Recommend me some tyres!

[Marcellus]

After many thousand of miles i'm looking to replace my road tyres.

I've had Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp tyres on which have lasted well but wondered what people recommend.

Now for a real numpty question, what size are they??

It looks as though 23-622 (700x23c) is printed on them but too worn to tell, the rims are Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL so any ideas?

[nammynake]

Conti GP4000s in 25mm. Great tyre in the wet and dry. The 25mm are considerably more comfy than the 23mm ones - just make sure you drop the pressures (sub 100).

Pretty good protection but if you're wanting to run something through winter I'd look at the 4 Seasons but be aware they size up A LOT smaller than the GP4000s. The 25mm 4 Seasons are similar in width to the 23mm GP4000s.

Also really rate the Mavic Yksion pro/grip link in 25mm size. Not tried them in the wet but they're very good in the dry.

[littleandy0410]

From the thread title, I was about to recommend Fortezza TriComps, but I see you've discovered them already! I'm on my second set, I went for 23c again as they were cheap, but I'm tempted to try 25c next time.

[Marcellus]

Ok next numpy question; 23 or 25 what's the difference?

I've tended to run my 23s at 130psi in the dry dropping to 110 if i go out in the wet.

[nammynake]

Marcellus said:

Ok next numpy question; 23 or 25 what's the difference?

I've tended to run my 23s at 130psi in the dry dropping to 110 if i go out in the wet.

Although they're only 2mm wider they have more volume (bigger cushion of air) and can (and should) be run at lower pressure. This makes them more comfy on our normal British roads. Testing has also revealed that 25mm tyres have marginally lower rolling resistance, which sounds counterintuitive at first.

By the way 130 PSI is very high, maybe try dropping the pressure to see what softer tyres feel like first (unless you're a big unit that is.....).

[Jayfish]

At 70 kg I ran 23's at 95 front 100 rear, only use 25's now and 85 front 90 rear works for me, never had a pinch puncture and more pressure makes the ride skittish over uneven surfaces.

[paulmon]

25's are OK but make sure you have enough clearance between the tyre and the brake calliper. I ran 25s on my CAAD 10 earlier in the year but had to take them off because stones would get stuck on the brake calliper which meant getting off the bike and forcing it out. Less than ideal when climbing riding up a 15-20% gradient.

[jamiebae]

Michelin Pro4 Service Course are pretty good, and half the price of the Conti GP4000. I've not used the Contis but from what I hear there's not a massive amount in it, and at £20 each I run the Michelins on both my bikes and don't have any complaints so far. My brother borrowed a bike and managed to pinch-flat but that's because he didn't pump the tyres up before he went out and it hadn't been ridden in weeks, other than that puncture resistance has been good too.

[tuffer]

I have been running Vittoria Open Pave's for the last 10 months, not a single puncture. Will be swapping for the same again later this year.

[neenaw]

tuffer said:

I have been running Vittoria Open Pave's for the last 10 months, not a single puncture. Will be swapping for the same again later this year.

What are the Open Pave's like in the wet?

[TwistingMyMelon]

OP I run the same tyre as you, no issues, one slow puncture in 18 months, but the tyre was on the wear indicators so replaced it.

If it was me I'd only replace if I wanted to go upto 25c, I'm tempted to as it will help ease off the poor road conditions in Wilts, as my frame is rubbish at absorbing road buzz

If I did I would probs go for conti gp4000s but they are quite pricey, i'm sure they are worth it, but it would piss me off if they got nicked or ruined quickly at the price they are

[Marcellus]

I'm struggling to find Vredestein Fortezza Tricomp in 25s can only find them in 23s.

As that's what I've been used I think I may go that route again unless anyone can give me a good reason not too!

[TwistingMyMelon]

I never found any in 25c

[Greenish]

Im currently using Continental Gatorskins and finding them particularly slippery in the wet. Not sure if that is just a by product of this particular tyre?

[Jayfish]

Yup, Gatorskins are horrid for grip, I'm glad I wore mine out, never again.

[richardxjr]

There is a moon on a stick tyre. 2-3000 miles I think on this pair, no issues.

25c? check, fancy colours too.
Mount easily manually, not stupid tight? check
Folding, not heavy? check
Tons of grip? check, dual compound with stickier edges
Kevlar belt puncture protection? check
Good ride quality though? check
Cheap? check.

PlanetX Rage K. Usually about a tenner.

[yellowjack]

I agree with the Gatorskins comments, I switched to them from old Michelin amber walls on a mid 90s road bike, and almost instantly regretted it. They slip and slide all over the place, inspire no confidence whatsoever, are a particularly harsh ride, and didn't even have much in the way of puncture resistance. Continental's GP 4Seasons on the other hand, have been excellent. Good grip, reasonably comfortable, robust and hard wearing, with pretty good resistance to sharps on the road.

[bakerstreet]

I've had two sets of Gatorskins and I've had slippage on two occasions and that is over 7k. I commute in all weathers, so I consider that pretty acceptable. The ride comfort is pretty bad though.

I am contemplating moving to Michelin Service Course 4s just because I fancy a change.

[Raven Flyer]

I have Vittoria Open Pave on my Kysriums and GP4000S II on my carbons. Both sets are 23s and I run Supersonic tubes in both.

I prefer the GP4000S II for the grip and confidence they give, but there is very little in it.

I'm 76kg and run 95psi front 100psi rear.

Neither have punctured.

[thiscocks]

Never had a problem with Gatorskins. Think they are v tough and have gripped well enough through several winters for me (maybe i'm just going too slow around corners ) plus the wire ones are pretty cheap.