I could use some advice on tires

[Mountain Man]

A couple of months ago I bought a pair of Vredestein Fortezza tires to go on my new Krsyrums. Last Sunday, with about 300 miles on them, the rear tire blew out for no apparent reason I can see: no glass, no thorn, no obvious damage to the rubber--just a clean split in the inner cord right between the threads that caused a two inch blow out in the tire. I was a long way from home and had a long walk on the bike path just to get to some place where a friend could pick me up. I don't even want to think about what might happen if the front tire blew the same way on a decent in the mountains. I will concede that there might have been some cause other than a poor tire, but once burned, twice shy, so I not going there again.

My question is, what tires would you guys recommend? Durability is obviously key, but at the same time I don't want to go to some super tough, but super heavy, tire. The whole point of the Ks was to get light wheels for mountain climbs, and I want something reasonably in that spirit. I'm thinking about Michelin Race Pros that I've got on my other bike and have worked well, but is there something else I should consider? Thanks in advance.

[ada@prorider.or]

A couple of months ago I bought a pair of Vredestein Fortezza tires to go on my new Krsyrums. Last Sunday, with about 300 miles on them, the rear tire blew out for no apparent reason I can see: no glass, no thorn, no obvious damage to the rubber--just a clean split in the inner cord right between the threads that caused a two inch blow out in the tire. I was a long way from home and had a long walk on the bike path just to get to some place where a friend could pick me up. I don't even want to think about what might happen if the front tire blew the same way on a decent in the mountains. I will concede that there might have been some cause other than a poor tire, but once burned, twice shy, so I not going there again.

My question is, what tires would you guys recommend? Durability is obviously key, but at the same time I don't want to go to some super tough, but super heavy, tire. The whole point of the Ks was to get light wheels for mountain climbs, and I want something reasonably in that spirit. I'm thinking about Michelin Race Pros that I've got on my other bike and have worked well, but is there something else I should consider? Thanks in advance.

conti
competition
they keep them selve's to the erto standard

[Too Tall]

The Veredestine Fortezza is by all regards a great training and racing tire. We have race tandem on them and I've worn out many sets in the past. No reason to question them as far as I'm concerned for general riding, racing and training.

What pressure are you running and your weight? Sorry to be so personal just looking to solve your question(s).

You might have had bad luck or a defective tyre too.

[aLexis]

Bad blowouts happen to good people. Sorry about the long walk back. I have always liked the Fortezzas for their durability and performance. During my lengthy stint in bicycle retailing, I always got a kick out of cyclists and their tires. People all swore by different tires. I used to think Michelin Pro Races flatted anywhere near a piece of glass, so I swore them off for a few years. When I was given a free set not so long ago, I was dubious. I figured I would use them until they came to their untimely demise and then replace them with Vredesteins. 2000 miles later though and no flats. I better carry two tubes next ride. Jinx.

[Mountain Man]

I rode them at 120 lbs; I weigh 174.

[Too Tall]

MM, bad luck brah. Give em another shot.

[mflaherty37]

Not go against others experiences here, but I have had a lot of Fortezza TriComps. I have had three blow through the casing at 120 psi. For me they are fine up to 110 psi.

[jerk]

the old fortezzas were the best clinchers around....the new ones sort of suck. cees is right, few tire companies abide by the standards but then again even fewer rim/wheel manufacturers do.

the jerk likes gommitalia and vittoria/bontrager/whomever else lion is making tires for. but contis are good too.

jerk

[saab2000]

Veloflex

Clinchers or tubulars.

[Argos]

We don't want to go back to the subjuct of Ksyriums being heavy, do we?

Just kidding, I'm outta here! :D

[Fixed]

I have a set on a pair clinchers that I use for city training rides they have been good so far (knock on wood.) but I like conti sprinters for my better wheels. I look for deals on e-bay .Good luck I hope I helped..Cheers

[Brian Smith]

Bad blowouts happen to good people. .....big clip...... I figured I would use them until they came to their untimely demise and then replace them with Vredesteins. 2000 miles later though and no flats. I better carry two tubes next ride. Jinx.


last week I recommended a great tire to Rapid Tourist after she flatted on her fixed gear and had trouble repairing it and reinstalling the wheel; in the process I cursed myself with the dumb, smug proclamation: 'what is a flat.'
yup.
PSSSSSSSSSSSSSSsssssssssssssssssssssssss.....

DOH!

[Registered User]

I agree with the other guys, but perhaps try the Vredestein TriComp for a change of luck -- as far as higher-end tires go, they're probably the best value for money, and, unlike most others, are rated to 145psi.

But, having said that, there are obviously other brands you can try.

http://www.panaracer.com/
http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/general/home/index_en.html
http://tires.hutchinson.fr/
http://www.maxxis.com/products/bicycle/overview.asp
http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004114353&lang=EN
http://www.schwalbetires.com/
http://www.veloflex.it/
http://www.vittoria.com/index3.asp?lingua=en
http://www.specialized.com/bc/home.jsp?ti_sprd_ses=jdn%24j%3DIBE%3A1009%3AIBEGUE ST%3AUS%3A%3AUSD%3ADD-MON-RRRR%3AJTFUCSS.CSS%3Ajtfpfalse%3Ajtfpi-1%3A671%3A22372%3A0%3A18747609%7Ezv%3D18747609%7Ez s%3Dt%7Ezp%3D1025%7Ezo%3D-1%7Ezm%3D10080%7Eses%3D37E44AC93AB5768644274AD4E6C D6E4F%7Ezj%3DGuest%7Ezi%3D1025%7Eze%3D22372%7Eza%3 D1023%7Ejsm%3DJTF_FULLSESSION&minisite=10080

[toaster]

What the heck does it mean when a tire is rated at 145 psi or 160 psi?

Does that mean it's supposed to be inflated at that rating?

[Registered User]

What the heck does it mean when a tire is rated at 145 psi or 160 psi? Does that mean it's supposed to be inflated at that rating?no, not at all. It just means you feel safer putting 130psi in the back tire if you're a bit of a lardo like me. :) Many tires are only rated to 115psi or 120psi, and some fatties like to have a little more pressure in the back tire on smooth roads.....like me

[vandeda]

no, not at all. It just means you feel safer putting 130psi in the back tire if you're a bit of a lardo like me. :) Many tires are only rated to 115psi or 120psi, and some fatties like to have a little more pressure in the back tire on smooth roads.....like me

However (since you recommended the TriComps), the sidewall on my TriComps said the max pressure was 145 psi, and the recommended pressure was 145 psi.

But nothing says you can't run them lower.

I loved my TriComps, told people how I never flatted on them. Then ... beginning of this year, I had 3 or 4 (can't remember which) flats in a couples weeks time period. I was so mad ... or disappointed .. or something like that.

I, unfortunately, have no recommendations as I've only used the TriComps, Conti Grand Prix's which lost the sidewall due to fraying, and Panaracer T-Serv on my fixie but have only used them for a couple weeks.

Dan

[Registered User]

However (since you recommended the TriComps), the sidewall on my TriComps said the max pressure was 145 psi, and the recommended pressure was 145 psi.
hmmm....good point. I might email them. I'm such a geek :)

Regarding punctures, I've also had good luck with Vredestein tubes.

I've used faster-feeling tires than the TriComps, but they tend to be 15 to 30 dollars cheaper than the high-end Vittorias and Michelin