Tyres/tubes for my new Zondas

[lesley_x]

Ordered some Campag Zondas and I'm waiting on them coming (current wheels weigh 2.2kg, I think I'll notice a difference!)

I know the disadvantages/advantages of 23 and 25mm tyres. Ideally I would just run 25mm for comfort but I don't have brake clearance for 25mm. I have them on at the moment and to get the wheel out (I do this a fair amount to get the bike in the car, too short to reach the roof rack!) I have to deflate the tyre and reinflate it.

So I'm asking if 25mm would provide enough of an advantage in comfort, mainly, to deal with the annoying brake clearance.

Or is 23mm just fine. I've never had a puncture in 4 years on Specialized all conditions 25mm so don't want to have to start fixing flats all the time either.

And recommendations for tyres and tubes please! Also if anyone has Zondas can you tell me what tyres/tubes you use? Thanks!!

 

[bpsmith]

I use Conti GP4000S on my Zonda's. Conti tubes too. I use 25's, but have a similar issue regarding tyre clearance. The answer is to release the tension on the brake cable, but use the adjuster to pull it back in. That way you can just unscrew the adjuster for the tension but screw it in to remove the wheel. May not work on all bikes, as depends on how much thread you have.

 

[the_mikey]

I've got 23c Conti GP4000S on my Zonda's also with conti race tubes. 25c tyres would be a bit too tight on my TCR, hardly any clearance between the rear tyre and the seat post.

 

[Apollonius]

I think there are bigger differences between tyres of different makes and weights than there are between 23s and 25s.

 

[lesley_x]

@the_mikey how do the 23mm feel on the Zondas? I had read they were quite a harsh ride.

 

[jowwy]

I use 25s on my zondas, they sweet and smooth

 

[the_mikey]

@the_mikey how do the 23mm feel on the Zondas? I had read they were quite a harsh ride.

I have no problems with the 23c gp4000S tyres, other models of tyre might give a different result, I would choose 25c if I had enough clearance to allow it.

 

[Globalti]

Erm.... you do undo the brake quick-release, don't you?

 

[the_mikey]

Erm.... you do undo the brake quick-release, don't you?

Yep

It's a giant TCR with a wheel hugging seatpost, 23c tyres are tight, 25c is just that little bit moreso, enough to make fitting the wheel a lot more challenging.

 

[lesley_x]

Erm.... you do undo the brake quick-release, don't you?

Yes lol it still doesn't let a 25mm through.

 

[Fab Foodie]

You could get a 24c Vittoria Open Pave CG and split the difference :-)

http://road.cc/content/review/15731-vittoria-open-pave-evo-cg-folding-tyre

I'm waiting to use my 27c .... on 23mm wide rims ....

It seems on the basis of anecdata here and elsewhere that GP4000s are pretty hard to beat as all-rounders. 25c will always be more comfortable than 23c and the general drift is away from 23 to 25c

 

[BigAl68]

I run 23mm GP4000s on my Zondas and find the ride fine but then I have always run 23mm on my road bikes. I have clearance for 25mm and may be tempted when I need new rubber.

 

[lesley_x]

Omg they are beautiful, I am in love

 

[jagman.2003]

I have no problems with the 23c gp4000S tyres, other models of tyre might give a different result, I would choose 25c if I had enough clearance to allow it.

x2, I use GP4000 23c & find the ride just fine.

 

[bpsmith]

Mine are 25's but only ever used this size as Defy came with them.

The Bianchi came with 23's, but those wheels went on the Defy and not ridden it since.

They are Hutchinson Equinox tyres. Any good for the winter, or should I consider a swap?