Which tyres and what size?!

Barrzy257

Just picked myself up a Genesis Croix De Fer as my winter/commuter. It currently has a set of 35mm conti's so looking to swap then out as all my miles will be on road, or atleast for now, was possibly thinking about a set of Gatorskins as people rant and rave about durabilty, but I'm not sure which width to get? I am going to put on a set if full mudguards also. I'm looking for something fairly punchure proof, decent grip n speed. And recommendations welcome! Tyre and the width.
Cheers

marcusjb

Which conti 35mm are on the bike already? Nothing wrong with a 35mm road tyre for riding on the road!

If they are a road tyre, unless they stop you fitting mudguards - why not just keep with them, especially with winter coming up?

Unless you're racing, fat tyres are no bad thing - sure they are heavier, but once you're rolling, they roll better, they are far, far comfier etc.

Save your money, wear them out over winter and then get something thinner in spring?

If however, they are stopping you fitting your guards, or you really want something thinner now - nothing wrong with Gatorskins at all - personally, I prefer Conti 4-Seasons and run them on my audax and commuting bikes - in many, many 1000s of kms I've had three unexpected deflations, so they are pretty bomb-proof. Last a good long time as well, reasonably light etc.

I personally use 28mm as I prefer the extra comfort I get over 23mm and I'm not overly worried about super-acceleration etc. - particularly on distance riding, that extra comfort can make a huge difference to the state of your hands/wrists at the end.

But I wouldn't rush to change the tyres just because they are 35mm (unless they stop you fitting the guards as mentioned) - they'll roll like a dream, and be supremely comfy!

Barrzy257

Currently has a set of Continental Speed Kings, so definitely looking to change them! I reckon il probably run some 28s, a comfort/speed compromise! Thanks for the advice though, have heard good things about the 4 season though, and also the schwalbe durano plus

rothers_bikeo

I'm trying the Duranos next but can confirm Gatorskins are an excellent, rugged and puctureproof tyre but still easy rolling.

marcusjb

Barrzy257 wrote:

Currently has a set of Continental Speed Kings, so definitely looking to change them! I reckon il probably run some 28s, a comfort/speed compromise! Thanks for the advice though, have heard good things about the 4 season though, and also the schwalbe durano plus

Seems fair!

I do highly recommend 28mm Conti 4-Seasons - they do work really well for me - even commuting in London, they hold up!