Hello, wanted to get some ideas on whether certian tires (brands) are better for preventing flats. I am asking about road/triathlon. I heard that some tires are better at preventing flats but are a little heavier due to being thicker…anyone have any epxerience with these? Is the weight difference that big of a deal?
Also has anyone used tire liner? I saw this advertised as helping to prevent flats.
I just want to prevent a flat during a race as best as I can…knowing that totally eliminating the risk is impossible. So if you have any suggestions or specific tires that migh help…thanks
Well, you may not want those tougher tires for a race because they tend to be heavier (I personally think the consequences of the weight difference is overblown). You also didn’t mention tubular or clincher. One clincher tire I like is Continental’s Gatorskins.
Well, you may not want those tougher tires for a race because they tend to be heavier (I personally think the consequences of the weight difference is overblown). You also didn’t mention tubular or clincher. One clincher tire I like is Continental’s Gatorskins.
It’s not so much the weight, but the fact that they are slower than shit.
Seriously, especially for long course, one could EASILY lose significantly more time with poor tire choices (operating under an irrational fear of flats) than if you ran better rolling tires and needed to change a flat.
Well, you may not want those tougher tires for a race because they tend to be heavier (I personally think the consequences of the weight difference is overblown). You also didn’t mention tubular or clincher. One clincher tire I like is Continental’s Gatorskins.
It’s not so much the weight, but the fact that they are slower than shit.
Seriously, especially for long course, one could EASILY lose significantly more time with poor tire choices (operating under an irrational fear of flats) than if you ran better rolling tires and needed to change a flat.
What would you recommend Tom?
edit: I need new tubs for my next IM
Ha, I might have this irrational fear you speak of…I have never flated in a race but I know I will be so pissed if I do an lose a bunch of time
Simple solution to that irrational fear…practice your flat repairs If you can’t change a flat in less than 5 minutes, you need to change something with your technique or your equipment choices.
One can EASILY lose more than 5 minutes in an IM bike leg by choosing slow rolling tires.
Well, you may not want those tougher tires for a race because they tend to be heavier (I personally think the consequences of the weight difference is overblown). You also didn’t mention tubular or clincher. One clincher tire I like is Continental’s Gatorskins.
It’s not so much the weight, but the fact that they are slower than shit.
Seriously, especially for long course, one could EASILY lose significantly more time with poor tire choices (operating under an irrational fear of flats) than if you ran better rolling tires and needed to change a flat.
What would you recommend Tom?
edit: I need new tubs for my next IM
The fastest tire you feel “comfortable” with about their durability for the course and conditions. I see you recommending the Conti’s above, and for tubulars I don’t think I’d go with those since they don’t come with latex tubes inside…It’s hard to go wrong with the Vittoria offerings IMHO.
x2 on Continental GP4000 clinchers. In the last 3 years I’ve only had 3 flats and only one from road debris. The other two came after about a year of riding on the same tube the tube started leaking at the valvestem. I race on the the same tires I train on. The Contis are light enough for that. The only possible negative is they only last about 2500 miles.
I’ve been riding on the same roads for years and used to get a flat about every month or so so its definitely the tires.
Well, you may not want those tougher tires for a race because they tend to be heavier (I personally think the consequences of the weight difference is overblown). You also didn’t mention tubular or clincher. One clincher tire I like is Continental’s Gatorskins.
It’s not so much the weight, but the fact that they are slower than shit.
Seriously, especially for long course, one could EASILY lose significantly more time with poor tire choices (operating under an irrational fear of flats) than if you ran better rolling tires and needed to change a flat.
What would you recommend Tom?
edit: I need new tubs for my next IM
The fastest tire you feel “comfortable” with about their durability for the course and conditions. I see you recommending the Conti’s above, and for tubulars I don’t think I’d go with those since they don’t come with latex tubes inside…It’s hard to go wrong with the Vittoria offerings IMHO.
OK, I’ll give the Vittorias a go, thanks. Any one in particular?
I’ve had such good luck with Continental Gatorskins I ride them every day (two way commute and there are lots of cactus here).
They aren’t intended as a race tire since they are heavy, but then again- so is carring a bunch of spares and CO2’s- although it isn’t rotating weight.
Best weapon against flats is proper air pressure. I probably over inflate mine as I keep them at 125psi and air up before every ride.
I’ve been riding Vittoria’s for years and only flat when I ride in the rain.
Friends all ride Gatorskins.
I used to use Specialized tires but would typically have more than one flat on a 50mile ride. It took a while for the stubborness to wear off but I finally changed to Vittoria’s and they’ve served me well
I put the “Mr. Tuffy” tire liners in all of my tires. I’ve found this to be VASTLY better at preventing flats than using specialty tires and/or tube “gu’s”. I typically get over 1,000 miles without any flats. I can’t notice any difference in ride quality either. I first started using these when I was living in Colorado and getting nailed with bullhead thorns. Once I put these in… no more flats.
If you can’t change a flat in less than 5 minutes, you need to change something with your technique or your equipment choices.