Tire recommendation?
I'm in need of recommendations for a good tire for these last 2 months of training and racing IMLP. I love the tires I currently have but can't find them anywhere to get the same set. My problem is my bike has 650x23 tires and they are harder to come by than you would think. A few friends have suggested some specific tires, but I have found that not everything is available in a 650c size.
Help please. GO!
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I've been using the Conti GP4000s and GP4000s II tires for about a year. I did the same research you're doing, and it was highly recommended on other triathlon forums.
I've had a very good experience with the tires on both my road bike and tri bike. Great rolling feeling. Relatively puncture resistance -- the only flat has come from a small sliver of metal piercing the tire. Good race and training tire.
It looks like it's available in 650x23 on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Continental-Grand-650x23-Folding-Rubber/dp/B00G8QGMW0/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1_m?ie=UTF8&qid=1401223478&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=conti+4000s+650
Hope that helps!
I have a 650 bike and use those Continental 4000 tires for racing. Trisports.com should carry them if you can catch one of their sales. But biketiresdirect.com has a page of 650c tires as well; I've always gotten good service from both these sites. NB, I am using the Kendas now for training, will switch to racing tires two weeks before IM CDA. I've also used Vredestein, Vittoria, and MIchelin at various times. The Michelins are VERY hard to take on and off; the two Vs slightly less so. The Contis are the easiest of this group. This is a big deal for me, as I've got weakened fingers/hands from arthritis and some "nerve damage".
Another very good tire (my second choice) I've used is from Schwalbe, you can search for that, but they are a little harder to find.
http://www.biketiresdirect.com/search/650c-tires
I have used Continental GP 4000's for everyone of my Ironmans and I train on the Continental Gatorskins. The Conti GP's go through a slight change every year or so and they tweek the name a bit. I think they are currently calling them GP 4000 S II.
Here is a nice write up on that other tri website that will not be named.
Thanks so much, all of you, for the info. So glad I asked.
I was leaning toward the Conti GP4000 and you all made my decision that much easier. The LBS was trying to talk me into Gatorskins, but I don't want to buy 2 sets of tires since these won't fit on my road bike and I'll be back on that after IMLP.
Thanks again!!
Gatorskins are great training tires but horrible racing tires as they have terrible rolling resistance and aero qualities.
Thanks guys! I did end up getting the Conti PG 4000sII tires. They came just in time for me to get them on the bike and take about a 1/2 mile check ride before bike check in Sat. They served me very well yesterday! And the guy a the bike shop highly encouraged me to get off 650c wheels if not for any reason other than tires are getting more difficult to come by.
Guess I better start saving my pennies.
With the Interwebs, finding wheels, tires and tubes for my 650c has never been an issue. I've "made do" for 15 years now. Most other components are standard issue. However, if you ever have to replace your front fork … that's a hassle of different color.
If you are a "little peep" - 5'4" or under - don't think you have to save your $ for a 700c bike. But if you are on the taller side - say 5'7" or above, you might consider it. (I'm 5'9" - used to be 5'10". The only reason I still ride my old bike is it saves me $1000 every year in airline fees.)