155gm clincher - bad idea?

[Dr Frigo]

I was looking at summer tires for next year's racing.

We all now that weight savings on tire/tube/rim are the most important on a bike.

The tires I currently have on are around 230gm.

Conti GP 4000 are 205gm.

Conti Supersonic (23c) are a silly-light 155gm. But they seem to be more labelled as a TT tire, to be puncture-prone and wear quickly.

A 50gm weigh saving per wheel on the already light GP 4000 does sound a lot though, so I was tempted to have a go (maybe front only) as a race-only tire. But would they be scary on the Palace's infamous curve? Would they be uncomfortable? Has anyone tried them?

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... onic.shtml

[Jon H]

I used the 20c version for time trialling before I switched to tubs. Very very fast and they didn't seem too bad puncture-wise, but wore out in about 1000 miles. They're completely slick so were always a bit scary in the wet.

[Andrew G]

I think I'd stick with 4000's. Durable, quick, grippy, good puncture protection, and fairly light. For a 50g saving (albeit a rotating weight) you may as well just leave either your socks / watch / computer etc off the bike.

If Jon says they don't last that long if you're riding to your races you'll wear them out pretty quick unless you faff about switching tyres before and after every race.

[Elliot M]

the supersonics have no puncture protection strip at all do they?

i'm well impressed with the grip of the 4000s although i'm not brave enough to take it to the limit

i guess you could go to a 20mm 4000 or similar?

anyway your bike is light enough! i'm amazed you haven't shaved your legs yet to save a gram or two...

also, aren't DA wheels fairly heavy? or do you have the scandium ones?

[Dr Frigo]

THanks - I'll have a think about it (and probably end up getting the 4000s).

My DA wheels are just under 1600gm I think.

And shaving my legs would probaly gain more like 50gm

[Elliot M]

You can get American Classic CR 420 wheels for 300 Euro, sub 1500g, or Ritchey WCS Protocol for 350 Euro, apparently 1350g

[Kevin Rynne]

I used to race on supresonics in hillingdon in the past, they wear very quickly I still have a new pair left if you want to try them out. They are brilliant on a circut like that but I would not ride them over there as they are so prone to cuts from glass. If you want to borrow them for a race and see if they make make any difference you are welcome to.

[Toks]

[quote]We all now that weight savings on tire/tube/rim are the most important on a bike.

[Dr Frigo]

[quote]Sylv, I think any weight saving on tyres for an essentially flat criterium is gonna be negligible

[Kevin Rynne]

dont worry you can have them. Send a text when you want to call around and collect

[Dr Frigo]

Thanks, I will let you know and we can make a deal.

Do you think you'll make it for the Hillingdon from next weekend?

[Kevin Rynne]

not sure about hillingdon not been on the bike in over three weeks now and still not over this cold competely, going to cycle to work tomorrow and see how I go

[Toks]

[quote]not sure about hillingdon not been on the bike in over three weeks now and still not over this cold competely, going to cycle to work tomorrow and see how I go