I'm not very familiar with all the biking gizmos -- I bought my Giant Defy 3 a year ago and ride it as bought. The tyres are Vittoria Zaffiros -- they seem fine, I've never had a puncture, but they're looking a little worn and now I'm looking to buy a new set for the summer (Ironman, etc).
My first instinct is to buy the same tyres as why fix what ain't broken? But they are very hard to get off & on the rim (I've practised changing the tube), and reviews confirm this.
Any advice? I'm happier having a heavier, thicker tyre that will be more puncture proof, as opposed to a lighter, faster tyre, as at the level of my riding, I don't think I'd gain that much time.
Comments
Good tyres can make a big differnce to your bike i have used Vredstein Fortezza Tri Comps for years very light brilliant puncture protection and great in the wet and a total bargain price wise as folders these have been a doddle to get on a number of rims usually i dont even need levers and they come in pretty colours
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-track-bike/Vredestein-Fortezza-Tricomp-Folding-Tyre/VREDTYRF250
Oh I am totally sold on the pretty colours bit! My tyres need replacing asap and mostly all I care about is puncture protection but pretty colours to match my bike? Woo!
I like the look and sound of these.
Out of interest RBM, do you use 25m or 23mm.
I've used the Zaffiros for years as training tyres and their slightly better and lighter brother the Rubino.
Good value and puncture proofing is good as long as you keep them at the right pressure on a ride. In fact the only time I tend to get punctures is when they start wearing out - a puncture is normally a sign that they need replacing.
However for racing on, there are a lot better tyres out there and it's quite a personal taste. Since my first Outlaw in 2010, I've been using Specialized S-Works Mondo, which have now been discontinued, so now I've gone with the Specialized S-works Turbo.
With any tyre it's a balancing act between punture proofing vs speed/rolling resistance but there are some good tyres out there and you should notice a big upgrade from the Zaffiros.
I took advice from Bassy and have ordered some Michelin Pros currently on offer at CRC
this will make me a cycling goddess
I used to have the vredestein until i blew both of them out in a pothole in Ironman Germany. The neutral service gave me a set of these (who even knew they had neutral service ?) and I've not looked back since. Absolutely fantastic and I've never ever had a p******** on them. Well that's not true cos one of my innertubes expired due to old age - but nothing has come through the tyre.
Conti GP4000s on the TT bike and
Conti Gatorskins on the road bike
Mainly cos Graham who built the bikes told me that was what I should have...
and have to say never had any issues with them
Royles
Lots of bikes - Continental tyres on all of them, GP4000s on road bikes.
I followed Coach Bassos with Michelin Pro Race 3's but am on Schwalbe Ultremo XD now. They come in better colours. Neither have really let me down.
Conti GP4000, were on special at Wiggle the other day think it was two for £60 with five free inner tubes as well
And all those that choose them on range of colour are odd and yes i'm looking at you DB.
The best all round race/train/wet/dry tyre around is the Continental GP 4 Season IMHO. They are not cheap though.
I use 23mm
another continental GP fan here 23mm,
Ahh - I see what you did there....
I have tried all sorts over the years and i ride on some pretty crappy Cornish roads all year round and the Vredstein is the clear favorite for me, a lot of my buddies have switched to them and are well impressed
They leave me flat to be honest...
Thanks for all that input guys, I'll check out some prices.
What's the difference between 23 and 25 mm? Is that tyre depth?
No worries, I've Googled and found that out now. Thanks everyone.