Sensible sportive tyres?

[the_mikey]

I've gone from opposing extremes with tyres, having the flimsiest racing tyres and suffering punctures, to having continental gatorskins and suffering slower speeds in return for no punctures, so they're doing their job, but they're hard work too.

I want to lose the gatorskins for something lighter:

I've considered these tyres:

Vittoria Rubino pro folding 25mm
Continental GrandPrix 4000s 23mm
Specialized Roubaix proII folding 23/25mm

Any other tyres I should be considering?


(You realise that once this one has been resolved, then it moves on to wheels and then what excuse can I find to get a new bike )

 

[amaferanga]

Michelin Krylion Carbon or Pro 3 Race. The Krylion are a bit more puncture resistant, but less grippy than the Pro 3 Race. I ride Pro 3 Race through the summer and Krylions in winter.

 

[l4dva]

+1 for the Krylions, they are my choice of tyres!

 

[the_mikey]

Krylions, I will give 'em a go, I was also considering Hutchinson fusion3's.

 

[Norry1]

I put the Krylions on for the first time a couple of weeks ago - and noticed the difference over my stock tyres from my Secteur immediately. I'm now 8 days into my LEJoG tour and so far they have been great in many different conditions.


Martin

 

[rockyraccoon]

I put the Krylions on for the first time a couple of weeks ago - and noticed the difference over my stock tyres from my Secteur immediately. ...

My friend has done the same. He recommends them highly..

 

[Wobblers]

I run krylions all year round. They're reasonably fast and grippy, and robust enough to survive winter in the Worcestershire lanes (think mud, gravel, potholes and craters!). The 25 mm version, if you can find them are a bit more comfortable than the 23's - if you can find them, they seem to be hard to find.

 

[Fletch456]

I'll be the first, after a rash of Michelin votes, then in favour of the Continental GrandPrix 4000s 23mm. I've not used a wide range of different tyres but a few people I know were raving about these last year and what I had on came with the bike and may have been on the basic side but..when I changed, the difference was very noticeable.. these were like running with a smidgeon of suspension in comparison. Given the tyres are the only thing in touch with the road they are worth investing in, whatever you get.

 

[brockers]

Didn't they try to stop making Krylions a couple of years ago? Or maybe they ceased production as they rolled out the new Pro-Race 3s. Can't remember. Whatever, there was such a public outcry in forum-land, so they started pumping them out again. Consequently, a lot of people are extremely happy that they're relatively easy to get hold once more, except from the 25mm version for some reason. Lovely tyres. Supple and long-lasting.

Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps are also pretty blinding. I've even toured Scotland on some. They won't last as long as Krylions, being racing tyres an' all, but I've ridden with pointy bits of flint stuck in them for miles, unable to penetrate the puncture belt. Flints that would destroy lesser tyres. Muhuhuhahahahaha etc

 

[the_mikey]

Thanks for all the reccomendations so far, I've ordered a pair of krylions, won't hurt to try 'em!

 

[PpPete]

Running Krylions at present. Not quite as grippy as the old Stelvio Raceguard IME. Want to try the Durano or Durano+ next time.

 

[potsy]

Running Krylions at present. Not quite as grippy as the old Stelvio Raceguard IME. Want to try the Durano or Durano+ next time.

I'm running Durano+(rear) and Durano(front) and want to try the Krylions now

My bike's main purpose is commuter so the Durano+/Durano combo is sensible, would quite like something faster for leisure rides/Audax's etc, but don't want the faff of swapping them over every week.

 

[the_mikey]

My bike's main purpose is commuter so the Durano+/Durano combo is sensible, would quite like something faster for leisure rides/Audax's etc, but don't want the faff of swapping them over every week.

That's my problem, I put a pair of conti gatorskins on for the winter, and I'm still using them, I like them, they're perfect for riding around the city, but not much fun when on a long leisure ride. I already realise this is creating the need for another new bike!

 

[aberal]

That's my problem, I put a pair of conti gatorskins on for the winter, and I'm still using them, I like them, they're perfect for riding around the city, but not much fun when on a long leisure ride. I already realise this is creating the need for another new bike!

If it helps - I set my Conti Gatorskins at 100 psi, well below the optimum 120 psi. Comfort level rises hugely and nothing else seems to have changed. I'm sure that there has maybe been an increase in rolling resistance and a lessening of speed, but I can't say it's something that I notice.

 

[gavintc]

Tyres do make a difference. I have been using Conti 4000s on all my bikes till recently, but they have become a tad pricey. I have just ordered some Pro Race 3 - got them for a reasonable price from CRC. I have previously used the Pro Race 2 and liked them, so thought I would try out the latest Michelin offering. You will find the bike surprisingly more responsive with a lighter race tyre, particularly when you want to put a bit of pace increase. Personally, I do not find I get lots of punctures as some will claim with a lighter-weight tyre. Keep then pumped up and try to avoid the gutters.