New commuting tyres?

[PJ79LIZARD]

Hi it's time for me to get some new tyres for my road bike, I commute daily in all weather, I use this bike mainly in the wet and through the winter, baring this in mind I'm after some tyre recommendations from you commuters? Good grip, puncture protection, any thoughts apprieciated.

 

[kevin_cambs_uk]

Gator Skins for me, and thats all I buy now, seem to last 3-4000 miles before I have to replace them,
Would need something very good to drag me away from them now.

 

[ianrauk]

Specialized All Conditions. 34 mile round trip commute in all weathers in all road conditions. Pretty bombproof, great grip also.

 

[solmisation]

Hi it's time for me to get some new tyres for my road bike, I commute daily in all weather, I use this bike mainly in the wet and through the winter, baring this in mind I'm after some tyre recommendations from you commuters? Good grip, puncture protection, any thoughts apprieciated.

Just bought some Continental Gatorskin's to replace the Maxxis tyres which came with my bike, I had 5 p****ures in 5 weeks with the old tyres, have only had the Gatorskins for 2 weeks, but so far have had no p****ures.

 

[008]

Just changed a pair of Schwalbe Stelvio Plus' (now Durano Plus) after around 5k miles and no P********. Great tyre imo but a bit pricey at £30 each. Decided to replace them with a pair of Bontrager Race Lite Hardcases and early impressions are they're a slightly harsher ride but faster rolling. No issues in the wet and got them at a bargain £13 each (rrp £20). Only time will tell if they're as puncture resistant as the Stelvios.

 

[HJ]

Conti GatorSkins, I have gone over 2,000 miles without problems, just make sure you keep them pumped up hard...

 

[potsy]

Just changed a pair of Schwalbe Stelvio Plus' (now Durano Plus) after around 5k miles and no P********. Great tyre imo but a bit pricey at £30 each. Decided to replace them with a pair of Bontrager Race Lite Hardcases and early impressions are they're a slightly harsher ride but faster rolling. No issues in the wet and got them at a bargain £13 each (rrp £20). Only time will tell if they're as puncture resistant as the Stelvios.

I've recently changed from Conti 4 seasons to Durano+ and I really like them,agree £30 is a bit dear but as yet no problems at all in over 1200 miles.Sure footed in the wet and the slight weight penalty is hardly noticeable after a few rides.

 

[hackbike 666]

Conti GatorSkins, I have gone over 2,000 miles without problems, just make sure you keep them pumped up hard...

...and check them regularly for embedded glass.

 

[PJ79LIZARD]

Would I notice much loss in grip going from a 25 - 23 size tyre?

 

[Kestevan]

Hated Gator Skins with a passion. Sod all wet weather grip, and the puncture protection is a joke.

Fitted Michelin Krylium Carbon just after Xmas last year, and they've proven to be cracking tyres.
Good grip, good wear, and no visits from the fairy in 2000 miles.

 

[ianrauk]

Would I notice much loss in grip going from a 25 - 23 size tyre?

No

 

[Howard]

Hated Gator Skins with a passion. Sod all wet weather grip, and the puncture protection is a joke.

They seem to polarise opinions, thats for sure. I quite like them - 500 miles so far an no problems. Switched from Conti Sportcontact 32c to 'skins 24c. Definite reduction in grip in the wet, though.

 

[Perry]

I'm using Armadillos:

PROS: Bombroof, Great protection

CONS: Heavy, not good in wet

PRICE: £20 each

 

[Moodyman]

Howard,

I was thinking of changing my Sport Contacts (32mm) to Gators, but the widest they do is 28mm. Did you notice any detriment to ride quality by going to 24?

 

[Howard]

Howard,

I was thinking of changing my Sport Contacts (32mm) to Gators, but the widest they do is 28mm. Did you notice any detriment to ride quality by going to 24?

Gators in the wet are a bit iffy it seems. But hey, it never rains in London, right?

You have to run them harder, say 140psi, meaning the ride is quite stiff, but with a steel frame it doesn't really matter that much. They make the bike less tank like which is good in some circumstances but I find I have to put more effort into dodging potholes.

Reason I went to 24mm was that a) I wanted to go faster, and b) I wanted to use Crud Roadracer 'guards. 24mm Gators met my objectives. Need to buy new inners though. So worth trying then but be prepared to adapt your riding style a bit.