Road tire recommendations sought

[Seramount]

Originally Posted by benb

So interesting to hear what works for different people.

I have pretty much hated every Conti tire I've tried. I like them on my car, not on bikes.

yeah, we've all got different takes. I have Conti Extreme Contact on my car and they're pretty meh overall, not nearly as grippy and sure-footed as the Michelins that came on it.

but, they wear well, so will probably get them again.

[Baron Blubba]

I have set many PR's on Panaracer Gravel King Slicks. They are definitely more of a road tire than a gravel tire, but they rise to the occasion admirably when you want to/have to incorporate some dirt into your route.

I have used 'em in the 26, 32, and 35 versions. 32 and up can be run tubeless. I've used them with tubes and without, and they feel and perform spectacularly both ways.

They have proven durable and capable and smooth rolling even on dirt roads and very torn up roads --even the 26mm version. The grip and profile make me feel confident; I 'clean' long twisty high speed descents on these as well as on any tire I've ridden.

They are not quite as plush as a Conti GP5000 TR-S, but it's close, and they are far more durable.

They are inexpensive at only $60 MSRP, so one can likely afford to purchase them at the local bike shop and support local people who share your passion.

[boomforeal]

Originally Posted by Baron Blubba

I have set many PR's on Panaracer Gravel King Slicks.

I’m a big fan of the SK for moderate gravelling, so I gave these a look. They’re tubeless ready, 15% lighter than the other tires recommended in this thread and about half the price, and as BB guessed available at the shop down the street. Honest question: what am I missing; why would I pay a premium for heavier “road” tires?

[gravelreformist]

Originally Posted by boomforeal

I’m a big fan of the SK for moderate gravelling, so I gave these a look. They’re tubeless ready, 15% lighter than the other tires recommended in this thread and about half the price, and as BB guessed available at the shop down the street. Honest question: what am I missing; why would I pay a premium for heavier “road” tires?

I don't think you're missing anything. Panaracer generally makes very good tires at fair prices. Looking at the spider chart at https://www.bicyclerollingresistance...-gravelking-35 what I see is a tire that is made fast by very lightweight construction. So yes, it's lighter than the GP5k/and GP5kAS but it is much easier to puncture. Despite this, it's also a hair slower than those tires, with a bit less wet grip.

Considering that the GP5k is already on the edge of what I'd consider a viable part-time gravel tire, I don't think I'd be terribly comfortable with these for anything but road and very light gravel use.

[mass_biker]

Have these on the bikes that I use on road/mild rough stuff and echo the Baron’s comment on these rising to the occasion when you incorporate dirt into your route - either by choice or by chance.

Last spring I was out exploring the roads and routes in/around the Allegheny Front. I mapped out a route that would take me to locations not-yet-visited, and of course, nice pavement deteriorated into rough pavement which quickly deteriorated into pure gravel. This was when I was at the maximum “out” part of my loop and I was forced with a decision of pushing ahead (where I would join up with a known paved road) or turn around. I pushed ahead. I was on 700x26 GK slicks on a rim brake bike (~20 year old C50) and while I admit I picked my way somewhat gingerly down the steeper, rockier, chunkier stuff, the tires held up just fine.

These are a little harder (for me) at least to put on/take off vs. the Pirellis. That said, I am yet to find a version of these from Pirelli (maybe the Cintaturo?). Call me satisfied!

[skouri1]

I have the new Vittoria corsa tubeless with I wanna say a nylon casing. People said it was less plus, still feels great to me and is more puncture resistant apparently than regular corsas.
I have used Michelin pros which I liked a lot. These feel similar. Great grip and robust so far.
For a while I went up to 32-35 in gravel king slicks and then specialized Roubaix. Gravel king slicks were odd seating on my rim . Similar with the Roubaix. If you didn't overinflate them they didn't seat evenly on some rims.
I am back down to 28 as a Goldie locks. If I want more dirt, I take the gravel bike.