What clinchers to go with some new wheels?

blinddrew
blinddrew Posts: 317
edited September 2013 in Road buying advice
So, I think I've decided on some new wheels (courtesy of wheelsmith), but I don't want to just lob my old Luganos on them (nice all-rounder as they are) as that seems to be slightly undermining the point of getting some nifty new wheels.
I don't race so i'm not looking at something almost disposable (hence clinchers not tubs), but do like nice quick rides with my mates and these would generally be for summer use. Doubt that it makes much difference but I'm probably a bit over average weight at 85kg*.
My frame and the new wheels will take 25mm tyres and that's the size I'm tempted by.
Conti GP4000s have been mentioned a few times on the forum as have a number of different Vittorias.
Any suggestions?
Also, is it worth spending the extra on latex tubes? Or is this just marketing guff?
Cheers
Drew


* depending on breakfast
Music, beer, sport, repeat...

Comments

  • Lifeboy123
    Lifeboy123 Posts: 213
    I have Conti GP4000s, good all year round tyre even on Northumberland's roads. I prefer them to my Michelin Pro Race 4's. Not as light as Ultremos and other premium brands but they are durable and much lighter and give good grip and provide enough puncture protection that I don't need to consider gatposkins for the winter.

    Out of interest what wheels did you plumb for ?
  • EPO Delivery Man
    EPO Delivery Man Posts: 271
    I personally run Scwalbe Ultremos ZX's, been great for me, but might not be what your looking for based on the roads around your way. They can get little nicks in them due to their soft, grippy nature. But having said that, ive had one puncture in 1000 miles, so to be expected.

    Still going strong though and im running Continental Race inners.
  • Cubic
    Cubic Posts: 594
    You could try some Schwalbe Durano S tyres. They're more racy than the Luganos, but are a bit more sturdy and puncture resistant than the Ultremo ZX.
    Cannondale Synapse Carbon

    Giant Anthem X 29er 2
  • gryfon23
    gryfon23 Posts: 64
    You won't get much better than a set of Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Clinchers with Michelin Latex inner tubes. A really beautiful ride.
  • jezzpalmer
    jezzpalmer Posts: 389
    gryfon23 wrote:
    You won't get much better than a set of Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Clinchers with Michelin Latex inner tubes. A really beautiful ride.

    Veloflex Corsa are very nice too, well worth a try.
    £28 http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... elxtyrf350

    Due to a freak accident damaging one of my Vit's I have one of each (Vit rear/Velo front) on my bike at the minute.
    I think I'm a convert.
  • trek_dan
    trek_dan Posts: 1,366
    Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp Quattro's are a good durable all rounder I've found, certainly my tyre choice at the moment after trying a few brands over the time I've been riding. They were on sale for £20 at Ribble, but I think only in 23c so may have to pay full price for 25c's.
  • Bobbinogs
    Bobbinogs Posts: 4,841
    OnYourRight wrote:
    There’s a new version of the Continental GP4000S, called the GP4000S II, coming out soon...

    That link is a bit confusing. The GP4000s (and version 2) is a folding tyre and yet the pictures showed wired tyres?

    Also, I note that they don't promise much in terms of less rolling resistance/greater wear, etc, etc., just a new look.

    I do rate the 4000s tyres though but they are race tyres like the ZX so can cut up easily. I usually just ride my 'race' tyres all year but have just bought some Ultremo DDs for this winter so I'll be interested to see how they get on in the crappy weather.
  • blinddrew
    blinddrew Posts: 317
    Cheers folks, that's reinforced the short list at least, will just have to have a look around and see what's on offer.

    In response to Lifeboy123, I had a chat with those nice folks at wheelsmith and am awaiting a set of 24mm wide gigantex rims (50mm) built onto their own hubs with sapim spokes. I'll stick a write up on here when I've got them and done some sensible mileage.
    Music, beer, sport, repeat...
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    do yourself a favour and go for the PR4s, great all round tyres, available in 25s too ...
  • wotnoshoeseh
    wotnoshoeseh Posts: 531
    GP4000S in a 25. +1
  • paul_mck
    paul_mck Posts: 1,058
    I went for folding gatorskins this time around. 23mmF 25mmR. The folders arent heavy and should keep punctures at bay better. cheap enough too at £25 each.

    Im struggling to find the downside with them tbh.
  • teisetrotter
    teisetrotter Posts: 342
    gryfon23 wrote:
    You won't get much better than a set of Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX Clinchers with Michelin Latex inner tubes. A really beautiful ride.

    I agree, but they will get slashed to death in the winter. I have had to pull a few emergency stops recently, including one where I went through the back window of a car, and the rear is an a bit of a state.

    Great to ride, but they don't last.
  • Calpol
    Calpol Posts: 1,039
    Michelin Pro 4 Service Course - here - nice tyre and cheap too if you shop around
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    OP - running 23mm tyres on your wide carbon clincher rim will produce the desired 'teardrop' aero shape - which is the whole point of wider rims. Wider tyres negate this effect but might give you a smoother ride. I prefer the former benefit myself.
  • paul_mck
    paul_mck Posts: 1,058
    you really think youd notice that?
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    Do you really think folk can feel the benefit a tyre that's 2mm wider? ;-)
  • paul_mck
    paul_mck Posts: 1,058
    well, yes
  • Tom Butcher
    Tom Butcher Posts: 3,830
    The vittorias mentioned above are great but the Contis and Michelin Pro 4s are a little bit tougher especially the sidewalls.

    Personally I wouldn't touch schwalbe Ultremos after having had problems with them bulging (something a mate also had on a ride last year so this isn't confined to early versions) and the replacements having threads coming away all the way round which doesn't inspire confidence. Yes they are fast and grip well but so do all top level race tyres. Mates tell me Schwalbe motorscooter tyres have a similar reputation for going out of shape.
    it's a hard life if you don't weaken.
  • blinddrew
    blinddrew Posts: 317
    So Pro 4s or GP4000s seem to be the general direction here, with a couple of shouts for gatorskins and duranos.
    Time to hit the sale sections and see what's on offer.
    I'll see if there are any reduced latex tubes as well
    Music, beer, sport, repeat...
  • gryfon23
    gryfon23 Posts: 64
    They are the general direction as they are the most easily available. Does not necessarily mean they are the best. I like the Michelins but can't say that the Contis ever did much for me. Scour Ebay and elsewhere for 320tpi Vittoria open corsa. If you don't like them I'm sure you'll have plenty of buyers at a good price.
  • overlord2
    overlord2 Posts: 339
    I've noticed a deteriation in gatorskins in the last 5 years, with a proportional increase in price. The middle of the tyre is reasonable puncture-proof but not great, grip in the wet is shocking, and the sidewalls are paper thin. I dont understand why peole love them as a winter tyre, i'd rather go with marathons, slow, grip - not so good, but survive a nuclear halocaust. Fixing punctures in January - no thanks.
  • Barbarossa
    Barbarossa Posts: 248
    Careful with tyre width. I just changed from 19mm to 23mm rims with the same 25mm tyres and have ended up with very little clearance to the chain stays. Will fit 23 mm tyres when these wear out.
  • s2_dpd
    s2_dpd Posts: 46
    I liked my Schwalbe Durano S until the rear let go on me with an almighty bang - 4cm rip in the sidewall.

    Now on Michelin Pro Race 4, a bit lighter and so far very commendable...

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