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

[fiamme red]

S-Works Turbo 700x24mm tires are on sale for $18.98: https://www.excelsports.com/speciali...urbo-road-tire.

[tv_vt]

I do have some used 700x23mm tires, all Vittoria Corsa of different vintage, that would be cheap. If you just wanted some tires to try out to check fit and general ride feel, let me know.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by quacker2000

Don't sleep on challenge tires, especially if you can get a good deal. Roll beautifully and look great.

When I first took delivery of my Sachs it came shod in Challenge tire, and I liked them so much I swore that's all I would ever put on that bike.

But two things happened:
- 1) They seemed so susceptible to flats that I could no longer tolerate the constant roadside drama; and
- 2) after changing over to Conti GP4000 or GP5000 I realized that a lot of what I was enjoying was just the bike, regardless of what rubber was on its wheels.

[jamesdak]

Originally Posted by tv_vt

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.

Call me King Arthur as I've yet to run into any problem with them. I just did a quick count and I'm running then on 8 of the bikes right now. Didn't realize I was using so many of them.

[Bob Ross]

Originally Posted by fogrider

I learned a trick of wrapping the tire over the through axle to pop it off.

Tell me more! And we're gonna needs pics, or a diagram. Please.

[froze]

The Vittoria Corsa Control Graphene 2.0 were made for rough roads thus have a high degree of protection, grip, and suppleness yet is reasonably lightweight.

Combine that tire with a Vittoria latex tube and you will even get better suppleness, and a bit less rolling resistance.

[glepore]

Originally Posted by froze

The Vittoria Corsa Control Graphene 2.0 were made for rough roads thus have a high degree of protection, grip, and suppleness yet is reasonably lightweight.

Combine that tire with a Vittoria latex tube and you will even get better suppleness, and a bit less rolling resistance.

I really like the regular Corsa Control, on sale here for $40. https://bikecloset.com/product/vitto...ribute_size=25 (also available in gumwall). I'm primarily a tubular rider and value ride quality, and these are stellar. I ride the 28's on light gravel without issue.

I've also used the challenge tires with great success-the elite xp is VERY durable and on sale for $28 direct from Challenge. Not quite as supple as the 300tpi Strada but you don't give up much for the durability.

[GParkes]

Schwalbe Pro 1. Never an issue installing, ride very well, and durable - installed on a set of Easton EC90Sls. My choice for my C59.

[mass_biker]

Boy that looks like a great deal at $28/each. Anyone have success mounting these on bikes with minimal clearance even though these are 25c? For frame of reference, I can get 24mm Pirellis (on first gen HED+ rims) in the rear stays of my Parlee. Wondering if these 25c run true to size or not?

[HenryA]

The Panaracer Agilest is very damage resistant and a great tire overall.

https://www.panaracerusa.com/collect...oad-tire#specs

They also have a more puncture resistant model if you need it.