Looking at doing a metric century next month that is nearly if not all on pavement. I have some 28c Gatorskins but they don't like my American Classic rims for some reason. I can't get them to seat properly. I know they come in a 32c as well but they are pricey. Besides...I've grown accustom to the cush of 35c+ tires. So I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for a 35c+ fast rolling tire for pavement? I was looking at Kenda Kwick Tendril Endurance thinking that it would be a tougher tire similar to the Gatorskins in case I did end up on some gravel but still a smooth roller and I can get some of the Kenda stuff 50% off so $24 per tire and up to 38c isn't to hateful on the wallet. There's also a non-Endurance version which I assume will be a little lighter, the Kwick Bitumen, the Kwick Journey, and the Kwick Roller Sport that I can get at a discount...in case anyone has any experience with any of those. They don't have to be Kenda...but the discount is bonus. I just don't want to spend $50-$60 or more per tire if I can avoid it.
If you're committed to go that wide, Compass is your best bet.
I run tubeless 28 Schwalbe Ones (not Pro Ones) on American Classic rims with zero issues. They measure 32.5mm and they are fast...and durable. It's pretty easy to find those cheap because there's a newer version.
Pressure is key here. I know you're a big guy, but over-inflating the tires even 10psi has a big effect on rolling resistance and comfort.
I'm pretty sure I have heard you mention a WTB 'deal' as well. Those 34 Exposures would be good for pavement and not explode if they see dirt or other mixed conditions.
I would avoid Kenda until they finally revamp their rubber and puncture strips. Their rolling resistance is through the roof.
Well...32c Gatorskins I found for $35 each. I'll just go with those before I spend upwards towards $100 for a bicycle tire. I'd just like to get something a little wider but 32c will work just fine...assuming they work better than the 28c's did on my rims. In the mean time...I'll keep looking.
dangle wrote:If you're committed to go that wide, Compass is your best bet.
I run tubeless 28 Schwalbe Ones (not Pro Ones) on American Classic rims with zero issues. They measure 32.5mm and they are fast...and durable. It's pretty easy to find those cheap because there's a newer version.
Pressure is key here. I know you're a big guy, but over-inflating the tires even 10psi has a big effect on rolling resistance and comfort.
I'm pretty sure I have heard you mention a WTB 'deal' as well. Those 34 Exposures would be good for pavement and not explode if they see dirt or other mixed conditions.
I would avoid Kenda until they finally revamp their rubber and puncture strips. Their rolling resistance is through the roof.
Yeah...I can get a pretty good deal on some WTB stuff too but none of the tires that are part of that program are road tires. Mostly mountain bike tires and a few CX tires but nothing that would probably be decent on the road. There is the Slick 29 but they only come in at 32c and are pretty heavy...cheaper than the Gatorskin 32c but don't know how they roll. My current "road" tire is the 35c X’Plor and they aren't terrible...but certainly aren't great either. I just figured if I could save some energy on a better rolling tire without breaking the bank...
I would go with Compass or Soma Supple Vitesse EX. I have the Soma in a 38. Great ride, price be damned.
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\nA Panaracer Gravel King 32 (slick) would also do the job. Tougher than the above, still supple enough and fast.
I've been using some Vittoria Voyager Hyper 32 on my Tamland and have been super happy with them. Roll really well. About to pick up some 38s soon for my Van Dessel WTF.
barturtle wrote:I've been using some Vittoria Voyager Hyper 32 on my Tamland and have been super happy with them. Roll really well. About to pick up some 38s soon for my Van Dessel WTF.
\nI used a set of these and liked them--until I rode the Somas.
Nubster wrote:Well...32c Gatorskins I found for $35 each. I'll just go with those before I spend upwards towards $100 for a bicycle tire. I'd just like to get something a little wider but 32c will work just fine...assuming they work better than the 28c's did on my rims. In the mean time...I'll keep looking.
Isn't it nutso, $80 for a bike tire? That's what I pay for tires that go on my Dodge Ram crew cab.
\nThat being said I put Kenda Flintridge 40mm on my Vaya, like them. I'm not a small guy, but getting "smaller" and these tires work well.
Fast rolling tires do not come cheap. Gatorskins are incidentally one of the slowest rolling slicks you can get although they are bulletproof. Fast rolling means supple and that doesn't come cheap. I use Vittoria Hyper which IMO is one of the best fat slicks on the market. Panaracer Gravelking is also nice but only available up to 32mm as a slick. Continental 4 season now also comes in 32mm.
Maybe I should clarify...fast compared to trying to roll on pavement for 60+ miles on WTB Nano 40's. Gatorskins will be blazingly fast compared to those...lol
Thing is...I don't need these tires for much more than the upcoming ride. And maybe some occasional future rides. But they won't be an everyday tire. Just something I can use for events or times when I know it will be a longer ride with 95-100% pavement. That's why I don't want to spend huge amounts for them. I'd be more willing to drop some coin on tires if I was going to be riding them a lot. But I won't. So I'm not.
But...the price of the Vittoria Hyper is definitely appealing. I'm going to look into them for sure. Thanks for the suggestion!
But...the price of the Vittoria Hyper is definitely appealing. I'm going to look into them for sure. Thanks for the suggestion!
Just to note: You will see some rigid bead versions being sold for around $23 as the Hyper, these are not actually the Hyper, but the standard Voyager, with a 30tpi casing. You don't want these, as they won't roll well. The folding 120tpi is what you want. Should be able to get for around $50 each.
Ah...ok...those are the ones I saw...the $23 ones. That was just a quick search and I didn't look beyond that. Nothing ordered yet so thanks for the heads up!
Besides maybe a slightly less effective tread pattern, it seems to me like all of the comfort and performance of the $78 barlow pass extralights can be had with the $50 soma vitesse exs. Does anyone have the experience to comment on this?
I've found the Conti 4000 II S -- with vittoria latex tubes, just about the fastest clinchers around. They go up to 28 mm; which you can run at less than 90 psi with the latex tubes. They are fairly durable, but in all honesty, I just put a pair of Gatorskins on for a 100 mile charity ride I'm doing this morning in NH's White Mountains. Fast tires are great, but nothing slows you down more than a flat.
Compass is the way to go. I think the base model is like $57? I know it seems like a lot but once you ride them you will understand. Tires really do make all the difference in the world!
_max wrote:Besides maybe a slightly less effective tread pattern, it seems to me like all of the comfort and performance of the $78 barlow pass extralights can be had with the $50 soma vitesse exs. Does anyone have the experience to comment on this?
\nI have ridden other Compass tires and have the Soma. Love them both. Would buy either again, though would likely get the regular casing Compass, and I like the extra tread life (thicker) of the Soma EX. The Soma rubber seems slightly less grippy.\n\nThe casings are very similar and both are made by Panaracer.
Love my Schwalbe G1's... Fast, supple... Running 35's on my Felt V-85 but will switch to 40's when these are worn. May not be able to squeeze a 40 in back (Though the factory YouTube video says you can if not riding mud). Will definitely put a 40 on the front, though.
