New bike! Which tyres? Which pedals?

[vickster]

Rubinos are a tenner a piece from Wiggle for the non folding ones and come in a range of colours

 

[I like Skol]

asking which tyre is up there alongside helmet debates, Shimano or Comag, wave or not wave etc
Everyone has different opinions.

Lol, then yes, worth changing then

Ignore Ian, his opinion is different to mine! I have the Zaffiros on my road bike in the 700x23c size and don't have any problems with them. I replaced them with the same tyre when the time came and the only time I have found them slippy was the day I first rode the bike, when I fell off on a mossy patch at the end of my driveway
All tyres are like Marmite, some people will love them while others loathe them. The only advice I can give is to be careful for the first 100 miles or so as new tyres tend to be a bit waxy at first until they have worn in a bit.

 

[iggibizzle]

You might be pleasantly surprised by the tyres. I do about 300km a week in all weathers on tyres that get slated by some on here, but I think are faultless.

And yes the shimano m520 pedals are on my bikes too. Do the job perfectly. Get some shoes that have a bit of a sole round the edge and you'll love it and not walk like a duck.

 

[I like Skol]

yes the shimano m520 pedals are on my bikes

I forgot, I have the 520s on my best road bike and XT M780 ones on the hybrid and MTB. Also 520s on my sons bike

 

[SiHH]

Ladies and Gents, cant thank you enough *tips hat*

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I have A520 look more like a road pedal £23-24, I have some A530 which are dual sided, though I wasn't keen on the non clip side, both usually present the clip side well, tyres what can i say front Gatorskin 9,000 miles without a puncture, the rear only suffered two upto about 5,500 both from hitting stones pretty hard, the last taking a chunk of rubber out of the tyre, the replacement 2,200 without incident.

 

[wait4me]

If you want to change the tyres try a deal with Halfords before collection. They may give you some discount if they keep the originals.
Re pedals--- I'd go for the Shimano M520 SPD

 

[KneesUp]

Just my two pen'th

Get flat pedals with toe-clips, then you can ride your bike in any shoes, which means you're more likely to ride it. I have enough in my bag when I go to work without having to put another pair of shoes in as well.

All this stuff about making your sole stiffer is nonsense - if your foot is on a metal pedal and pressing down it isn't flexing unless it's bending the pedal. And no-one consistently pulls on the upstroke, although they may do so when making an extra effort (but you can do that with toe-clips too)

Also, I'd keep the tyres it comes with. You might like them. No point changing things you haven't even tried.

 

[Soltydog]

Save your money with the tyres. Ride with what was supplied. If you start having problems, then splash the cash.

That's what I tend to do, but unfortunately I always seem to get a visit from the fairy within first few rides on new bikes, so end up changing them fairly soon. Newest bike I'd done about 150 miles (3rd time out) when I had a visit. I thought the Continental Ultrasports might have been ok, but it appears not

 

[Nigelnaturist]

Just my two pen'th

Get flat pedals with toe-clips, then you can ride your bike in any shoes, which means you're more likely to ride it. I have enough in my bag when I go to work without having to put another pair of shoes in as well.

Also, I'd keep the tyres it comes with. You might like them. No point changing things you haven't even tried.

You ever tried this on a really dark road, clip-in is really so much better, there are plenty of spd shoes that can be worn all day, I can even walk miles in mine, as for not pulling up, once you start using them it becomes more natural to spin, yea ok clips work as well, but having used both I know which I prefer and I do do some miles.

If you want to change the tyres try a deal with Halfords before collection. They may give you some discount if they keep the originals.
Re pedals--- I'd go for the Shimano M520 SPD

I am going to presume the quoted weight is for both at 420grms the A520's come in at 318grms for both just a thought for those of you recommending M520's all the time

 

[Scotty1991]

Im using conti Hardshells. Covered a 1800 miles and not one puncture! What ever tyres you get keep checking them

 

[Gravity Aided]

If you want to change the tyres try a deal with Halfords before collection. They may give you some discount if they keep the originals.
Re pedals--- I'd go for the Shimano M520 SPD

M520s are really good pedals, and they, while cheapest in the Shimano line, have the same parts, it appears, as many of the mid-range mtb pedals. I've another set coming next week. Hold up well, shed mud, and cost about $35.oo US. I haven't seen cheap and good since our local steak house closed. I don't like clipless pedals, but these are a lot better than others I've tried. So I guess I'm a convert. Again.

 

[Widge]

As far as tyres go...I would (personally) recommend Rubino 'Pros'.....my stock tyres punctured weekly until I replaced them with these. Now 2 years of p-free riding (touch-wood). YMMV.

Pedals.......well flats and toe-clips seems a sensible starting point so you can get a feel for being 'attached'. After that-perhaps look into spd's with a user-friendly in/out action....however.... I am firmly of the opinion that really only elite riders really ride circles and pull up as much as they push. I am not an 'elite' rider and do not feel the urge to extract every last watt from my pedals. I am quite happy riding lightweight flats. But thats just me. Most roadies demand to be clipped in!

 

[Cyclist33]

i also recommend rubino pro, i bought the folding version on a whim and they are my favourite ever tyres, such so i bought another pair for my other bike.

as a result by the way, if you want some budget tyres i have a pair of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/vittoria-zaffiro-pro-folding-clincher-tyre-2013/ in black, 25 mm, that did about 200 miles before i replaced them. ill say they arent as good as the rubinos but if you want to take a punt on them you could have them for a tenner plus postage...

stu

 

[andyfraser]

I've been using Rubino Pros 23mm for a couple of months now. Another thumbs up from me.