Two questions

[radger]

Firstly, I'd like tyre recommendations - I am looking for 700*23 or 700*25 that I can get on and off my rims fairly easily (for reference, the vittoria rubinos I had nearly necessitated replacing both wheels). I am keen on the Conti GP4000s, but Mr Radger is insistent that they are horribly slippery and I should get something else. Any thoughts?

Also, I want decent brake blocks to go with shimano road brakes - what would people recommend?

 

[jpembroke]

Vredestein Fortezzas grip like monkeys to the the road.

Unfortunately they also grip like monkeys to your rims.

Shame really because they are the best tyre I've every used. It's just that I injure myself every time I take one off a wheel.

 

[Gary D]

I think the ease of fitting a particular tyre is as much dependant on the wheel or rim itself. Some wheels (Campagnolo/Fulcrum?) seem to ones often mentioned as being difficult although I have no personal experience.

What wheels have you got?

With regards to Brake Blocks - Kool Stops definitely!
See:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/K...gra~105_Pair_Of_Cartridge_Inserts/5300005952/

Hope this helps,
Gary.

 

[PpPete]

Schwalbe Stelvios are not too difficult to get on and off. I've got a pair of 700x25 at present and given that you can find them at just over £20 a pair I shall probably get some more for Mrs PP soon. The 23s always seem more expensive, but 25 is the narrowest recommended for our rims (per Sheldon) so I'm not complaining.

 

[Dave Davenport]

I use open corsa's, nice ride & grip and easier to get on/off 'tight' rims.

 

[jpembroke]

I think the ease of fitting a particular tyre is as much dependant on the wheel or rim itself. Some wheels (Campagnolo/Fulcrum?) seem to ones often mentioned as being difficult although I have no personal experience.

What wheels have you got?

With regards to Brake Blocks - Kool Stops definitely!
See:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/K...gra~105_Pair_Of_Cartridge_Inserts/5300005952/

Hope this helps,
Gary.

Absolutely! I have Campag Protons. Great wheels but a bugg*r to get tyres on and off.

And yes, Koolstop or Swissstop pads are the business: last ages and don't knacker you rim.

 

[gbb]

On my Shimano wheels, i struggle like hell to get Conti Gators, and Conti Ultra Sports on...definately a no no if you want easy to fit tyres.

 

[radger]

Having got home and looked, I am none the wiser as to my wheels - they're shimano and probably the cheapest that were available to condor 3 years ago. (All the decals have come off and I can't pretend I was paying attention when I got it. I might have the spec sheet somewhere)

 

[Smokin Joe]

Vredestein Fortezzas grip like monkeys to the the road.

Unfortunately they also grip like monkeys to your rims.

Shame really because they are the best tyre I've every used. It's just that I injure myself every time I take one off a wheel.

Funny that, I find them a doddle to get on and off.

 

[gbb]

Having got home and looked, I am none the wiser as to my wheels - they're shimano and probably the cheapest that were available to condor 3 years ago. (All the decals have come off and I can't pretend I was paying attention when I got it. I might have the spec sheet somewhere)

If they've got aero rims...possibly R500 Tiagra.

 

[RSV_Ecosse]

Got OEM MOst Edho wheels on my Pinarello FP1 and the last time I fitted tyres a couple of months back they were Schwalbe Stelvios.

Went on really easily with no drama at all. So far they seem like a very good tyre for pretty much everything. Think I will be sticking with these for a while.