General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Need new tires. Rss Feed  
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2008-09-30 9:56 PM

Member
56
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Centennial, Colorado
Subject: Need new tires.
I recently bought a new tri bike and the tires that came on it are not great. They have gone flat several times in the month that I've had the bike and they already have multiple cuts that make me nervous. I like the fact that they are rated to 130 psi though, but need something that isn't going to go flat every other ride. I bought some Conti GP 4000s for my roadie last year, and I have had great succes with them, but they are a lesser rated psi. Performance bike has two tires I am looking at, the Vredestein Fortezza SE (160 psi rated), and the Panaracer Stradius Pro (150 psi rated) are both on sale for almost 50% off. Are either tire worth $25 a tire, or should I just suck it up and drop the money for the Contis. Thanks for any reports or reviews you could supply.


2008-09-30 10:06 PM
in reply to: #1707803

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CA
Subject: RE: Need new tires.

I have the Fortezza SE's - very good tires. They excel in darn near everything.

The Stradius Pros are a bit grippier than the Fortezza SE's, but at a very high cost. Many complaints about durability and longevity. Very prone to flatting and wearing out at very low miles (I believe the complaints stated 600, which is absolutely nothing)

edit: need to clarify - the Stradius' should be avoided. Even if you do get a slightly grippier tire for the same price, it won't mean a thing if it's flat half the time. The Fortezza SE is an amazing all around tire.



Edited by AnthonyF 2008-09-30 10:10 PM
2008-09-30 10:45 PM
in reply to: #1707803

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Need new tires.
What does the higher PSI do for you? Don't you find that running over 120 PSI on the road the ride to be rough and you almost get a bounce back effect from the really hard tire hitting small objects?

I have the GP4000 Black Chili compound tires on my Road and Tri bike, have yet to flat and love them. I ride on some crappy roads too. I also run the Conti Gator Skins on my CycloCross bike for road and wet weather duty, no flats in two years. Run the Conti Gators on my fixie too, nay a flat.
2008-10-01 5:59 AM
in reply to: #1707803

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Elite
2527
200050025
Armpit of Ontario
Subject: RE: Need new tires.

Pay less attention to the max PSI ratings - if you're looking at reduced rolling resistance, maxing out the pressure will actually increase rolling resistance unless you are on the smoothest of surfaces (think velodrome) - better off running lower PSI and benefit from better rolling resistance and it won't shake your fillings loose.

Michelin P2R and P3Rs get great ratings for an all-round training/racing tire and rate near the top in categories such as puncture resistance, grip, rolling resistance, mileage - and P2Rs can be had for pretty decent prices these days.

2008-10-01 11:16 AM
in reply to: #1707803

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Member
51
2525
Motor City USA
Subject: RE: Need new tires.
General concensus AFAIK is that the Mich Pro 2 Race or Pro 3 Race offer perhaps the best combination of low Crr and puncture resistance.

If you just want a training tire that is bomb proof go with something like a Maxxis Detonator or a Conti Gatorskin. Also wider tires will offer a better ride.

FWIW a high max PSI does not a goo tire make - if you get me. if you are not riding the Velodrome I'd say anything over 120psi is too much.
2008-10-01 6:08 PM
in reply to: #1707803

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Master
1993
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: Need new tires.
I'm riding on Mich Pro Race 3's on my road bike. I have like 1,500 miles on them and have only gotten 1 flat (that happened coincidentally, on my last ride on Sunday) on the front tire, and 0 on the rear. Great tire that grips and corners extremely well. And considering the crappy roads I ride on, the durability is proving to be excellent.


2008-10-07 9:33 AM
in reply to: #1707803

Member
56
2525
Centennial, Colorado
Subject: RE: Need new tires.
Thanks for all the feedback, I really do appreciate it. I have looked at the Pro 3's and they appear to be what I am looking for. Unfortunately I don't have that kind of cash right now, so I will have to wait till next spring for new tires. I quess thats ok because winter is coming and I don't want to ruin nice tires on my trainer.
2008-10-09 4:56 AM
in reply to: #1707803

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Veteran
249
10010025
Long Island, NY
Subject: RE: Need new tires.
Question for those using the Pro 3's. I recently put them on my racing wheels and did a 100 mile ride. When I got home I found numerous little cuts and slits in the tires. Any of you experience this with your Pro 3's? I'm wondering if my tires are defective.
2008-10-15 9:31 AM
in reply to: #1708849

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West Michigan
Subject: RE: Need new tires.
bigsky17 - 2008-10-01 12:16 PM

General concensus AFAIK is that the Mich Pro 2 Race or Pro 3 Race offer perhaps the best combination of low Crr and puncture resistance.

If you just want a training tire that is bomb proof go with something like a Maxxis Detonator or a Conti Gatorskin. Also wider tires will offer a better ride.

FWIW a high max PSI does not a goo tire make - if you get me. if you are not riding the Velodrome I'd say anything over 120psi is too much.


Dumb question: I literally ordered new tires yesterday, Michelin P2 Road tires. Is this the same as what I'm reading about P2 and P3 race tires?

I hope I didn't buy the wrong tires...
2008-10-15 9:37 AM
in reply to: #1729614

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Champion
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Charlottesville, Virginia
Subject: RE: Need new tires.

triwor - 2008-10-09 5:56 AM Question for those using the Pro 3's. I recently put them on my racing wheels and did a 100 mile ride. When I got home I found numerous little cuts and slits in the tires. Any of you experience this with your Pro 3's? I'm wondering if my tires are defective.

There was a post either here or on ST about the same thing, seems to be no real problem.  I have put about 100 miles on mine but haven't noticed it yet.

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Need new tires. Rss Feed