Would like to upgrade tires on Specialized Roubaix.

sharpshoota

Currently I have..Specialized Espoir Elite, double BlackBelt, 60TPI, aramid bead, 700x25c. Any suggestions on higher performance tire that will get less flats. I was hoping to keep same stock wheels. DT axis 2.0 Thanks

mikenetic

Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons in a 25c are a perfect match for the Roubaix. Also pretty puncture resistant, I've had one flat in about 1500 - 2000 miles.

vorsprung

I am using Michelin Optimum on my Roubaix. I am not familar with the "Specialized Espoir Elite, double BlackBelt" so i can't say if they will be a "higher performance tire that will get less flats" but they work for me.

I've used the Continental Grand Prix 4 Seasons before and my experience was they were great until I'd done 1500 miles+ then they became a puncture magnet. I think the casing wears out and then they can't resist sharps.

In general you won't get a "higher performance tire that will get less flats" because higher performance == lighter weight and lighter weight == more flats.

For less flats on a 25mm road bike style of tyre the Bontrager Hardcase Lite has good puncture resistance, lasts forever and are cheap. Bikeplus often have them on special. Not super fast however.

Wooliferkins

One more for the GP 4 seasons. vorsprungs comment is fair across the Conti range, they are bombproof to a certain wear point then let you know in no uncertain terms they've had enough.

chris_bass

much like team, there is no 'i' in tyres!!

smidsy

Tyres are always a compromise.

You can not have a fast rolling, comfy, high puncture resistant, high mileage, grippy tyre. You have to perm say 3 from 5.

For good puncture resistance look at Schwalbe Durano Plus.

For fast rolling comfort look at Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX

For High Mileage look at Continental Gatorskins Hardshells.

For grip look at Schawalbe Ultremo ZX.

For a good compromise of all of the above look at Continental GP4000s in black chilli compound.

luv2ride

Think Continental have just released a slightly larger version of their Grand Prix (apparently comes up something like 26.8mm or something). Have been running Ultremo ZX's in 25mm, but have wanted to try 28's as my Roubaix has tons of tyre clearance. Those Conti's therefore sound like an ideal compromise. I've used the Grand Prix's in 24mm and like those...especially as they often come up on sale with planet X and Cycle Surgery, etc

philbar72

2 upgrades, for best rolling resistance and improved grip, but average (but by no means bad) puncture protection, I go GP4000s.

for good rolling, reasonable grip, and slightly better ride and excellent puncture protection use GP4 seasons.