Ready for a change of Tyres?

obi wan dandobi

Bit of a newbie at road biking and was after a little advice.

I'm currently running on a pair of Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HDs, had no problems with them and after 200 miles had no punctures. I've noticed in the last week that summer is finally over and was wondering whether I should be thinking about changing my tyres to more resilient puncture proof ones or should I just keep running what I've got? Was eyeing up some Schwalbe Marathon Plus, anyone recommend these? Also currently running on 700x23s, should I be thinking about using a wider tyre for Autumn/Winter?

Damn, this biking lark is expensive! :?

Cheers for your help.

nochekmate

Double post

nochekmate

If you're worried about the expense, don't bother changing the tyres! Whilst many riders will have different tyres on their winter set-up, it's not essential - last winter I rode Michelin PR3s and whilst perhaps not recommended it wasn't a problem. The same tyres are still on my bike now.

maxandpaddy

I to have Schwalbe Ultremo ZX HD but will swap over to Schwalbe Durano Plus as the weather changes,
They are a heavier tyre but very good punture resistance, I would rather carry the extra weight and not have to change a tube in the cold and rain at 4am in the morning. on my commute to work.

Butterd2

You might want something a bit tougher, Durano/GP4 Season but the Marathon Plus is a very heavy tyre and a bugger to fit!

obi wan dandobi

Cheers for the advice. Gonna have a look at getting a pair of Durano Plus on pay day, will stick with Schwalbe, they've been good to me... so far. Heard that they're easier to fit if you warm them up first (in a hot bath maybe?). Is that right?

merak

Hmm - no hot baths available when you're fixing them on the road in a downpour - need to know you can get them off and on the rim without the heating.

Alibran

I use Vittoria Rubino Pros all year round. They handled year round commuting in Cornwall in all weathers without any problems, and when I did have to change a tube recently (due to a valve failure, not a puncture), I was very surprised at how easily the tyre came off and went back on again. I didn't remember it being that easy when I first put them on!

smurfylicious

cadseen wrote:

Always use the Armadillo tyre for winter when you want puncture proof.


http://tidd.ly/2c5334d2

I've used these all year round.

obi wan dandobi

Yeah, sound advice Merak.

ride_whenever

merak wrote:

Hmm - no hot baths available when you're fixing them on the road in a downpour - need to know you can get them off and on the rim without the heating.

Except once they've been on for a bit they stretch noticeably.

I'd avoid the specialised tyres atm, had a spate of them coming in with the tread significantly delaminating from the carcass.

merak

No argument with the stretching but I wouldn't feel comfortable riding tyres that I could only get on when new by soaking in a warm bath. Stretch they might, but try fitting them on a cold, wet day with numb thumbs. An easy initial fit is one of the considerations for me when choosing tyres - most Vittorias, eg Rubinos, go on easily (but not Open Corsa Slicks which are buggers to fit, presumbaly because they are specced to some absurd pressure - 200psi IIRC and fragile to boot) .

obi wan dandobi

Just typical! Got a puncture on the way to work today. Guess thats what happens when you test fate!

At least I'll get my new tyres now.

tarbot18

Ive had continental grand prix 4seasons for a while now and gone from a puncture a week to er well none (tempting fate ) good tryes plenty of grip and still only 240g a tyre .