new 25mm tyres

[Anteros]

Dear cyclist,

I was wondering if you had any advice on what tyres to buy. I have a pretty old road racing bike, the Giant Ocr Compact Road, which is in real bad need of some new tyres. The most important thing for me is that these tyres are durable and most of all grippy in all conditions. The pace is not of such importance to me but of course, a low rolling resistance has never hurt anyone. I already thought of the Continental Grand Prix 4 season tyres but I was wondering what your ideas were on the topic. I would love to go with a 28mm tyre, sadly my local bike store told me those probably would be a real tight fit if not simply impossible. 25mm's will fit though! Lastly, I want clinchers.

Edit: For now I am doubting between the Pirelli P Zero Velo 4S, the Continental Grand Prix 4 season, and lastly the Schwalbe Duranos. Any reviews on those are also more than welcome!

Greetings,
Anteros

For anyone wondering about my rims, I could give the name but you probably won't find 'em. So I attached a photo I found on the internet of the rim, hope this will do.

 

[Grant Fondo]

Schwalbe Duranos, been running 28c ones for ages no punctures.

 

[Anteros]

Schwalbe Duranos, been running 28c ones for ages no punctures.

How is it's grip in wet conditions?

 

[GetFatty]

How is it's grip in wet conditions?

Never had an issue with them in the wet. I've been using 25mm Duranos for years (Schwalbe even gave me some for free for LEL 2013). Good at rolling and gripping so I have them on distance bike and on the commuter

 

[Spiderweb]

The Pirelli P Zero 4s are only £18 here https://www.triuk.com/Triathlon-Tyres/Pirelli/P-Zero-Velo-4S-Black-or-Blue/358002

 

[Anteros]

The Pirelli P Zero 4s are only £18 here https://www.triuk.com/Triathlon-Tyres/Pirelli/P-Zero-Velo-4S-Black-or-Blue/358002

Sadly I live in the Netherlands, there they are still around 50€..

 

[Anteros]

Never had an issue with them in the wet. I've been using 25mm Duranos for years (Schwalbe even gave me some for free for LEL 2013). Good at rolling and gripping so I have them on distance bike and on the commuter

May I ask why you choose to use the Schwalbe Durano instead of the Schwalbe Durano Plus 2020?

 

[GetFatty]

May I ask why you choose to use the Schwalbe Durano instead of the Schwalbe Durano Plus 2020?

They change the name every year or so and I lose track. Just checked the distance bike and they are Plus. I think on the commuter they are called Double or something. They are pretty much the same tyre

 

[Anteros]

They change the name every year or so and I lose track. Just checked the distance bike and they are Plus. I think on the commuter they are called Double or something. They are pretty much the same tyre

I understand, thanks

 

[Anteros]

Anyone with any experience with the Pirelli Zero Velo 4S or the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season?

 

[GetFatty]

Anyone with any experience with the Pirelli Zero Velo 4S or the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season?

I did have the 4 seasons before I discovered the Duranos. I found that they had a tendency to collect debris and hold it until eventually they punctured. I do know people who swear by them though

 

[Fab Foodie]

Anyone with any experience with the Pirelli Zero Velo 4S or the Continental Grand Prix 4-Season?

I've had the 4 Seasons 28c on my main Audaxy style bike for quite some time now and they have proven to be very reliable (p*ncture-wise) wet or dry, they ride quite well, wear is good and I've had no grip issues to date.
I've recently upgraded to GP5000 for the summer and these are faster and more comfortable and probably grippier, but wear faster. P-protection probs less good but only been out in the wet once and suffered on that occasion. Will be back to the 4 Seasons for winter/rainier/darker rides.
Many swear by the GP4000 as a good all-round tyre.

So, based on your original question, I'd go for the 4 Seasons; for low wear, good durability/P resistance and decent enough grip unless you're a balls to the wall cornerer!

 

[Anteros]

I've had the 4 Seasons 28c on my main Audaxy style bike for quite some time now and they have proven to be very reliable (p*ncture-wise) wet or dry, they ride quite well, wear is good and I've had no grip issues to date.
I've recently upgraded to GP5000 for the summer and these are faster and more comfortable and probably grippier, but wear faster. P-protection probs less good but only been out in the wet once and suffered on that occasion. Will be back to the 4 Seasons for winter/rainier/darker rides.
Many swear by the GP4000 as a good all-round tyre.

So, based on your original question, I'd go for the 4 Seasons; for low wear, good durability/P resistance and decent enough grip unless you're a balls to the wall cornerer!

Thanks for your reply, it's not becoming an easy choice is it, probably won't go wrong with any of those two, in my native country the Netherlands people swear by the Pirelli P Zero Velo 4S for a good balance between all factors. But here I can hardly find anyone who owns them. I am wondering if the 4 seasons will be a good balance for an all-year tyre or that should only be used in the winter according to you?

 

[Fab Foodie]

Thanks for your reply, it's not becoming an easy choice is it, probably won't go wrong with any of those two, in my native country the Netherlands people swear by the Pirelli P Zero Velo 4S for a good balance between all factors. But here I can hardly find anyone who owns them. I am wondering if the 4 seasons will be a good balance for an all-year tyre or that should only be used in the winter according to you?

Until this spring I have used them for all year round riding, at least 6 years, all weathers, long distance, night riding, loaded and unloaded. They’ve been great, I don’t hesitate recommending them for all-round use.
The GP 5000 are an experiment, a bit of fun while the sun is shining

 

[figbat]

I have 25mm Durano Raceguards on my current road bike and had 28mm versions on my old bike. I've never had a moment's issue with them; easy enough to mount, all the traction I need, generally puncture-free (except that one ride where I picked up 4 punctures but that was more down to rain-washed debris in the road).