M
Matt O'Toole
Guest
cheg wrote:
> I have been running Conti Ultra Gatorskins on my road bike
> and lost the front one to a sidewall blowout last week. I
> noticed that he rear tire is worn through most of the
> tread pattern after about 1400 miles so I replaced them
> both. Is that a reasonable life span for quality tires?
> I'm curious how often people normally replace tires.
A normal life span is at least 2000, and probably closer to
3000 miles, for modern, road-race-oriented tires. Durability-
oriented tires last longer than that, but may not be as fast
or smooth.
Some tires have very thin tread, in the interests of low
weight and rolling resistance. But this kind of gram-shaving
is silly -- some of the fastest tires are also the most
durable. Note the RR and durablity results cited for
Avocets, for example.
With all the touble people seem to have with Continentals, I
don't understand why they continue to buy them. I see Contis
with frayed sidewalls all the time, held together with Shoe
Goo. Thse people ride the same roads as I do, and I never
have tire trouble.
I've been very happy with the Vittoria Open Corsa CX. They
came with my bike, and I thought they were fragile race
tires that I'd wear out or destroy soon. This has proven not
to be the case. I have about 2000 miles on them now, with
just one puncture, no cuts, and the rear is just starting to
square off. They look like they'll go another 500-1000
miles. They're some of the best riding, fastest tires I've
ever used. No problems in the wet either. It's very hilly
around here, with lots of rough pavement, which can be hard
on tires. I'd definately buy the Vittorias again, but only
on sale (they're expensive).
My friend uses Hutchinson Carbon Comps, and gets maybe 2000
miles out of them. But he buys them on sale for under $20
each. Nashbar has had some pretty good tires on sale lately
for as little as $10-15 -- Panaracer, etc. If your tires
will be destroyed by cuts anyway, it probably makes no sense
to pay for extra tread life.
Michelin Carbon are advertised as durable and cut resistant,
as well as fast and comfortable. 3500-4000 miles for $30-35,
and widely available. Anyone using these?
Matt O.
> I have been running Conti Ultra Gatorskins on my road bike
> and lost the front one to a sidewall blowout last week. I
> noticed that he rear tire is worn through most of the
> tread pattern after about 1400 miles so I replaced them
> both. Is that a reasonable life span for quality tires?
> I'm curious how often people normally replace tires.
A normal life span is at least 2000, and probably closer to
3000 miles, for modern, road-race-oriented tires. Durability-
oriented tires last longer than that, but may not be as fast
or smooth.
Some tires have very thin tread, in the interests of low
weight and rolling resistance. But this kind of gram-shaving
is silly -- some of the fastest tires are also the most
durable. Note the RR and durablity results cited for
Avocets, for example.
With all the touble people seem to have with Continentals, I
don't understand why they continue to buy them. I see Contis
with frayed sidewalls all the time, held together with Shoe
Goo. Thse people ride the same roads as I do, and I never
have tire trouble.
I've been very happy with the Vittoria Open Corsa CX. They
came with my bike, and I thought they were fragile race
tires that I'd wear out or destroy soon. This has proven not
to be the case. I have about 2000 miles on them now, with
just one puncture, no cuts, and the rear is just starting to
square off. They look like they'll go another 500-1000
miles. They're some of the best riding, fastest tires I've
ever used. No problems in the wet either. It's very hilly
around here, with lots of rough pavement, which can be hard
on tires. I'd definately buy the Vittorias again, but only
on sale (they're expensive).
My friend uses Hutchinson Carbon Comps, and gets maybe 2000
miles out of them. But he buys them on sale for under $20
each. Nashbar has had some pretty good tires on sale lately
for as little as $10-15 -- Panaracer, etc. If your tires
will be destroyed by cuts anyway, it probably makes no sense
to pay for extra tread life.
Michelin Carbon are advertised as durable and cut resistant,
as well as fast and comfortable. 3500-4000 miles for $30-35,
and widely available. Anyone using these?
Matt O.