Tyre choices

[virek]

Since I moved to Martinique I don't get quite the same wide choice of tyres. Basically its a choice betweeen Vittoria's (most models) and Hutchinsons (all models).

Can anyone put in a word or two about the strengths/weaknesses of these brands.

Just to put it into perspective in the UK I ALWAYS used Continental 4 seasons - good roller and strong as fcuk!!!

Cheers.

Hope to pop out on a club run in late september (im popping over for a couple of weeks - can anyone lend me a bike?)

Matthew

[Nick]

I had Hutchinsons on a bike (came with them) and in my opinion were CRAP! The walls cracked within 500 mile. I used to check tyre pressures every two days so it wasn't that and they slipped in the damp.

[virek]

is THAT it for tyre help?

Nick, the Hutchinson's on new (certain) bikes are always the shoddy ones, so I'm not surprised at that.

I'm asking as I've never tried Vittorias and I was wondering if its worth a punt or not, depending on the model of course? Any advice?

Cheers

Matthew

[Alan M]

Try putting the question on the cycling plus know-how section at http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/ You get a good range of responses from a larger group.

Cheers

[Dan B]

I'm sure you could buy Contis online - have you tried? Might cost a mint in shipping but order in bulk and it'll work for you. You might even consider a new career in wholesaling ...

I ride 4 seasons and they are superb.

DB

[siwickm]

Dan, you should try the 4 cheeses, they really stick to the road.

Cheers

Marek...

[Mike I]

Matthew

I've tried both, with mixed results I'm afraid.

I used to use Hutchinson Excels for commuting. Fairly much bomb-proof for a few thousand miles, but they are heavy and feel a bit stiff. Also, quite tricky to change with cold hands on a wet Wednesday in February - but I guess that's not too much of a problem where you are. I now use Gatorskins, which are about as tough, but lighter and roll more comfortably.

Tried Vittoria Rubinos for a bit, but the walls cracked very quickly. Cheapish, but ultimately not good value.

I've also tried Vittoria Open CXs (I think they have a new incarnation now) for dry 'fast' rides (fast for me, that is). I quite like them, but think that Michelin Pro-Race just have the edge.

By the way, I've built a fixie and am trying to keep a fixed-wheel presence on the SW London / Docklands commute!

[Rob]

if you want training tyres, go for continental all seasons/4 seasons..expensive, but, they are trully great. i use about 2 pair a year, and get no punctures!!

or use specialized armadillos...they are the ultimate tyre for training, but if you havent got top handling skills, you might hit the deck on wet days quite often!

for racing, i always use to ude michelin pro..... but now theres a new love in my life

vittoria tub cx...they are kevlar, so last longer without puncturing, theyre a pain in the arse to get on.....BUT...they are designed to be like tubs...so you can pump these babies upto 10 bar, opposed to a regular 8 bar tyre, and i promise, you will go faster with these then michelin!

[virek]

Rob, that's where this started off...I know the contis very well but can't get them here and I'd never tried the other choices.

Cheers for the tip on the Vittorias though, I'll give them a go.

In the end I plumpted for Hutchinson Long Distance tyres - so far so good (fingers crossed)

Mike, did I meet you on the road? I knew another Mike with a fixie that came in from Morden, but his surname isn't Ingram...if I did, soz I don't remember. But hey, great news about the fixie. I tell u, once I got into the swing of it (i.e. after ten mins riding the thing) I was hooked and couldn't think of a better way to commute in "The Smoke". FANTASTIC.

I'll post some pics of the roads here as soon as I figure out how to post pics - is there a simple way?

Matthew