I have been riding Hutchinsons Carbon Comps for the last year and have been having problems with rocks and such cutting my tires. I had to call in favor from a friend last night a get picked up about 15 miles from home. I had flatted earlier in the ride and put in a new tube and then 5 miles later I was forced to ride through some rocks due to traffic and had a major side wall blow out from a rock cutting the tire. The tire had a >1/2" cut in the side wall. I put in another tube (I always carry two), put a patch on the inside of the tire as well as several layers of old cut tube, but on filling with air, it bulged out and blew up before I could deflate it.
So, long story short, I need a new tire and I want to try something different. I had been looking at the Tufo C S22, seems like several people have had good experiences with these. Any other tires I should be looking at before I go out and spend some cash.
I have been using Continetal training tires for most of the last 10 years and they are solid tires. The Ultra wire bead tires are not bad priced and they last and last. Plus, their regular tire is very flat resistent. I have not had a flat since I was riding a Hutchison Carbon Comp (one reason I wanted to respond) last year. It was a hot day and it blew off the rim. Conti’s fit tightly, but they are solid performers. The best compliment I can pay a tire is to say that I never give them a thought after they are installed.
I use Conti GP3000 with a slime liner. I’ve had six flats this year, and I found out the last four were due to rim tape disintegrating.
I definitely feel fast when I put the race wheels on, and on training rides, I tend to think that riding is a better workout than changing tires. I get bummed on behalf of those I see changing tires by the roadside, especially during inclement weather, or at centuries. I’m one of the faster riders among my group, so it’s no problem if it slows me a little and makes climbing a tad more challenging…
My brother also uses the Armadillos and loves them for training. He says he feels like superman when he puts on his race wheels. I train on Michelin Carbons since my roads are reasonably clean, and I have had 1 flat from a broken bottle that I didn’t see before I hit it. That’s in about 3000 miles or so, so I am pretty happy with the Carbons. I don’t think my bro will ever flat with those things…the Turbo Armadillo at 378g has been replaced with an all-condition Armadillo or something like that.
Another vote for Conti GP3000’s. Great training tires. I won’t say exactly how many flats I’ve had on them (less than one) because as soon as you mutter such a thing you’re instantly cursed.
I bought a set of Vittoria Rubino 23mm because they were a cheap tire with kevlar in it. Next thing I know, Cervelo is selling them on their bikes. Thats got to be saying something. So far for me there good, but I have to get some good milage in them first.
I train on Michelin Carbons since my roads are reasonably clean, and I have had 1 flat from a broken bottle that I didn’t see before I hit it. That’s in about 3000 miles or so, so I am pretty happy with the Carbons. I don’t think my bro will ever flat with those things…the Turbo Armadillo at 378g has been replaced with an all-condition Armadillo or something like that.