The Puncture Proof Tyre Thread. Road only.

[Aperitif]

OK.
Gatorskins at the moment. 25 x 700c.
Who recommends better - based on their experience?
I like these tyres but am having a few problems...
Are there any real 'bomb- proof' commuting duty tyres that will save hassle in everyday use?

If you have an alternative, do you use a particular brand of innertube? Is there a brand that is always 100%? I ask becuse I had/have a batch of Continentals recently and they seem ready to give up the moment a chewing gum gets stuck to the tyre.

 

[MajorMantra]

No tyre or tube is 100% puncture proof. Google any tyre name for reviews and you'll find some totally contented users and some who've had nothing but problems. I ranted pointlessly on this very subject a little while ago:

http://cyclechat.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=25870

You might find this useful though, especially since fixed riders are sometimes particularly hard on their tyres.

Matthew

 

[longers]

I was looking at Marathon pluses in that size in the catalogue at the LBS. But bought two Lugano's for less than one M+.

I expect know they won't last as long or be as resistant but it suited my wallet at the time.

 

[HLaB]

No tyre or tube is 100% puncture proof. Google any tyre name for reviews and you'll find some totally contented users and some who've had nothing but problems.

+1
I'm a conti fan, I've had none (conti 4 seasons, 700x25) since I fitted them to my winter road bike just over a year ago but in general I'm fortunate for p'tures, touch wood: 1 snake bite on my summer bike (conti grand prix, 700x23) and 1 in 5250miles on my commuter (conti contacts, too wide for road though, 700x37!) other folks experiences can be different.

 

[tdr1nka]

The Maxxis Re-Fuse get favourable reviews, anyone here running on these?

 

[4F]

Marathon plus, virtually bomb proof and you can get them in 700 x 25 size. Maybe a bit tight to fit first time on though but well worth it.

 

[tdr1nka]

In the 90's I had a pair of 700 Conti Top Tourers which I abused for over 4,000 miles without any problems, sadly they were nicked along with the rest of the bike.

Gonna have to get the Marathon + methinks.

 

[rich p]

I gave up on Contis as they seemed to attract punctures once they reached a certain age. I now use Schwalbe Stelvios 700 x 23 and haven't had a puncture since. I've had them on since December 2007 apart from the summer months of 2008.
I hesitate to praise them too highly in case I get my come-uppance next time out.

 

[Aperitif]

I gave up on Contis as they seemed to attract punctures once they reached a certain age. I now use Schwalbe Stelvios 700 x 23 and haven't had a puncture since. I've had them on since December 2007 apart from the summer months of 2008.
I hesitate to praise them too highly in case I get my come-uppance next time out.

 

[jimboalee]

Kevlar belted tyres have their pros and cons.

Pro - You get home and see there is a thorn stuck in your tread.

Con - You lose the art of fixing a puncture on the roadside.

 

[Tynan]

fat chance

 

[HJ]

I have been using Coni Gator Skins for a couple of years without problems. Just keep them pumped up hard.

 

[Aperitif]

Nice links Matthew - thanks. No particular preference for inner tubes then anyone? No 'issues'?

 

[beanzontoast]

I used to use Conti Gators, but found they cut up too easily for my liking and also seemed to wear too fast for me. The best thing about them IMO was that, being slick, it was easy to inspect them after a ride for flints and bits of glass. The worst thing was that I seemed to have too many punctures with them - and yes, I did keep them at high pressure.

Have also tried Spesh Armadillos in my time. Seemed heavier than the Conti's and I had a couple of sidewall issues with them. Currently using M+. Seem a little less easy rolling than the Conti's but haven't had a deflation event since fitting them before Christmas, and they seem a much harder tyre. Have only found one cut in them, and that is just a small one.

 

[Aperitif]

I agree beans - the Gatorskins are good, but they do seem to 'cut' a lot. Of course, we are all on the look out for stuff embedded in the rubber but I am collecting an awful lot of glass, flint, pedestrian etc

Next question - what do you use to fill these scars. Superglue? Rubber compound? Nothing?