Go-to tires

Suggestions of where to get them would also be appreciated.

$26/ea - highly rated and tough as nails.  http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1320

I am riding these now (purchased from the above) and they work great.  Not as sticky as a 4000 or a Michilan Pro Race, but shouldn't flat out under normal circumstances.

PS - Don't worry about the company being in the UK...I got my items quicker from them than I did on my last TriSports.com purchase!



Edited by bgraboski 2009-04-22 8:30 AM

Might as well suggest the other primary tire of the two most recommended:

For colours:
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y2080
For black tyre:
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1015

I use those on my training bike and they don't flat, but I can tell a significant difference between those and the GP4000 in feel and handling of the bike.

Just depends I guess on his concern with speed.  The gatorskins are cheaper by $20/pair and are generally tougher. 

X2 compared to the Michelin Pro3Race tires, and I'll also throw in performance as a factor. I put the UltraGatorskins on my road bike last year and immediately noticed sluggishness. Great training tire but I would not recommend them for race day.

From what I hear, the GP4000 and the Pro3Race tires are interchangeable as the best clinchers out there. The p3Rs usually are a few bucks cheaper.

BTW, I have no problem with the "toughness" of the Michelin P3Rs, if you define "toughness" as durability and flat resistance.

Edited by the bear 2009-04-22 9:01 AM

He just in his OP said he wasn't concerned with a few seconds of speed.  By tough I mean't flat resistance.  I have had some bad luck with the Michelin P2R (haven't tried the P3R) flatting out on me.  Two rear flats in 150 miles was enough for me to change out to the gatorskins.  That said, they did roll very nice.   

Edited by bgraboski 2009-04-22 9:08 AM

Don't know if it helps or makes a difference at all, but my bike is an entry level Trek 1000 with the stock bontrager tires on it now. I assume that any of the tires you guys have suggested would be an improvement. Thanks for taking the time to help me out.

I think ANY of the tires mentioned above would do you well!  The Conti GP4000, Michilan P3R, and Conti Gatorskins are all highly recommend from people on BT.  The most important theme:  get them from ProBikeKit.com to save some $$$!

Best of luck in your HIM!

Edited by bgraboski 2009-04-22 9:24 AM

I also recommend the ProRace3's.  Just make sure to give yourself ample time to order them because they are coming from England.  PBK has free shipping to the US (the last time I checked), but can take up to 10 days (I bought a pair of sunglasses a few months back and they took that long).

X2 on the pro Race 3's I have them on my Zipp Wheels and love them

Just ordered several Pro3's from them along with latex tubes. I've used the Pro Races for a long time now, both training and racing. They're fast and durable. You simply can't beat the price of probikekit.com.

After reading an article which mentioned their use in RAAM (Ride Across AMerica), I tried Vittoria's Rubino Pros about 3 yrs ago.  Great all-around tire at a reasonable price.  Now my fav training clincher.  In my experience- much more durable & long-wearing than Michelin ProRace2/3 and very rearly the equal of that tire in rolling resistance & handling. 
FWIW- I gave up on Conti's a couple years ago after THREE straight sidewall failures on near-new tires from pretty minor stone impacts on typical Midwest chip-seal pavement.  Coincidence perhaps, but too many other good tire choices out there.