Schwalbe Ultremo ZX vs Ultremo DD

steadyuk
steadyuk Posts: 295
edited June 2012 in Road buying advice
Having had a 3 puncture disaster on the Magnificat running on Ultremo ZX's I am thinking about changing to the DD (Double Defense) version. Seems like they are about 40g heavier, and was wondering if anyone had any experience of these. Do they roll as well as the ZXs? Doing Marmotte next month and want a reliable tire, but want to keep as light a possible because of the quantity of climbing.

Grateful for any advice

Comments

  • team47b
    team47b Posts: 6,425
    I use ultremo zx no probs, but perhaps it's the roads where you live that require heavier tyres.

    What is it that is passing through your tyre? or are these snake bites? Side wall issues?
    my isetta is a 300cc bike
  • steadyuk
    steadyuk Posts: 295
    Based on surrey/hampshire borders. Seems to be flints that are peircing the beltguard. Maybe just a run of bad luck?
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    I use DD's and ZX's, I can't tell the difference in feel TBH - then again the only puncture I've had on Ultremos has been on the DD :p If you ride in a flinty area I'd be checking the tread every couple of rides for any flints stuck in it whcih will eventually work through the puncture protection if not removed.
  • indyp
    indyp Posts: 735
    I've only had Ultremo ZX for a week and had my first puncture (back wheel) yesterday, already! Two small holes about 5mm apart, I presume that's what's called 'snake bits'? What causes it?
    I previously used GP4000s and was puncture free for 6 month but will persist for a while and see how they go. I had them running at 120 psi f&r. I'm wondering now if I should lower the back but doesn't seem right to.
  • glasgowbhoy
    glasgowbhoy Posts: 1,341
    Apart from the top of the galibier where there is a fair amount of little stones and debris on the road the general condition of the roads compared to the UK are fantastic on the Marmotte. I used Pro race 3's last year and would be equally happy on Ultremo ZX.
  • steadyuk
    steadyuk Posts: 295
    Thanks for the gen on Marmotte roads. I'm thinking a new set of ZXs just down to that fact that the mental torture of knowing I would be carrying a whole 80g extra weight up the cols after a long day in the sun might be too much for me :D
  • tonye_n
    tonye_n Posts: 832
    steadyuk wrote:
    Having had a 3 puncture disaster on the Magnificat running on Ultremo ZX's I am thinking about changing to the DD (Double Defense) version. Seems like they are about 40g heavier, and was wondering if anyone had any experience of these. Do they roll as well as the ZXs? Doing Marmotte next month and want a reliable tire, but want to keep as light a possible because of the quantity of climbing.

    Grateful for any advice

    I've got both on two different bikes. Same wheels though... Ksyrium Elites.
    IMO the weight difference is not noticeable really. I've got the DD on my commuting bike, and the ride is similar to the gp4000s that they replaced. Slightly better feel than say a GP4 season, but similar flat protection.

    Just as grippy as the ZX, but the ZX seems to be a tad more supple.

    Look... if you are doing the mammoth, I would use a reasonably protective tire like the ultremo DD, gp4 season et al.
    Over the distance, the reasurance of extra puncture protection take precedence over about 70-80grams of total weight gain. Even if it is the all important rolling weight.

    FFS you are not in a crit or TT race!

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