Opinion on Road tires
Hey everyone - I am seeking advice and opinions as to what tires you have had success with. I am looking into the Hutchison tubeless conversion - but was wondering about any other suggestions for good tires that ride well and do not go flat on every ride. Any suggestions? Thanks much!
tubeless
Harris wrote up a blurb on the tubeless conversion here but I think you saw that...
http://treasurevalleycycling.com/node/423
If you don't want flats, tubeless is probably the way to go. I've run strictly Mich Pro 3 race's for quite a while now... they don't last very long but I still love em. Guess I've been lucky on the flats as I only had 2 or 3 all season. I usually pick the debris I find out of the rubber before rides and I don't go barreling down the dirts roads much on them though either. :)
I've heard good things about Mitchelin Krylions/Continental Gatorskins/Specialized Armadillo, but haven't ever used them. I've listed in order of perceived toughness with the Armadillos on top... but again only from things I've read and heard.
If you REALLY don't want flats you could always install the solid tires that are out there... they make different hardness version that simulate different tire pressures. Rolling resistance on them is insane and very noticeable and I'm sure they corner like a truck... probably make for some awesome training though. When you swapped the normal tires back on you'd be riding a rocket ship!
another idea
Both Meridian cycles and Reeds sale a very light weight tire liner. It looks like a yellow felt strip that is reinforced with kevlar. I have ran these in my daughters tires and have had zero flats. I know that Bill runs them on his cross bike. They are not cheap however, $17.00 a wheel. If you are spending $ for new tires and add the price of liners you you might as well go tubless and get the benifit of running lower tire pressure. If you already have good tires and just want to stop flats these liners work and are light weight.
I just purchased some Verdestein Fortezza's that are light at 225 grams and are supposed to be excellent against flats. I plan on going tubless but I got a good price on a slightly used pair as sort of gap stop until I go tubless.