IRC Redstorm Classic Tires - Experiences? Opinions?

[Jeff Starr]

Hi, my new LeMond Tourmalet came with the IRC Redstorm Classics and I am most interested in how they
are flat resistance wise? But also would like to know about rolling resistance. Has anyone switched
from or to these and noticed a obvious difference? I know when I went from Nasbar Primo Plus 2s to
Conti Ultra Gatorskins, I did pick up a little speed. This was on my French road bike, with 27x11/4
size tires. And finally kevlar bead as opposed to wire bead, is the weight savings worthwhile? I
really like the Conti Gatorskins, but wonder if they are the best choice, if I do change tires. Oh
hell, one more question. I notice that new bikes seem to come with 700x25, but often the higher end
tires are only offered in 700X23 and/or narrower,why is this? Ok, discuss;-) Thank you, any info is
much appreciated. Jeff

 

[Joshua Zlotlow]

>Subject: IRC Redstorm Classic Tires - Experiences? Opinions? From: [email protected] (Jeff Starr)
>Date: 7/23/03 4:45 PM Pacific Daylight Time Message-id:
><[email protected]>
>
>Hi, my new LeMond Tourmalet came with the IRC Redstorm Classics and I am most interested in how
>they are flat resistance wise? But also would like to know about rolling resistance. Has anyone
>switched from or to these and noticed a obvious difference? I know when I went from Nasbar Primo
>Plus 2s to Conti Ultra Gatorskins, I did pick up a little speed. This was on my French road bike,
>with 27x11/4 size tires. And finally kevlar bead as opposed to wire bead, is the weight savings
>worthwhile? I really like the Conti Gatorskins, but wonder if they are the best choice, if I do
>change tires. Oh hell, one more question. I notice that new bikes seem to come with 700x25, but
>often the higher end tires are only offered in 700X23 and/or narrower,why is this? Ok, discuss;-)
>Thank you, any info is much appreciated. Jeff

I've used IRC Redstorms and don't believe I've had a flat on them. I have mainly used them as race
tires though.

As far as Kevlar beads are concerned, they do save some weight. It seems that they make taking the
tires on and off harder at first, but after a while, it seems easier.

About tire widths, I have no idea, other than that 23mm is considered higher performance than 25mm.
One caveat is that a 23mm from one maker may be the equivalent of 25mm from another. Josh Zlotlow
[email protected] Sacramento, California Sacramento Golden Wheelmen www.sacgw.com

 

[Gazoo]

I have a set on my Lemond and they're pretty good. No flats over 1500 km. yet

....only concern is they're a little squirelly at times when cornering.
--
Robert M. Hammel, Commercial & Residential Mortgage Specialist Direct: 403-589-7381 Fax:
403-730-2134 e-mail: [email protected] The MORTGAGE Centre

"Jeff Starr" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Hi, my new LeMond Tourmalet came with the IRC Redstorm Classics and I am most interested in how
> they are flat resistance wise? But also would like to know about rolling resistance. Has anyone
> switched from or to these and noticed a obvious difference? I know when I went from Nasbar Primo
> Plus 2s to Conti Ultra Gatorskins, I did pick up a little speed. This was on my French road bike,
> with 27x11/4 size tires. And finally kevlar bead as opposed to wire bead, is the weight savings
> worthwhile? I really like the Conti Gatorskins, but wonder if they are the best choice, if I do
> change tires. Oh hell, one more question. I notice that new bikes seem to come with 700x25, but
> often the higher end tires are only offered in 700X23 and/or narrower,why is this? Ok, discuss;-)
> Thank you, any info is much appreciated. Jeff

 

[David Damerell]

Jeff Starr <[email protected]> wrote:
>And finally kevlar bead as opposed to wire bead, is the weight savings worthwhile?

No. Ignore any weight saving comparable to taking a leak before riding.

>I really like the Conti Gatorskins, but wonder if they are the best choice, if I do change tires.

I've recently noticed that Conti's 23mm tyres may have gone from "tight fit" to "inhumanly tight".
I've never failed to fit a tyre before, but I had to return a (kevlar beaded) 23mm GP3000 to the
LBS. I exchanged it for a Gatorskin (steel bead) which was merely enormously difficult to fit.

Conversely, their 25mm tyres have always been easy to fit. Hence, if you're looking at Contis, I
would suggest sticking to 25mm tyres (or above, if frame clearance permits.)
--
David Damerell <[email protected]> flcl?