How to go about buying road tires

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2011-05-14 11:24 AM

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Elite
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Subject: How to go about buying road tires

I am riding my cyclocross in my first HIM (June 11) and am planning to get road tires on Monday.   I need some guidance as far as what I should look for, how do I know what size, etc.  I am, for the most part, clueless about buying new tires.  Thanks for any advice/suggestions.

If this helps:  I ride a Motobecane Fantom Cross Pro/49cm.

2011-05-14 11:46 AM
in reply to: #3498792

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Master
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Denison Texas
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
Tire sizes are printed or embossed on the sidewalls of the tire. Your existing tires will be the starting point. Go see what your LBS offers. I like Specialized Armadillos-almost bullet proof, very rare flats but a bit pricey, in the $50 each range
2011-05-14 12:08 PM
in reply to: #3498792

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Master
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Calgary, AB
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Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires

Check the sides of your current tires, but probably 700x23mm

Buy from probikekit.com, free shipping and much cheaper than retail usually.

Michelin pro race 3 , continental gp4000s, Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX are 3 decent fast tires with decent flat protection.

Armadillos/Gatorskins are good for training/commuting but are heavy as sin and WILL make you slower.

edit: if you're are on a 49 frame you might have smaller wheels which would be 650x23mm instead.

 

 



Edited by Khyron 2011-05-14 12:10 PM
2011-05-14 1:17 PM
in reply to: #3498792

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Elite
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Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
Great!  Exactly what I was hoping for...clear direction.  I will check out my existing tires and then check out the website recommended as well.  Thanks!
2011-05-14 1:26 PM
in reply to: #3498792

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Master
2426
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Central Indiana
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
Definitely check size of your current tires.  30 or 32 width is typical for cross bike.  You prob can go narrower in a road tire, but make sure what you get fits your rim.  Depending on rim, a 23 may be too narrow.  Ask you local bike shop what road tire they recommend for your bike/wheels.  Don't feel you must spend big $$$ on tires.  Pretty much ANY road tire is going to be significantly faster than the stock cyclocross tires.  I'm a fan of Vittoria tires, and Zaffiro Pro (cheaper) or Rubino Pro (my fav) would prob work well for you & not too $$$.  Open Corsa is a race tire that is $$$$, quick-wearing & not too durable.  Great tire for dedicated bike racing but IMHO not tough enough for daily use.  Conti GP4000s is getting good reviews, as is Michelin ProRace (although not a long-wearing as GP4000).  Tires like Continental Gatorskins or Specialized Armadillos will be very durable but not as quick or sharp handling.
2011-05-14 1:51 PM
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2011-05-14 2:49 PM
in reply to: #3498792

Veteran
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Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires

I just checked the specs of your cross bike on Bikes Direct (current year model).  Not sure if your bike is the current year or not, so I'm assuming it has similar spec.  The wheels listed are Mavic Aksium Race wheels.  So you can use road tires from 20mm up to 32mm without any issues.  The cross tires are 700x32.  You'll probably want tires in the 23 - 25mm range.

I like Michelin Pro3's for most everything (but I do race on Vitorria EVO's).  There are other choices at various pricepoints too.  I'd definitely check on the internet (PBK, Bike Tires Direct, Nashbar, Performance, etc...).  You will save a considerable amount compared the your LBS.  **Disclaimer** I'm not putting down any LBS, but if price is your main driver, the internet is cheaper.



Edited by mobey 2011-05-14 2:50 PM
2011-05-15 7:07 AM
in reply to: #3498792

Extreme Veteran
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Woodstock, MD
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires

I too have a cross bike that I will be riding for tri and training. I have a Kona Jake the Snake - the cross tires it came with are 700x35. I replaced them before my last ride with a set of 700x25 Continental GP4000s. Wow, what a difference in ride and speed.

One thing to keep in mind when you get the new tires - you'll probably need to get new tubes as well.

Good luck!

2011-05-15 7:08 AM
in reply to: #3498792

Extreme Veteran
341
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Woodstock, MD
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
Sorry, meant to add - from my reading on them the Conti GP4000s are going to be among the best combination of durability and rolling resistance. My LBS said there's a reason they're the best-selling tire they have.
2011-05-15 10:14 AM
in reply to: #3498792

Champion
19812
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MA
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires

Most cross bikes have typical road rims so you can use any road tires...going with ones that have low rolling resistance will make you faster for same effort.

I have same wheels on my tri, road and cross bike just have different tires. I can change wheels between bikes as well as I have 4 bikes and 3 sets of training wheels plus set of racing wheels.

Post what type of wheels you have...not the tires, but wheels and folks can give you some solid advice.

Are you going to change tires and keep them on your bike rest of season or change back and forth? You will be surprised how much faster you will be on slicks that cross tires....you also need to inflate tires to higher PSI.

2011-05-15 10:16 AM
in reply to: #3498792

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
Probikekit.com is great resource but sometimes shipments go by boat due to new security rules here in the US instead of plane and can take a month instead of 6-10 days.

2011-05-15 11:19 AM
in reply to: #3498997

Elite
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Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
mobey - 2011-05-14 2:49 PM

I just checked the specs of your cross bike on Bikes Direct (current year model).  Not sure if your bike is the current year or not, so I'm assuming it has similar spec.  The wheels listed are Mavic Aksium Race wheels.  So you can use road tires from 20mm up to 32mm without any issues.  The cross tires are 700x32.  You'll probably want tires in the 23 - 25mm range.

I like Michelin Pro3's for most everything (but I do race on Vitorria EVO's).  There are other choices at various pricepoints too.  I'd definitely check on the internet (PBK, Bike Tires Direct, Nashbar, Performance, etc...).  You will save a considerable amount compared the your LBS.  **Disclaimer** I'm not putting down any LBS, but if price is your main driver, the internet is cheaper.

Wow!  Thanks so much for doing that!  That really helps me a lot!

2011-05-15 11:22 AM
in reply to: #3499807

Elite
4583
20002000500252525
Subject: RE: How to go about buying road tires
KathyG - 2011-05-15 10:14 AM

Most cross bikes have typical road rims so you can use any road tires...going with ones that have low rolling resistance will make you faster for same effort.

I have same wheels on my tri, road and cross bike just have different tires. I can change wheels between bikes as well as I have 4 bikes and 3 sets of training wheels plus set of racing wheels.

Post what type of wheels you have...not the tires, but wheels and folks can give you some solid advice.

Are you going to change tires and keep them on your bike rest of season or change back and forth? You will be surprised how much faster you will be on slicks that cross tires....you also need to inflate tires to higher PSI.

Due to the terrain I have available I plan to swap in and out throughout the summer.  Can't wait to ride on the slicks!

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