Clincher tires for riding Euro-cols?

[tv_vt]

Stupid question. Going on a trip to southern France and Italy to ride mountain cols this summer. Ventoux, Stelvio, Gavia, etc. Using HED Belgiums for rims, just wondering about tires. Michelin Pro4, Veloflex Master 25, Vittoria Corsa CX 23 - have these on hand.

Anything I should be thinking about here?

I am bringing extra brake pads and rims are basically new, so lots of sidewall material there.

[velotel]

Those Veloflex Masters will be perfect. You won't wear out the pads, or at least I can't imagine that happening. I mean my pads last a year or so and about the only riding I do is up then down, and the down bit at speed. My pads would probably last longer if I didn't insist on riding all winter. The grit on the roads is pretty abrasive. You'll have a great time and those Masters will be sweetness the entire time.

[tv_vt]

Thanks, Hank. Was hoping you might chime in.

Cheers,

Thom

[nate2351]

Vitoria Corsa Graphene. No contest.

[eBAUMANN]

sounds like its all been covered but i would recommend masters as well, or a 25c vittoria open corsa of some sort, if you like a bit chubbier tire ;)

youll be fine on brake pads so long as you dont get caught descending in the wet...as velotel says, itll wear em down pretty quick, which is true of any location, you are just braking a lot harder/more often descending big mountain passes.

other advice - maybe goes without saying but...ride as much as you possibly can, MORE than you think you can. there is no place i have ridden that better rewards your suffering than the high mountains of europe:)

[DFORD]

I am jealous. All those tires are good. 25mm

[velotel]

My son swears by those new Vittoria tires, says they're far and away the best he's ever used. They weren't in your list so I didn't mention them but branching outside your list, I'd say go for those in 28's. I'd also suggest bringing at least one extra tire along. If you like fatter tires, they aren't so easy to come by over here. Bit of a pain actually. So if I were you, I'd definitely bring an extra pair just in case. If you're limited to your list, bring the Masters. They roll fatter than they measure, roll fast (or at least that's what I felt), and last. Or they did for me but then I only weight 146 lbs so that might make a difference.

[OtayBW]

Vitoria Corsa Graphene. No contest.
On sale last week (or until ???) at Ribble for $45 shipped.

[enr1co]

Splurge on a set of vittoria graphene + corsas. Super comfy, durable, fast on flats, grippy on descents. 25's are not too skinny, not too wide.

[sg8357]

Continental Avenues, big city slicks.

[572cv]

I rode the Compass Cayuse Pass clinchers (26's) with nice Schwalbe tubes last year in the Alps Maritimes. They were great fun, a very nice ride. They haven't lasted long, but I valued the experience there.

Those Vittoria Corsa Graphenes sound like they are worth a hard look. Ride lots and lots. Always pack a snack in case you miss a stopping point during the various periods when cafes, etc. are closed. Also be prepared for considerable temp. variation bottom to top. Ventoux is a great climb.

[happycampyer]

Since you already have the Masters in 25mm, it's a no-brainer.

[ripvanrando]

The VeloFlex Masters in 25mm size run 24.5 mm whereas the 2015 version of the 25mm Vittoria CX run 27.5mm on my rims.

If your frame can handle the width, I buy a new set of 2016 Vittoria Corsa Graphene G+ in 25 mm; otherwise, stick with the Veloflex in my opinion.

[fignon's barber]

The VeloFlex Masters in 25mm size run 24.5 mm whereas the 2015 version of the 25mm Vittoria CX run 27.5mm on my rims.


I've always found the a 25mm Veloflex is equal to a 23mm Vittoria.