OK, as my race season begins, it’s time to buy faster clinchers.
Right now I train on Conti 2000s, 23 up front and 25 on the rear. They are comfy and fine, but I want a set of something a bit faster and lighter for $100 or less. I’ve used and liked Rubinos and Grand Prix 3000s: They are worn out and relegated to trainer duty now. Anything a tad faster and lighter than those? I’ll be doing a variety of triathlons June-August. Suggestions? Gracias.
Is there a better tire than the Michelin Pro Race (2?) ??? IMHO - No.
I had a set of continental force/attacks - they were fast but the front tire got torn up pretty quick when I was using them as a training tire…
For faster and lighter check out Veloflex. I have had great success with the Corsa and the Pave.
“Is there a better tire than the Michelin Pro Race (2?) ???”
Michelin Pro Race…LIGHT
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I vote for Continental Supersonics. What I like about them is they are smooth even at 130-140 psi. Not the most durable, but good as a race only tire.
Vittoria Open Corsa KS - very high thread count casing… supposed to be the same as their Corsa KS tubular, but in clincher form. You can definitely feel the ride quality difference when switching to them from clinchers that are just one step down. Assuming that the improved ride quality also implies some potential for improved rolling resistance, that would be a plus. These tires also offer great traction. You’ll compromise on durability over something like a Diamante Pro, but I’d say the same from my experience with the Michelin Pro Race and Velofles Pave’s as well. I’ve gone through multiple sets of both, most not lasting anywhere near 1/2 the tread life before cuts rendered them unsafe to use. While everyone’s experiences will vary, I’ve used all of these tires on the same roads. I’ve moved away from the Veloflex and Michelin tires due to durability issues for training use, and found the Diamante Pro’s to be a great compromise between performance and durability. I race on Corsa tubulars or Open Corsa’s if I need to run on clinchers. If I durability was a concern for a race event (bar road conditions), then I’d switch to the Diamante Pro’s to race on as well.
TB,
Really give MAXXIS a good look. I have their XENITH EQUIPE LEGERE for racing… (super slick, 145 max psi) .And use their Columbiere for training… They have some nice tires and are a bit of a sleeper right now.
Vittorias or Vderstiens,
IMHO much, much better than continentals or michelins.
Lighter, more comfy, and last longer.
This year I’m running Michelin Pro Race Lites-smooth and quiet and no problems… With the Continental Supersonics I had a high frequency vibration (matched the spoke count)that started at 23 mph and went away at 25mph. Same wheels same bike same course and no vibration with the Michlins.
Jay
Edit: bought them at Bike Tires Direct-no hassles and a good price.
Supersonics actually have higher rolling resistance than a number tires that are much more durable, e.g. michelin pro race/ pro race light, open corsa cx. Conti misrepresents their thread count, BTW.
–jens
Gomataglia’s
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