After seeing two Kenda tires delaminate the tread (think of the SUV delaminations 2 yrs ago) and being on one at 40mph when the front delaminated, I would never even think of buying a Kenda tire. There’s a good reason Cervelo dropped them as the OEM tire.
For a good training tire, I like the Michelin Carbons. 700x23 is 227g on my calibrated scale, and for racing the Pro Race 700x20 is 202g, 700x23 is 206g. I’ve had no flatting problems with the Carbons, and they handle nice and roll reasonably well. But the others are right here…20-30g on the tire is not going to slow you down, especially compared to flatting something like a fragile Supersonic.
I have been riding on the Michelin Pro Road tires for two years now and all I can say is that this is a great tire - about as good as a clincher tire is going to get. They have good road feel. Are reasonably light and so far seem to be bomb-proof. This past weekend I was out on a four hour Adventure Ride and banged and bounced over all kinds of ugly roads( dirt, gravel, broken pavement, more gravel)and the tires look like they did before I set out.
Odd you should post that about the Michelin Pro. I was just looking at that tire on the Michelin web site. Pretty light, though a bit pricey. I also notice that it has pretty good reviews on RBR.
Thanks, Fleck.
-Robert
No, problem.
As for price, tires are one area of the bike that I have always thought best not to scrimp on. Invest in good quality tires( for both training and racing) and they will work well for you. I think that I paid $45 each (Canadian$) for my Michelin Pro’s and I have almost two years of flatless riding out of them. That seems like a good deal to me.
But some cheaper Tufos and enjoy the durability.
http://www.worldclasscycles.com/clincher-tires2.htm
Good prices at World Calss Cycles.
Tucker
Cheaper tufos like s22 are lumpey at the presta valve. I have them and don’t like them. S33 are great . I think for tubies $50. and up you get a ok tire. Nice and round and good riding with less flat problem then clinchers.
The “Vittoria” issue with Hed was only for the Open Corsa clincher, which supposedly fit somewhat looser. Hed specifically clarifies that this only applies to that specific model of Vittoria tire.
On the original topic of light clincher for race/training, I agree that the ultralight clinchers are not worth any potential gain. Also, I’d question how much gain there is in shaving a small number of grams of rotating weight unless you’re racing crits or have alot of acceleration and deceleration throughout a race.
I’ve backed off the light clinchers after having more tire damaging flats out on normal training rides. It sucks to be left by the pack because you flatted out. I used to run Veloflex Paves (180 grams), but had multiple incidents where the tires were rendered not rideable when I flatted out. I had to boot the tire to get back, but needed to replace the tire in a couple of cases. I switched to the Vittoria Diamante Pros. They are a very good compromise tire. More durability, good ride & handling, and mid-weight at 210 grams. They are also reasonably priced.
Robert-
I would seriously reconsider your desire for ultralight clinchers unless they are “race day only” tyres. I have had my day with Supersonics and the like, and Continental Supersonic is actually the words “good for one to two races on crap-free roads” translated into German.
I would come to your race at a cost. But I don’t know if you would want to talk to a few grumpy women who will get their appointments displaced…
Thanks, BM. I’ve arrived at the same conclusion but not because of Conti tires. I’m probably going to go with a Michelin Pro tire initially and see how they do. I don’t ride the roads here in Florida anyway, but GFT has some awful roads and I may do that race right after Duke if I’m alive. 
I loathe paying too much for equipment, but one cannot pay too much for a top notch mechanic.
-Robert
Robert,
Since you live here in the orlando area, you may want to go by Glory Cycles - on Virginia between Mills and Orange. Clive has the best selection of tires in town - tufos, michelin, vittoria, veloflex, parriba, hutchinson,… 700’s & 650’s
I’ve seen them on Ebay but was unaware they had a store. That isn’t too far from me. I’ll check it out. Thanks!
-Robert
Robert,
You may want to call first. That damn hurricane had knocked out power in their area. The store number is 407.383.7582. Website is glorycycles.com.