Originally posted by Corsaire
Does anyone one HOW these tires ride?
Are they smooth rolling, with low rolling resistance?
I'm looking at the Armadillo All Condition 700x28C
but any feedback will be appreciated
Corsaire
Specialized Armadillo tires are tough, not smooth.
Armadillo All Condition are motorcycle-inspired design raised center crown pro-file for minimal straight-line contact (more speed)
Proprietary cornering shoulder for maximal contact (more traction) in turns
New Generation Armadillo Technology for improves flat protection 8% and cut resistance by 20% over original Armadillo technology
Low rolling resistance, hard center compound (68 Shore A durometer) for speed and durability.
If you like the ride they should last a long time
We used the old version on our tandem to prevent flats and cut induced blowouts. A cut at 40 MPH on the front tire would be a disaster.
The Kevlar makes them tough, but it goes from bead to bead and makes them ride a little harder. This new version has the raised hard center compound to make them have realitively low rolling resistance. I road them on a test bicycle and don't have any long term, close to home experience. I could not find them here to purchase and test further.
Pavement variability seems to make more difference to my perception of rolling resistance than the range of tires I have used.
I think they may be worth it if your routes include gravel, broken pavement, other sharp materials that could cut through the tire.
They are a compromise in smoothness for toughness.