Tyres

drewduncan

Hi guys,

I've been road cycling since may and have a triban 3. I'm cycling between 20 to 40 miles 2 or 3 times a week and really enjoying it. Does anyone have any experience with upgrading their tyres?

Would a novice like myself notice any difference in terms of comfort and speed?

Any thoughts would be great. Thanks

smidsy

Many different opinions I am sure, but I think it is generally accepted that 25mm tyres will give a better feeling ride than 23mm and offer slightly less rolling resistance too.

With regards to faster rolling tyres, there are definitely benefits to be had, although you have to balance speed with longevity/punture resistance. Many different opinions on tyres too but I found Schwalbe Durano S to be a good compromise of all three factors - I am sure there are faster tyres but I am not prepared to tempt the puncture fairy ;-)

Continental GP's also worth a look.

Millerman007

been using conti gp4000's for over 1000 miles and no punctures yet(touches wood) I'm also using latex tubes which although you have to fill back up with air every ride are nicer on the stone chip roads than std/light weight butyl tubes

drewduncan

Thanks a lot for your input.

I've been looking at the Michelin pro 3s - good discount on them with the 4s being out.

tomhowells

Sorry to jump in, but I have a sort of related question!! I have been cycling for 8 weeks, mainly to work & back (13 miles each way) and looking to upgrade my tyres.

I have a hybrid with 700cc x 38 tyres, and am looking at tyres that are 700 x 23 - will this work or is this a really stupid question!!

Thanks from a complete noob!!

Alibran

tomhowells wrote:

I have a hybrid with 700cc x 38 tyres, and am looking at tyres that are 700 x 23 - will this work or is this a really stupid question!!

700 x 23 might be too narrow for your rims. Have a close look at the wheel rims, and the rim width should be marked on them somewhere.

Hoopdriver

Why do you want to commute on 23mm tyres?

tomhowells

I just assumed they would offer less rolling resistance than my current knobbly ones, 90% of my riding is on road. Also, I am going to be using it for sprint triathlons, so thought it may be better to use slicker, thinner tyres. Another noob mistake?

Hoopdriver

Go with 25s if you want to go narrow, or even 28s The rolling resistenc will be better than with 23s and the ride will be more comfortable...

tomhowells

Cheers for the advice, Hoopdriver, much appreciated!

wilky27

I'm a newbie too but these Michelin Krylion Carbon tyres have really good reviews and are only £22 each from here:

http://www.parker-international.co.uk/4841/Michelin-Krylion-Carbon-Folding-Tyre.html?referrer=froogle&utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=pid4841

Has anyone used these tyres?

drewduncan

I seen them but bought the Michelin pro 3's. 38 quid for 2. Tried them today for 1st time and they do make a difference. Roll better and keeping speed a bit better too. What psi do u guys recommend? 23mm tyre. Thanks

wilky27

£38? May I ask where from?

Thanks.

drewduncan

Sure chainreactioncycles.com

wilky27

Thanks!

gerryburbie

Go for continetal gator skin, top quality, done over 1000 on mine and as yet no problems.

secretsam

DrewDuncan wrote:

I seen them but bought the Michelin pro 3's. 38 quid for 2. Tried them today for 1st time and they do make a difference. Roll better and keeping speed a bit better too. What psi do u guys recommend? 23mm tyre. Thanks

I've got Pro 3s, they're lovely and quick, made a huge difference - IMHO tyres are the best value upgrade for any bike. One visit from the fairy so far, touch wood that will be it.

I also have Gatorskins on a commuter, they are ace too but I'd say a little slippy in the wet - however, excellent tyres and 0 visits from the fairy in over 2 years

secretsam

Sorry, forgot to answer last bit of question - run my Pro 3s at around 110 psi - so you'll need a track pump (they are ace, a great investment!)

dorchef

Krylion carbon are ACE tyres, decent puncture protection due to carbon weave layer and roll FAST. I have used these for the past year and a half replacing my GP Four Seaons (also very good but a bit dearer) These are my tyre of choice for commuting in London and also club runs. If you are just using it for racing than go for pro 3's but for anything else where you want a bit of assurance that your tyres can take a bit of damage use these. Of course this is just my opinion...

keef66

tomhowells wrote:

I just assumed they would offer less rolling resistance than my current knobbly ones, 90% of my riding is on road. Also, I am going to be using it for sprint triathlons, so thought it may be better to use slicker, thinner tyres. Another noob mistake?

If you have knobbly tyres that suggests it's a mountain bike? Are they 26" wheels (MTB) or 700c (road)?

tomhowells

They are 700c Road wheels, it's a hybrid. The tyres are nobblier than most I have seen, so wanted something with a bit of a lower profile.

keef66

In that case you need to determine the rim width; that's what will determine how skinny a tyre you can fit.

I'd be considering a 28mm road tyre if the rims allow. You don't need any tread on a road tyre. Much faster than a knobbly one!