Tyres: Bontrager R1 v Gatorskins 700x23c

Deedsie

Hi, I was just wondering what people think about changing the tyres that came on a trek 1.5 bike I bought recently.

I have my first race coming up in April and I'm just wondering would it be advisable to change the tyres? Would there be any noticeable negative difference in speed? I'm not a fast cyclist. Just wanted to ensure I don't get a flat during the race. What do people think? Leave the bontrager R1's on or change for the gatorskins? I already have the gatorskins!

There is probably about 300 - 500 km cycled on the bontrager R1's.

The route of the cycle is country roads, mostly good surface!

Diarmuid

I wouldn't bother changing, flats are a rare event (unless the R1's have been completely cut the shreds in 500k) so just bring a tube and CO2 in the race.

Deedsie

Diarmuid wrote: »

I wouldn't bother changing, flats are a rare event (unless the R1's have been completely cut the shreds in 500k) so just bring a tube and CO2 in the race.

Thanks, I think they are still in pretty good shape to be honest. I was just curious, said I'd ask here what people with far more knowledge than me think!

Unregistered.

If you have only one set of tires for both training and racing, then consider the gatorskin.

monkeypants

Friend bought a Trek 1.5 at the beginning of last year. I don't recall him ever getting a puncture, but I remember him throwing it up the road a couple of times in wet conditions. Meanwhile, I was fine on my Schwalbe Ultremos.

Deedsie

monkeypants wrote: »

Friend bought a Trek 1.5 at the beginning of last year. I don't recall him ever getting a puncture, but I remember him throwing it up the road a couple of times in wet conditions. Meanwhile, I was fine on my Schwalbe Ultremos.

The R1 tyres do seem incredibly slick. No grip at all it seems, but they get me around ok so far! I'm just looking to see if the gatorskins would get me around quicker really. 20km in or around 42 minutes is my average at the moment. It's the second leg of a triathlon.

I'd love to see if I could trim a bit of time off that between now and the race day! Just looking at various changes I could make to the bike to see if that would help!

sconhome

You won't see much improvement from changing the tyres, but if you can fit in an hour extra on the turbo each week you will see a marked difference in the times. Also don't forget to do some runs off the bike if you are doing the run leg too. Get the body used to the transition.

Best of luck!

monkeypants

Deedsie wrote: »

The R1 tyres do seem incredibly slick. No grip at all it seems, but they get me around ok so far! I'm just looking to see if the gatorskins would get me around quicker really. 20km in or around 42 minutes is my average at the moment. It's the second leg of a triathlon.

The Ultremos do seem to roll very well and have great grip (in my opinion) for a completely treadless tyre, but they're prone to picking up bits of debris and slow punctures. Swings and roundabouts...

petethedrummer

Diarmuid wrote: »

I wouldn't bother changing, flats are a rare event (unless the R1's have been completely cut the shreds in 500k) so just bring a tube and CO2 in the race.

+1

Look over your tyres in the lead up to the race and pick out any bits of glass and debris that are stuck with a pointy knife. It's good practice whether you are racing or not. Probably best done with the tyre deflated.

Deedsie

amphkingwest wrote: »

You won't see much improvement from changing the tyres, but if you can fit in an hour extra on the turbo each week you will see a marked difference in the times. Also don't forget to do some runs off the bike if you are doing the run leg too. Get the body used to the transition.

Best of luck!

I don't have a turbo I'm afraid. Ill just have to stay working on the road when I can!