Road tyres

[garrykiller]

Hi guys

I currently have specialized armadillos 700c 25s. I need a new set what do you guys recommend. Budget is £25-30 a tyre.

Any help would be great.

[D4MJT]

I've just switched from Vittoria Zaffiro 700x25's to Michelin Pro4's in 700x23C.

They're around £26 each from Wiggle, and I love them. Grip is much better in the dry and the damp, not had a run out in really wet conditions yet. I went with the 'Endurance' version which are slightly thicker / heavier than the lightest 'Service Course' version, but the roads near me aren't great and I'd rather have puncture resistance.

I'd recommend them in a flash, they also come in nice colours

[Mr Will]

What are your priorities? Speed, Comfort, Grip, Life-span, Puncture resistance, Price?

[garrykiller]

Well there for my commuter roadie so longevity and puncture resistance.

[Mr Will]

I'd personally go for Conti 4-Seasons in that situation then. Nearly as puncture resistant as Gatorskins (same under the tread, less on the sidewall) but ride a lot nicer.

[GaryGlitter]

Michelin have extended the offer of a free pair of Lithion2 tyres when you purchase a pair of Pro4 SC, Endurance or Comp.

http://bike.michelin.co.uk/content/download/78165/...

[S10GTA]

Hated the Armadillos when I had them. Conti 4 seasons or gatorskins for me

[garrykiller]

I've been looking at the gator skins as they seem to be mentioned quite a bit on here. What's the difference between gator hardshell, ultra and ultra folding?

[Rob_T]

schwalbe marathon plus. use them on my commute. 3000 miles and counting and not one puncture to report. £26.99 per tyre i think i paid. work well on road, bridle path, in the wet and dry.

[Mr Will]

garrykiller said:

I've been looking at the gator skins as they seem to be mentioned quite a bit on here. What's the difference between gator hardshell, ultra and ultra folding?

The 4-Seasons really are the better choice unless you are touring in remote areas. When was the last time you got a sidewall puncture?

[garrykiller]

With my armadillos. I've never had a puncture. Before them I had schwalbe Luganos and got 3 punctures in one week all from stones or glass. Never had a side wall puncture.

[Deanno1dad]

Schwalbe Durano plus are the lesser puncture resistant brother to the famous Marathon Plus.

I find they roll really well and have never punctured.....better touch some wood!!

[Mr Will]

The 4-Seasons have the same puncture protection as the Gatorskins under the tread (about the same as the Armadillos) but less on the side walls. The side walls are critical to how a tyre rides - rolling resistance, comfort, grip so this makes them noticeably better in these areas. As side wall punctures are rare on tarmac I think this is a worthwhile trade off.

[nottusleinad]

Another vote for Michelin Pro4, although I have the Service Course version.
200g for the 23mm size, grip really well and they're under £24 each from Wiggle.

[WinstonWolf]

garrykiller said:

I've been looking at the gator skins as they seem to be mentioned quite a bit on here. What's the difference between gator hardshell, ultra and ultra folding?

Gatorskins will have your fillings out. Horrible ride!

I've used Vittoria Open Pro and they've been very good WRT punctures but with a much nicer ride.

[scubadude]

I realise this stretches your budget, but if you consider whats included...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-grand-prix-400...

Great tyres BTW, grippy and fast, I use the 25mm version its even remotely comfortable :-)

[S10GTA]

scubadude said:

I realise this stretches your budget, but if you consider whats included...
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/continental-grand-prix-400...

Great tyres BTW, grippy and fast, I use the 25mm version its even remotely comfortable :-)

I have GP4000 on the summer bike but wouldn't consider using them in Winter.

[beanbag]

Another vote for the Michelin Pro4's. I have the service course too and previous to this I used a pair of Pro3's which were also superb.

I don't ride in the wet as it sucks but I go out in damp conditions and have been caught in a light shower and I never struggled with grip.

They also corner brilliantly and are very durable. In over 2,500km of riding, I had one puncture on the Pro3's which made me upgrade to Pro4's as the rubber was finally shot.

Pressure-wise I keep them at 120psi which a nice fast rolling speed.

[Matt_N]

GaryGlitter said:

Michelin have extended the offer of a free pair of Lithion2 tyres when you purchase a pair of Pro4 SC, Endurance or Comp.

http://bike.michelin.co.uk/content/download/78165/...

Nice, was going to try some Pro4 SC out so this is a nice extra!

[scubadude]

S10GTA said:

I have GP4000 on the summer bike but wouldn't consider using them in Winter.

ok, well- to be fair OP didn't ask about that but I've used them year round without issue- any reason?