I have been using fairly expensive tires for the last year (Vittoria Open Corsa - around equivalent of US$55 in JP). Recently, on a long ride, I had to change just the front to whatever was available near by because it was chewed up and had flatted twice within a few hours. From the location of the leak and the corresponding part of the tire, I confirmed that both flats were due to sharp rocks tearing through the tire and not due to old rim tape etc). The new tire was a Vittoria Zaffiro (around equivalent of US$25 in JP).
A few days later, I went to an LBS to buy a matching tire for the rear, and, to my surprise, the store owner told me that he did not carry such low end models. He said that my Zaffiro was only a training tire (humorous to someone like me) and had inferior "grip". This led me to read more about what Vittoria had to say about these models. The main structural difference seems to be "TPI" - threads per inch. Open Corsa has 290 TPI, and Zaffiro has 60 TPI. Their web page explains that higher TPI requires less rubber, which reduces weight (230g vs 280g); increases flexibility, hence riding comfort; and lowers rolling resistance. The latter is supposedly true because the deformation of the tire due to small bumps in the road is less.
I'm wondering what people can share about their experiences with this level of difference in tires (does not have to be Vittoria, of course). Is this something that only makes a difference to an elite cyclist in a hill climb race or trying to hold a corner at 70 kmph? Any testimonials on enhanced comfort or reduced fatigue thanks to lower rolling resistance? Perhaps most importantly, are tires like the Zaffiro less prone to punctures and wear?
Thanks in advance.
A few days later, I went to an LBS to buy a matching tire for the rear, and, to my surprise, the store owner told me that he did not carry such low end models. He said that my Zaffiro was only a training tire (humorous to someone like me) and had inferior "grip". This led me to read more about what Vittoria had to say about these models. The main structural difference seems to be "TPI" - threads per inch. Open Corsa has 290 TPI, and Zaffiro has 60 TPI. Their web page explains that higher TPI requires less rubber, which reduces weight (230g vs 280g); increases flexibility, hence riding comfort; and lowers rolling resistance. The latter is supposedly true because the deformation of the tire due to small bumps in the road is less.
I'm wondering what people can share about their experiences with this level of difference in tires (does not have to be Vittoria, of course). Is this something that only makes a difference to an elite cyclist in a hill climb race or trying to hold a corner at 70 kmph? Any testimonials on enhanced comfort or reduced fatigue thanks to lower rolling resistance? Perhaps most importantly, are tires like the Zaffiro less prone to punctures and wear?
Thanks in advance.