with the elite - are the 25s a bit wider and therefore more stable?

skyd0g

dave_rudge wrote:

Haha yea, I meant comfort - not sure where I got confidence from! I think I meant to say that i wasnt very confident on the 23's which came with the elite - are the 25s a bit wider and therefore more stable?

There is no difference in 'stability' between 23's & 25's. Race bikes are naturally likely to feel 'twitchier' than other bikes you may be used to. Just ride and confidence will come.

Rich Hcp

I changed the tyres on my Allez to Vittoria Rubino Pros

Much better and make p*nct*res rare