I was told to get 650 X 20 tires for my race wheels for Hawaii (zipps 404) I normally use the michelin and they don’t have that size. would the continental work?
Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps. I’m partial to running a little wider in the back (say 23mm), but then again I’m a fair bit heavier than you are.
You’ll love the Vreddy’s though…
well I have 23 already, I am looking for 20 
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Sorry - for some reason I assumed clincher. No idea why, other than I’m not sure that Michelin makes tubies. I’ve certainy never seen any, if they do…
So - tubular or clincher?
If it was me I’d ride the same type of tires I qualified on, but I’m superstitious.
honestly, I’d just stick with the 23s but if you really must switch I think Conti makes a GP3000 in 650x20. If you are looking for tubular, I know that Tufo makes a S3 lite in 650x19. I’ve used the 700c version of that tire as have a lot of sters and it’s a nice tire, pretty flat resistant, fast, but doesn’t corner that well. Not that you’ll need to corner much in Kona.
Are you changing to get more aero, flat resistance, comfort?
I have clinchers… just was told to use them for kona, I guess they are narrower?
What did you use when you qualified? Did those tires feel slow? If you have a tire that you believe in, stick with it. I think that some folks get too carried away with super skinny high pressure tires for an Ironman and then rattle their fillings out. Good luck over there.
You won’t rattle your fillings in Kona. The Queen K is one of the nicest quality roads that I’ve ridden on during a race. This may be why someone suggested that you switch to 20s. Other than that, I don’t think it will make too much difference for you if you have a nice set of 23s that you’re used to racing on.
I think that some folks get too carried away with super skinny high pressure tires for an Ironman and then rattle their fillings out. Good luck over there.
This is true, but probably not on 404s or any carbon rim. Most have great damping for road harshness, my Spinergy Tilium SS is incredibly smooth with a Michelin Pro Race 700x20. The Conti Supersonics are a fast tire, but pretty fragile, so it depends on the road quality. Unfortunately the Pro2 Race is only available in a 650x23, but the 404 was designed for a 23 if I recall correctly. Without a doubt a 20 would give you a small aero advantage (maybe 0.1lb of drag) but that would be negated by the crappy rolling resistance and crummy ride of a GP3000. I think I would probably stick with a Pro2 Race 650x23 personally.
Vittoria Open Corsa. 650x20. I got em, you’ll love em.
Vredestein Fortezza Tricomps.<<
Agreed. Nothing but Dutch rubber. My two flats at Half Vineman was from that stupid red Michelin tire, I’m sure! 
clm
I was told to get 650 X 20 tires for my race wheels for Hawaii (zipps 404) I normally use the michelin and they don’t have that size. would the continental work?
Who told you that and why?
If you’ve been happy with them I would stick with the Michelins in a 23.
I used the Vittoria Open Corsa CX’s briefly a couple of years ago, until the left me stranded on one training ride due a a huge gash, and then stranded me 3 miles from T2 at Wildflower LC and I had to run the bike the last 3 miles. I’d never consider these a durable tire- not even for racing. I think people place too much priority on rolling resistance and aero-ness, and not enough emphasis on durability. I can tell you from experience that having a tire with very low rolling resistance does no good when you’re pushing it by the saddle.
I guess you see you’re going to get quite a few favorite tires and reccomendations. Those Vittoria Open Corsa tires that Chris has are sweet but pricey. I love my conti GP3000s in 700c. On that note my best friend rides the Fortezza Tri Comps in 650c and she barely ever gets flats, I’ll attribute that to her being 50lbs lighter than me though. Pick a tire, don’t pick anything super light, and make sure they only have a ride or two on them before Kona. Inspect your tires for glass shards the night before the race and you’ll be good to go. The highway for Kona is nice and smooth most of the way, just watch out for rumble strips that seperate the shoulder from the highway portion. If you’re running high psi they’ll rattle you pretty good! You’re probably fine on 650x20, but just think of how your bike feels now with the 23s, if you already think it’s a bit harsh then keep the 23s, if you think it’s butter smooth slap on some 20s and go burn it up.
I’d second the recommendation for the Vittoria Open Corsa. I prefer the KS model (slick), but either the CX or KS would be good options.
Regarding the comments about tire durability, I agree that the lower rolling resistance tires of virtually all brands will be less durable, particularly in the sidewall department. You have a couple of choices:
1 - run a more durable tire, but sacrifice a bit of ride quality and add a bit of rolling resistance (Vittoria Diamante Pro available in both 20 and 23mm)
2 - bring some “boot” material. This can usually get you through pretty much the worst tire cuts that I’ve seen. Usually a 1-1/2" piece of an old tire kept in your saddle bag works well. Then just run the Open Corsa and don’t worry. Personally, I’d always carry one or two boots when running clinchers anyways. Any tire can be damaged, and the boot can save you.
These are race wheels, so clearly you need Tufos…
I get flats with those too. but after reading all this, I am scared to change anything before kona. I have always ridden 23’s… I guess I have time to try them out.
i ride 23’s on my regular wheels and 20’s on my race wheels and i dont even notice a difference
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i ride 23’s on my regular wheels and 20’s on my race wheels and i dont even notice a difference".
Same here .
The 20’s just beat you up more.
I’d call Zipp to check if 20’s are OK for the 404.
FWIW-Don’t change anything this late in the game.Keep the variables down to what you know.Besides, the Michelins have served you well…they got you this far , right? : )