[kneedrachen]

I find this test interesting. It seems, that certain magazines always make whatever tire they test, the fastest, lightest, most supple, etc etc etc. Either every successive test supercedes the month before or tire technology is progressing at an amazing (and alarming) pace.

It's nice to see in the real world, if there are any differences, they are minute.

[mars_yeldir]

Been over 1000 miles now. No flats. Rear tire has a flat spot on the top of the tire. One good cut in the rear tire, but is a non-issue. Zero problems with these tires. A friend picked up the rear wheel and commented on the heavier weight, but I can't tell a performance difference. I am slow climbing, but I have always been slow climbing. I chalk that up to my 44 year old 220 pound body, but what goes up must come down and I can out coast a lot of guys pedaling! Not a bragging point there, just gravity at work. Anyway, if you are looking for a reliable tire and don't mind adding a little bit of tire weight, 25c Maxxis Re-Fuse gets my vote.

[tiremaniacs]

Originally Posted by mars_yeldir

Been over 1000 miles now. No flats. Rear tire has a flat spot on the top of the tire. One good cut in the rear tire, but is a non-issue. Zero problems with these tires. A friend picked up the rear wheel and commented on the heavier weight, but I can't tell a performance difference. I am slow climbing, but I have always been slow climbing. I chalk that up to my 44 year old 220 pound body, but what goes up must come down and I can out coast a lot of guys pedaling! Not a bragging point there, just gravity at work. Anyway, if you are looking for a reliable tire and don't mind adding a little bit of tire weight, 25c Maxxis Re-Fuse gets my vote.

Glad you found the problem which most definitely was the tire for your road conditions and weight. Now you might want to scale down on the protective layer and check how much tire perf you can regain. The issue is that Re-Fuse will last you a long time so financially you might not want to go that way. But if you will want to look for a bit faster and supple tire you might get something lighter with higher TPI and still a reasonable protective layer. The tires you used to be blowing out were very fragile and obviously did not work for you. You moved from one side of the spectrum to the very other one. Re-Fuse are super solid but like anchors. Check offerings from other manufacturers that are just about in between. I am only familiar with three brands that will fit in there:

• Conti GP 4-Season
• Conti Gatorskin foldable (the most durable of this bunch but the slowest)
• Schwalbe Ultremo DD
• Michelin PRO 4 SC Enduro

All of the above have great protective layers and I am sure you will see the diff in riding them compared to Re-Fuse.
Cheers!!!

[mars_yeldir]

Thanks for the suggestions. I may try one of them. I have blown so many tires, I refuse to pay full retail and if I can find one of those sets at a good price, when I need tires I'll pick one. Are you sure about the Ultremo DD? I had a set of Ultremo ZX and thrashed them in no time flat. Pun intended I guess. Well the Michelin Pro3 Race lasted the least of the bunch. I liked both the Michelin and Schwalbe but they did not last at all for me. If the models you suggest at way tougher than the tires I have already ruined, then both Schwalbe and Michelin are worth a shot. Thanks again for your input.

[tiremaniacs]

My pleasure. The new PRO 4 is a bit tougher than PRO 3 but I do not think it will be the best for you. I am fairly sure that Conti Gatorskins will be adequate for you but the are still a bit of anchors. If your roads are not ultra loaded with destructive debris I seriously would recommend to you Conti GP 4-Seasons or ULtremos DD. Ultremo ZX is a relatively fragile race/training tire. Ultremo DD is a different pair of shoes. It has thicker walls and heavier puncture layer. Schwalbe does even more durable and puncture protective tire but it will again be on the slower and stiffer side - Durano (I'd say this is more like a Gatorskin)
Here are some reviews of the Ultremo DD:

• BikeRumor
• BikeSoup
• and a bunch of user comments at ChainReactionCycles

They are not inexpensive but there are some at decent prices :-). I will also be adding later today a coupon for all all-season/winter tires for 10% off - WINTER10OFF (expires Dec 31, 2012). Cheers

[joemorreale]

At over 200 lbs. I have had good luck with Vrenstein fortezza tires. You can crank the pressure up to 150 or more if you want. That will eliminate any pinch flats. They don't cut easily. I use a tire liner to help against glass shards, only on my back wheel. I check my tires when I get home. The Vittoria rubino have been very forgiving for me as well although they don't seem as puncture resistant. I used to like the Conti 4000's but they cut soo easy and cost so much. Even so I was able to get over 3000 on my last rear tire.

[Farrowlane]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

I've close to 220 (just over) and have been experimenting with pressures due to my weight gain from surgery. I'm running Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires @ 120 psi without incident.

I actually just picked up a set of Michelin 3s, now I'm doubting my purchase! I intend on dropping the weight quickly so it may not be an issue.

I think that if he's routinely breaking sidewalls that it may be a mechanical issue (rim wall deficienies/deformities?) leading to failure or maybe a repeated error in tire mounting or tube size selection/disconnect in sizing?

The mechanical issue was my first guess. However, I'm relieved that you've solved the problem...

[kneedrachen]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

I've close to 220 (just over) and have been experimenting with pressures due to my weight gain from surgery. I'm running Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tires @ 120 psi without incident.

I actually just picked up a set of Michelin 3s, now I'm doubting my purchase! I intend on dropping the weight quickly so it may not be an issue.

I think that if he's routinely breaking sidewalls that it may be a mechanical issue (rim wall deficienies/deformities?) leading to failure or maybe a repeated error in tire mounting or tube size selection/disconnect in sizing?

Just saw this....down to 183 now. . .seems like yesterday I wrote this!

[newleaf150]

Originally Posted by kneedrachen

Just saw this....down to 183 now. . .seems like yesterday I wrote this!

Way to make some great progress, Knee! Always good to see this kind of update.

[kneedrachen]

Thank you.

Now to get some new bib shorts and tights that aren't baggy.....