Trainer Tire vs Regular Tire

rlh2000

Question for all you smart people. What are the pros/cons to using a regular tire on the trainer? I have a Vittoria trainer tire that I used last year, but right now my Conti 4000s are still on. Will I ruin the Contis real fast if I just keep it on? Any other reasons to switch/not switch? I will be doing the OS exclusively on the trainer.

Al Truscott

Don't know how smart this is, but I never change my Conti 4000 tires for any reason other than holes going all the way thru the tread. I use the same tires for road, races, training, on the trainer, everything. They easily last me 2000+ miles with this approach. There may be good reasons not to do this, but I'm too lazy to care. I'm turning into somewhat of a retro-grouch; my TT bike is going into it's 15th season (although only the base bar, the seat post, and the rear triangle of the frame are actually original equipment.) I will say I'm very careful about tire pressure, checking at least every other ride, including those on the trainer. Front 105, rear 110. I weigh 66-7 kg.

Keith Wick

I've found that putting a cheap, hard tire (I have an armadillo) has helped my road tires wear less quickly. I feel the trainer really creates a flat spot quickly on the tire. I also get to a point where I'll use the armadillo outside for training as I never have to worry about a flat. My current armadillo is going on its 4 the year and is still bullet proof. It also makes my bike feel lighter and more responsive when I convert to a regular road tire in the late spring.

cgres123

I use an old tire on my trainer and change the tire to a better one before I ride outside and man it is a PITA. I like Al's idea perhaps I'll adopt it. As Keith said you do get that flat spot but I wonder if putting a tire liner on the rear that might help if you don't want to always change your tire.
BTW good post as if you asked the LBS I'm they would say buy two tires.

Scott Alexander

I've got an old wheel with a good ol continental orange "Trainer" tire. So I just swap out wheels before getting on the trainer. Super easy.

I've been on the same tire for ~4 years now, and have only had to change the tube once. There is definitely a FLAT spot on it though, after all the riding.

Woody Freese

@Al ---- "lazy" is NEVER a word I would use to describe you!!!!

scott dinhofer

@ woody, you havent spent enough time with Al in person, he is actually human after all... 

Al Truscott

And I just went out today and bought two cheap $30 Kenda tires to put on my TT bike after IM AZ (few choices available in 650 size).

Paul Hough

Posted By Scott Alexander on 31 Oct 2013 10:57 AM
I've got an old wheel with a good ol continental orange "Trainer" tire. So I just swap out wheels before getting on the trainer. Super easy.

I've been on the same tire for ~4 years now, and have only had to change the tube once. There is definitely a FLAT spot on it though, after all the riding.

Same here. I bought a cheap but well built rear wheel from Performance Bike years ago, put a red trainer tire on it and forgot about it. I just change the wheel when I swap out bikes on the trainer.

robin sarner

I use dedicated wheel too.

And only trainer tires. Regular road tires blow up a lot more often. But i am big.

Or buy a Kickr and not worry about the damn tires.