Best (durable vs. racy) “real” 25c or 24c clincher

[hernium]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

Depends on the rim, but some rims make removal nearly impossible. Kinda sucks to get a flat and then not be able to get the tire off the rim.

I'd agree with you, and have been so frustrated with the tyre on certain rims that I have taken a pocket knife to try to cut out the tyre from the rim, only to take it to the LBS to be completely humbled when they pop the bead off with their fingers. There's some sort of black magic to it, but one I haven't learnt.

[tv_vt]

Originally Posted by hernium

I'd agree with you, and have been so frustrated with the tyre on certain rims that I have taken a pocket knife to try to cut out the tyre from the rim, only to take it to the LBS to be completely humbled when they pop the bead off with their fingers. There's some sort of black magic to it, but one I haven't learnt.

Yep, been there. I think the LBS guys just have higher grip strength or something. But they have bailed me out a couple of times with Conti GP5K tires refusing to come off rims. Last time, I just told them to keep the tires.

It feels like King Arthur or something, where only the chosen one can pull the sword out of the stone, or get the tire off the rim.

[fogrider]

Originally Posted by hernium

I'd agree with you, and have been so frustrated with the tyre on certain rims that I have taken a pocket knife to try to cut out the tyre from the rim, only to take it to the LBS to be completely humbled when they pop the bead off with their fingers. There's some sort of black magic to it, but one I haven't learnt.

I've had a tubeless tire that was seated so tight that I could get it off. It was also lightly raining. The tire had a puncture that sealant could not repair. I had a tube to put in there, but couldn't get the tire off the rim. It took 30 minutes when a couple young guys were riding by and lent a hand. Later, I learned a trick of wrapping the tire over the through axle to pop it off.

[litcrazy]

I have a new Bontrager AW3 and a new Schwalbe Durano both in 25. Both really fit the bill in my experience. Super reliable but not Gatorskin/Durano Plus dead. I've just evolved to wider tires.
I'd be willing to part with either for $25 plus shipping or both for $45 plus shipping. Let me know if you're interested.

[mass_biker]

I’m leaning away from Contis; nothing but bad luck with them in terms of difficulty of getting on/off. This bike needs somewhat durable tires as the riding is in pretty remote places where I’d rather not fix a flat. And if I do have to fix a flat, I don’t want to be fussing with a tire that is super difficult to get off.

In terms of ease of install/removal, I’d rank (at least what I’ve used):

- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Panaracer
- Continental

I was eyeballing the rim/stay clearance today. I think the max I can go is Pirelli 24c or Michelin 23c on these first gen Ardennes rims. I bet the Michelins plump out a lot. My Michelin 28c tires are in 32c territory on my Ritchey. I have found the Michelins to have pretty thick and “sticky” rubber (although they do nick very easily). I’ll keep you all posted.

MB