Opinions on Tires? - Triathlon Week

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

I am a middle of the pack age grouper who just got a Cervelo P2K three
weeks ago. Three flats in three weeks on the Kenda tires that came
with it. The last was a slash through the side, so it is new tire
time. I bought some Michelin Pro Race tires over the internet because
they looked neat with their multiple blue stripes. Now I wonder if
they are more susceptible to flatting than others. I haven't put them
on yet. I have a half iron this weekend. Since a "fast" tire is
unlikely to make any difference for one of my abilities, should I go
with a more durable tire rather than risk flatting and the loss of
time? My LBS says go with Continental Grand Prix. He uses them for
training, criterium and TT, and he is very competitive. So my question
is, Does a "race" tire simply wear out sooner, or is it more
susceptible to flatting?

Thanks
Greg

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Ironic) wrote:

>I am a middle of the pack age grouper who just got a Cervelo P2K three
>weeks ago. Three flats in three weeks on the Kenda tires that came
>with it. The last was a slash through the side, so it is new tire
>time. I bought some Michelin Pro Race tires over the internet because
>they looked neat with their multiple blue stripes. Now I wonder if
>they are more susceptible to flatting than others. I haven't put them
>on yet. I have a half iron this weekend. Since a "fast" tire is
>unlikely to make any difference for one of my abilities, should I go
>with a more durable tire rather than risk flatting and the loss of
>time? My LBS says go with Continental Grand Prix. He uses them for
>training, criterium and TT, and he is very competitive. So my question
>is, Does a "race" tire simply wear out sooner, or is it more
>susceptible to flatting?

Here in the Phoenix, Arizona area we become experts on flats - and how
to avoid them (there are LOTS of thorns on the road in the summer).

Your LBS guy is right - the difference in rolling resistance will be
minimal between "race tires" and "tires that you don't have to change
in the middle of a race".

The Conti GP is a very flat resistant tire IME, but the Conti
Gatorskin is even better (and "feels" like the GP). The tire I've
been using almost exclusively is the Panaracer T-Serv. The only
drawback to "race use" is that the smallest available size is 25mm,
but they feel like a "race tire", aren't particularly heavy, last
forever, and are a little more than half the price of the Gatorskins.

There ARE flat resistant tires that aren't particularly good for
racing - the Specialized Armadillo series for example... they're
really rugged, and are protected all the way up the sidewall... but
with that extra protection comes extra weight and really "dead" feel
(plus I've seen them blow off the rim at rated pressure).

Mark Hickey
Habanero Cycles
[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Home of the $695 ti frame

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

you might want to look at the Michelin Carbon

Danny

08-23-2004, 06:39 PM

I'm like you, average Joe triathlete. I use Conti GatorSkins. I was
riding on the Grand Prix', but had flat problems, the area I ride in
has a lot of gravel.

If you trust your bike route to be relatively clean, go with a
race/light tire. If you do not trust it, like I do, go with something
more durable.

Mark

[Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (Ironic) wrote in message news:<38f527b7.0406081848.790c2ff1@posting.google. com>...
> I am a middle of the pack age grouper who just got a Cervelo P2K three
> weeks ago. Three flats in three weeks on the Kenda tires that came
> with it. The last was a slash through the side, so it is new tire
> time. I bought some Michelin Pro Race tires over the internet because
> they looked neat with their multiple blue stripes. Now I wonder if
> they are more susceptible to flatting than others. I haven't put them
> on yet. I have a half iron this weekend. Since a "fast" tire is
> unlikely to make any difference for one of my abilities, should I go
> with a more durable tire rather than risk flatting and the loss of
> time? My LBS says go with Continental Grand Prix. He uses them for
> training, criterium and TT, and he is very competitive. So my question
> is, Does a "race" tire simply wear out sooner, or is it more
> susceptible to flatting?
>
> Thanks
> Greg

08-23-2004, 07:09 PM

The Specialized Armadillos are very reliable tires. Tougher than most. I
have used them for training over thousands of miles but race on tubulars.
Sew-up are a better choice for serious racing as they have a greater
resistance to pinch flats and just seem to be tougher.

Generally speaking, lighter means easier to flat. I have used the
Michelin Pro Race tires you just purchased. I find them very good but their
light weight does leave them a bit more flat prone. Remember, a half Iron
is only 56 miles. You will not wear any tire out in that distance. Be
alert and avoid debris, glass or other obstacles and your Michelins should
be great. Figure an extra 7 minutes to replace a tube if you get unlucky or
careless during the race. As a Mid pack finisher why not play a bit risky
and go for a PR with fast tires.
Save the heavy armor for training.

Good Luck

Ken @ Kauai

"Ironic" <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]> wrote in message
news:38f527b7.0406081848.790c2ff1@posting.google.c om...
> I am a middle of the pack age grouper who just got a Cervelo P2K three
> weeks ago. Three flats in three weeks on the Kenda tires that came
> with it. The last was a slash through the side, so it is new tire
> time. I bought some Michelin Pro Race tires over the internet because
> they looked neat with their multiple blue stripes. Now I wonder if
> they are more susceptible to flatting than others. I haven't put them
> on yet. I have a half iron this weekend. Since a "fast" tire is
> unlikely to make any difference for one of my abilities, should I go
> with a more durable tire rather than risk flatting and the loss of
> time? My LBS says go with Continental Grand Prix. He uses them for
> training, criterium and TT, and he is very competitive. So my question
> is, Does a "race" tire simply wear out sooner, or is it more
> susceptible to flatting?
>
> Thanks
> Greg