Tyre advice - Replacing Michelin Krylions

BDFun

Hi all,

I currently use Michelin Krylion Carbons, and they have been very good with durability and puncture resistance. I need to replace them soon, but Michelin have discontinued them so it is harder to find stock.

I'm looking for something that is equivalent if not better than the Krylions in puncture resistance, and something that is suitable for all year round use, and rolls well. This will be going on a commuting bike and I intend to try out 25mm instead of 23mm for more comfort.

I hear mixture of opinions about the Gatorskins, and I've been recommended Schwalbe Durano Performance but have not found many reviews about them.

Thanks in advance.

Gazzetta67

Hi Bd. Ive been using Krylions on my hack bike all winter and NO punctures very impressed with them....Never been a fan of continental tyres ...prob down to the fact i did a Bjarne Riis and threw my bike over a fence as i couldnt get the feckin tyre back on the rim ...2 broken tyre levers and numbness in my fingers .

Ive been using Michelin Pro race 3 on my good bike and not had any problems tho tempted to try the new pro4.

Gazzetta67

PS. Lots of Krylions on Ebay just now ??

porker33

Conti 4 seasons get a good review..I have Krylions, they still have them at Decathlon

turnerjohn

I've been very impressed with Gatorskin...tho I prefer 4 Seasons on the front as they tend to grip a little better (softer compound) . Use PRO3's on my summer bike and found them superb and very very tough.
Schwable Marathones are super tough tho just a little weighty ! Schwable do other racier tyres with PProtection which are sposed to be very good as well if you fancy a change.

Bobbinogs

If you want something similar just slightly better then you could always go for the replacement...Pro4 Endurance. Have a quick search on google as there are loads of uk suppliers now.

I also like the Kryllions as training tyres so would be interested what anyone's thoughts are on the new version, or the Schwalbe equivilent which appears to be the Ultremo DD.

ride_whenever

My choice would be the lugano, however, I exclusively ride ultremo ZX's as I love the ride quality and they seem okay for puncture resistance, showing very little signs of wear after 2000 miles aside from one biggish hole where a carpet tack nailed the rear one to the rim

asprilla

Bobbinogs wrote:

If you want something similar just slightly better then you could always go for the replacement...Pro4 Endurance. Have a quick search on google as there are loads of uk suppliers now.

I also like the Kryllions as training tyres so would be interested what anyone's thoughts are on the new version, or the Schwalbe equivilent which appears to be the Ultremo DD.

I would say the Schwalbe equivalent was the Durano S or Durano Performance. That's what I moved over to a few years ago when Krylion production was suspended for a while. Dallied with gator skins and four seasons, but didn't have much luck with them.

BDFun

How did you find the Durano S or Durano Performance, particularly robustness/puncture resistance? Do you use them for commuting or racing?

asprilla

I use 25c Durano Performance for commuting and 23c Durano Plus for weekend rides, sportives, etc. I like them both and in terms of weight and protection they've never given me cause to try anything else. I dont want to tempt fate but I've got 4000 miles on my current commuting tyres without incident.

BDFun

Thanks for the advice Asprilla, I'll go for the Durano performance.

Is there any advantage to me running 23mm on the front and 25mm on the rear, or should I just keep it simple and have 25mm on front and rear?

Thanks

asprilla

Never thought of running different sizes to be honest. No idea if what the pros / cons would be.

rpd_steve

Pro3 Race 365 days a year, race and training. Fast, light, grippy, no puntures (until the ride I'll do this afternoon...) in 18 months.

Just to look at tyre sizes a sec... I have tested the RR of 23 and 25mm gator skins with a 40kg load and there is no differance. (3% but there is 3% deviation between different batches of the same size). But the 25 is about 15% heavier, and less aero, unless you have wider rims. The agvantage of bigger tyres is for the same contact patch drop you need about 10% less pressure which feels a bit better, and a larger tyre is less likely to pintch flat.

There is no increase in 'grip' throuh, and infact a 23 is better in standing water and at stiffer at high lean angles - hence 20 or 23 only for racing/crits.

lostboysaint

Gatorskin Hardshell or GP Four Seasons.