Thursday, November 29, 2007

New Wheels

Well, they're used but new to me. And since they were last ridden by Bart I figure they've got to be fast right? Now I just need to figure out what tires to use and I'm in business. Last year I rode Conti GP4000 and Michelin Pro Race tires. Oh yeah, I also rode a pair of Maxxis Courchevals until the rear tire sustained a huge, nasty cut in the sidewall. Right now I'm thinking of trying the new GP4000 S. Any other suggestions? I've never ridden Vittoria, Veloflex or Hutchinson rubber.

Another related question: Does anybody buy tires at the shop when you can basically get two for the retail price of one on eBay? I buy a lot of stuff at my LBS but really struggle to justify spending an extra $30 on a pair of tires.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I haven't gotten in the habit of having many spare tires in the garage since I'm kinda new in the cycling game and still trying to figure out what I like, how I like it, etc.

So when I destroy a tire, which has happened a few times, I run into Guthries, REI or the closest shop I can find when in need.

I've also grown to like steepandcheap.com or backcountry.com. It's local so I don't feel like I'm sending money out of state when I shop with them.

Bike Junkie said...

I'm with you. I try to buy as much as I can from my LBS, but tires I will go online to find a good deal.

Utah Mnt biker said...

It's difficult to pay retail on something that doesn't last a long time like a tire.

I started running the Michelin Pro Carbons late in the summer and have been really happy with their performance.

Nice wheels!

Stormin' said...

Don't try the Hutchinson tires. I tried them a couple of times and got huge slits in them. The rubber on them isn't very good. Vittorias are very nice. They are a soft tire and wear out fast. The Conti tires are really good, I would try the new GP4000s.

Eat Sleep MTB said...

Team membership discount, work it. I love my 4000GP, I think I'll try S this winter too.

KanyonKris said...

I'm surprised the discussion has remained so civil. Tires are like religion to some. ;-)

I'm not one to ask, I just get whatever red (stripped) tire happens to be on sale at one of the internet shops. I don't see much difference in road tires. I've been happy with the bargain bin Panaracers I'm running right now.

Now MTB tires are a different story. Lots of variation there with tread pattern, width, tubeless, thickness, rubber compound, etc. to match to your riding.

BTW, according to Sheldon Brown road tires don't need tread. You can't go fast enough to hydroplane them.