by Andrew G » Fri May 30, 2008 1:00 pm
Precious little grip, if any, from tyre tread on a race bike tyre it's more the compound of the rubber. 4 Seasons are like the old GP3000 race tyre but a bit heavier due to an extra puncture belt, will be good for anything though.
GP4000s are good and a step up to a more race tyre. Been happy with mine in dry and wet. They do have a softer compound than the 4 Seasons I think so cut a bit easier. Not puncture prone though, just make sure you remove flints/glass etc regularly and glue closed and larger cuts that appear. not a big job and doesn't bring about any problems. Have used them all year round Make sure you get the 4000s, not the 4000. The 4000 come in colours and teh s ones only in black with silver writing on the side. 4000 I found skittish in the wet and not confidence inspiring.
Michelin Pro Race are excellent and super grippy. Like the 4000s they are a race tyre, so softer and cut easier. Just look after them the same and there'll be no problems though.
Only worth a mention is the wheels you have. Some tyre and wheel combos are a pig to fit. I've found Michelin and Campag medium profile rims (Zonda etc) almost impossible to fit with my punny strength. Contis fine though. Curiously with Fulcrum rims there doesn't seem to be as much of a problem with the michelin tyres.
You could get a pair of 4000s for summer and some 4 Seasons for winter and switch the tyres as need be. You'll get great use from tehm and they'll both last very well that way. Look at Ribble online as they were doing some resonable prices for tyres, and if you did the above then your order would be over £50. They were offereing an extra 10% off on orders over £100 so it is much cheaper than buying from a shop.
). Sam has an ordinary Continental GP on his front which needs replacing. I need to sort this today.
