Best clincher tyre for racing

lukester

I've been running Continental GP4000s over the winter which need replacing, and want a good clincher tyre to race on. I like the Contis a lot, and would happily use them again.

Main alternatives I've looked at are Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX and Michelin Pro Race series. The former get some glowing reviews, but also seem a bit puncture prone, which is a factor given our roads. The Contis have been puncture free, bar one pinch flat. Haven't read much on the Michelins. I've read the German Tour magazine test which rates the Contis above all the other notable contenders- but it is a German magazine reviewing German tyres.

Longevity isn't an issue, don't mind replacing them frequently, but some puncture protection would be nice.

Just wondering what those of you not racing on tubs are using/have liked in the past?

chakattack

Highly recommend the Pro Race 3 tyres.

I ended up using them for most of the Winter and the puncture resistance is very good for a racing tyre. Only 3 punctures since September.

Grip is excellent and they feel fast and comfortable. They develop nicks very quickly but are still going strong.

Lumen

For Sunday I'm sticking a Pro Grip on the front and a GP4000S on the back, in the vain hope that I can catch a rear slide if it lets go.

Don't have enough evidence of wear on the Pro Grip, but did a couple of hundred commuting and it didn't explode.

lukester

Lumen wrote: »

Don't have enough evidence of wear on the Pro Grip, but did a couple of hundred commuting and it didn't explode.

How do you find the Pro-Grip vis-à-vis the GP4000? Can you give me a precise wattage difference please? :pac:

crashoveroid

If you want a good racing tyre go for Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX the best out there but they dont last long

Quigs Snr

Stick with the GP4000S. They are as fast as the Michellin and Vittoria's and more durable. I like the feel of the Michellin but they are soft from a durability standpoint. I think the Vittoria Open Corsa CX is best of all, but again durability does not stand up compared to the GP4000S which have good grip, light weight and decent durability.

Lumen

lukester wrote: »

How do you find the Pro-Grip vis-à-vis the GP4000? Can you give me a precise wattage difference please? :pac:

LOL. No idea. I haven't experienced wheel slip/crashing with either.

I'd say Pro Grip is probably overkill for dry use (it's marketed as a wet race tyre) since there are reports of very short life, whereas the GP4000S is acceptably hard wearing.

Of course, I will now get puncture on Sunday.

biker_joe

I used to race Victtoria CX for years, but I switched to Conti's about 3 years ago, because the quality of Victtoria tyres seems to really have gone downhill .... I use GP 4000's and Attack/Force for racing ...and GP4 season for winter training, and early season racing.

Hope this helps

Biker Joe

Chips Lovell

If you only have one set of wheels, I'd stick with the GP4000s. The other two won't last for training and you're likely to deal with way more punctures.

I have the tubular version of the Vittoria's and they're lovely tyres. So if you're using separate race wheels, they're worth considering.

Long and the short of it is though is the GP4000 are more than enough. I've raced on them before and found them excellent.

blorg

GP4000S or Schwalbe Ultremos. The Ultremos are light, good feel, pretty puncture resistant and durable. I was off them for a while when they had the problem but think that is all sorted now. Easier to get on and off a rim than the GP4000 as well.

I considered the Open Corsas but was put off by the puncture reputation. It is a consideration even racing, after all if you puncture your race is over.

lukester

Excellent, thanks for all the info.



Reviews say the Vittorias are not too bad for puncture resistance until they wear a bit, which doesn't take long. Would just need to change them out relatively early compared to the GPr4000s.

I almost have a separate pair of wheels that I can use to race on, just need to equip them with a cassette. So I could take a punt on the Vittorias- I've wanted to try them for a while.

Hmm.. head says Contis, heart says try the Vittorias.

crashoveroid

crashoveroid wrote: »

If you want a good racing tyre go for Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX the best out there but they dont last long

Oh i forgot to mention Vredestein Fortezza are a great tyre as well great grip and bomb proof

forza_milo

I have just bought a pair of these for a new set of wheels. http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=Y1077

I haven't put them on yet so can't comment on performance or durability, however they look great and smell incredible!!!

lukester

Read good things about the Veloflex while researching the others. Interesting.

Congrats on the wheels, your ebay-fu must be getting stronger