Choosing puncture resistant tyres on a new bike before buying

[This Wreckage]

I'm about to purchase a new bike, a Gazelle Esprit belt. I want to ensure I get good puncture resistance, partly because a belt drive bike is more fuss to remove its rear wheel, mainly because I hate punctures and I've had excellent results from cheap Slime tubes which for some reason have a poor reputation on cycle forums. The Gazelle is fitted with 'Continental CityRide' tyres according to the brochure. Are these good tyres? Should I ask the shop to fit puncture-resistant tubes as well?

 

[bluenotebob]

I've had excellent results from cheap Slime tubes which for some reason have a poor reputation on cycle forums

I've no idea why slime tubes have a poor reputation - sometimes I think (cynically) that a lot of cyclists like doing roadside punctures.

I've had slime tubes fitted on all my bikes since Jan 2017 - I've cycled nearly 40,000 miles since then and I've never had a puncture while out cycling.

Yes, yes, yes - ask your LBS to fit slime tubes.

 

[This Wreckage]

I've no idea why slime tubes have a poor reputation - sometimes I think (cynically) that a lot of cyclists like doing roadside punctures.

I've had slime tubes fitted on all my bikes since Jan 2017 - I've cycled nearly 40,000 miles since then and I've never had a puncture while out cycling.

Yes, yes, yes - ask your LBS to fit slime tubes.

Thanks for that. I think I will ask.

 

[Moodyman]

Never ridden them, but they’re rated 5 out of 7 by Continental in their puncture resistance chart. So, they look decent.

https://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/commuting-touring

 

[MichaelW2]

I think they are roughly equiv to Schwalbe Marathon standard, ie decent reliable general commuter tyre.
The Marathon Plus version offers more protection.

 

[AndyRM]

The slime tubes have a bit of a rep because if they're not regularly used the slime can pool where it's been "sat". Usually frees up after a few spins in my experience (although I only used them because I'd been given a pair, don't really see the appeal myself). Also criticised for being heavy, but that's not really much of an issue unless you're in the TdF.

 

[Cycleops]

The Marathon Plus version offers more protection.

But are real barstewards to mount.
Have a rep for being heavy and slow but for puncture resistance can't be beat. You can't have everything.

 

[Cycleops]

Got a good result for puncture resistance here:

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-city-ride-ii-2015

Be aware that manufacturers often change out tyres so not always what's quoted in their brochure.

 

[Andy in Germany]

I'm about to purchase a new bike, a Gazelle Esprit belt. I want to ensure I get good puncture resistance, partly because a belt drive bike is more fuss to remove its rear wheel, mainly because I hate punctures and I've had excellent results from cheap Slime tubes which for some reason have a poor reputation on cycle forums. The Gazelle is fitted with 'Continental CityRide' tyres according to the brochure. Are these good tyres? Should I ask the shop to fit puncture-resistant tubes as well?

Never had a puncture with the older Conti city tyres in many thousands of kilometres. I've also used Marathon Plus for commuting on a variety of surfaces going to college and work where "I'm late because of a puncture" wasn't an option. I'd say when my last puncture on either was but I can't remember, It must be well over a decade.

My own experience of Slime is their main effect is to make the dealing with punctures on customers/donated bikes rather messy.

 

[presta]

I've no idea why slime tubes have a poor reputation

I never considered them because I don't want slime gunging up things I don't want gunged up, and because I don't like relying on anything I'm not sure is reliable. Patches served me well for 55 years, I saw no reason to change.

 

[This Wreckage]

don't really see the appeal myself)

I'm surprised. I seemed to be getting a puncture every two or three weeks. I installed Slime in June 2022 and I haven't had a single one. I expect similar tubes are just as good.

 

[This Wreckage]

I never considered them because I don't want slime gunging up things I don't want gunged up, and because I don't like relying on anything I'm not sure is reliable. Patches served me well for 55 years, I saw no reason to change.

As I replied elsewhere, I put them in my bike in June 2022 and I've not had a puncture since. Other people might have different results, of course.

 

[This Wreckage]

Never had a puncture with the older Conti city tyres in many thousands of kilometres. I've also used Marathon Plus for commuting on a variety of surfaces going to college and work where "I'm late because of a puncture" wasn't an option. I'd say when my last puncture on either was but I can't remember, It must be well over a decade.

My own experience of Slime is their main effect is to make the dealing with punctures on customers/donated bikes rather messy.

Fair enough. My own experience is of not having any punctures since I put them on in June 2022. I will have a chat with the shop I'm buying the bike from.

 

[This Wreckage]

Got a good result for puncture resistance here:

https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-city-ride-ii-2015

Be aware that manufacturers often change out tyres so not always what's quoted in their brochure.

Thanks for that link. I'll be talking to the shop about the bike and ensure it's right.

 

[AndyRM]

I'm surprised. I seemed to be getting a puncture every two or three weeks. I installed Slime in June 2022 and I haven't had a single one. I expect similar tubes are just as good.

If they work for you then have at them. Just not for me.