Hi there --
Is there anyone out there doing middle and long course racing on full-on race tires (e.g., Grand Prix TT, P Zero Velo TT, etc.) with limited puncture resistance? If so, would you recommend it? My thought is switch to them race week to make sure I get a good mount, but do all training on my battle tested 4000s.
Seems like an easy way to pick up something like 3-4 watts. I'm just a MOP rider, but I'll take 3-4 watts. I've never ridden race tires, so am not sure how bad the lack of puncture resistance is, and if there is trade-off in wet weather grip, etc. If handling/grip is even better, that would be a positive. Getting a flat mid-race is pretty psychologically damaging (using that last CO2 cartridge and hoping you don't get another flat is a real nail biter), but most IMs I've done have very good road surfaces and the one time I flatted was a pinch flat.
Anyhow, opinions appreciated.
Is there anyone out there doing middle and long course racing on full-on race tires (e.g., Grand Prix TT, P Zero Velo TT, etc.) with limited puncture resistance? If so, would you recommend it? My thought is switch to them race week to make sure I get a good mount, but do all training on my battle tested 4000s.
Seems like an easy way to pick up something like 3-4 watts. I'm just a MOP rider, but I'll take 3-4 watts. I've never ridden race tires, so am not sure how bad the lack of puncture resistance is, and if there is trade-off in wet weather grip, etc. If handling/grip is even better, that would be a positive. Getting a flat mid-race is pretty psychologically damaging (using that last CO2 cartridge and hoping you don't get another flat is a real nail biter), but most IMs I've done have very good road surfaces and the one time I flatted was a pinch flat.
Anyhow, opinions appreciated.