Best Puncture Resistant Road Tyres?

DaveyDave

Hey guys, just got my new Canyon Roadlite AL 6.0 SL today. It's rolling on Mavic Aksion 25c tyres weighing 260g. I don't have much faith in them for puncture resistance and where I work puncture protection is an absolute priority.

I ran Schwalbe Marathon Plus 1.35" on my hardtail, they weighed in at a solid 775g. I liked having a bomb proof tyre but now I have a road racer I'd like to keep weight down a little. I understand there's weight involved but going from a 16kg hardtail with 775g tyres on heavy wheels, I'm not too fussy, but I would like to go for something a little lighter than the 25c Marathon Plus which is around 550g.

Continental Gatorskins are an obvious choice at first but they don't seem that puncture resistant. Maybe over a racing tyre sure but reviews are 50/50. My brother in law has had 3 punctures in a year on his which I suppose isn't too bad, anything is better than frequent punctures but I'd rather get none at all like I have so far with 5,000km on my Marathons

Another choice is the GP4000s, I don't know why Canyon ship them on the Shimano Roadlite 6.0 but not the SRAM one considering they're the go to all-rounder. I hear they're pretty decent with puncture protection, as well as being a great tyre.

Basically, here are my options. I'm interested in what you guys have experienced and what suggestions you have:

Conti GP4000s II - 23c/Fold - 205g (€47)
Conti Gatorskin - 23c/Fold - 220g (€34)
Conti Gator Hardshell - 23c/Fold - 250g (€38)
Schwalbe Durano Plus - 23c/Fold - 340g (€45)

Kitted up I'll be around 80kg, 88kg including the bike. Don't think it matters really but I saw the 25c Marathon Plus has a weight limit of 75kg.

TiBoy

GP 4000S best from the options you list. Good puncture resistance and relatively grippy in the wet.

Better puncture resistance in my experience can be had from continental GP 4 seasons and if you are looking for comfort choose 25C.

I've used gatorskins,,,, which i'd compare to banana skins in the wet. I'd put duranos in the same bananaa skin category as gatorskins. (See Note 1.) (See Note 2.)


Note 1: I rate grip above puncture resistance once puncture resistance is reasonable.

Note 2: Wtf do i know?

Inspector Coptoor

I had Gatorskins - they were rubbish

Now on Conti GP4000s -23's got them for €38 each from chain reaction cycles

Wishbone Ash

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

I had Gatorskins - they were rubbish

Now on Conti GP4000s -23's got them for €38 each from chain reaction cycles

€70 for a pair on SwimCycleRun.

http://www.swimcyclerun.com/tyresclincher/continental-gp-4000s-twin-pack.html

Wishbone Ash

DaveyDave wrote: »

... I saw the 25c Marathon Plus has a weight limit of 75kg.

Are you sure about that? If there is it's probably per tyre - i.e. 150kgs in total.

There're fitted on the Dublin Bikes (albiet in32 or 38?) so I doubt there's a weight limit considering the bikes are over 20kg and I don't think there is a rider weight limit.

CramCycle

I'd recommend 25s for a start. Out of what you have listed the 4000S win (the IIs are the same tyre with a pricier tag for the sake of having the option of different colours).

If you care nowt for comfort, Schwalbe do the marathon for road bikes, I had a set of 25s but the long distance on Irish roads wrecked my shoulders, no absorbance in them at all.

smacl

Have Durano Plus for a couple of years and find them a good bomb proof tyre and not aware of any grip issues. Only downside is they're slightly on the heavy side, which being slightly on the heavy side myself, doesn't bother me.

not yet

[QUOTE=DaveyDave;
Kitted up I'll be around 80kg, 88kg including the bike. Don't think it matters really but I saw the 25c Marathon Plus has a weight limit of 75kg.[/QUOTE]

This..

Unless you're racing does a 0.25kilo make a difference.

conorpass

If puncture protection is the priority I recommend Bontrager Racelite Hardcase. I've had three years puncture free cycling on them - commuting all year round and leisure/sportives. Grip in the wet isn't great but they are bullet proof in my experience. Weight comes in at 355g for the 700x25c per Evans website.

Juan More Time

The most puncture proof tyre I've ever used is the michelin krylion carbon. Slightly heavier than a pro 4. Sadly no longer in production. They replaced it with a tyre called the endurance

I find it fantastic as a rear tyre, especially on back country roads that usually have a less than perfect surface.

Didn't like the conti gatorskins. Hard ride and still quite vulnerable to punctures.

Unknown Soldier

In my newbie experience Schwalbe Marathon Plus are great bomb proof tyres. I run a set of 25c on my boardman commuter. You can be unlucky and get a puncture but in general they are great.

Happy to be corrected here but I don't think weight is the "important" factor you're looking for but more the rolling resistance?

I have a Canyon AL too, running on Conti 4000s and it is super fast compared to the boardman.

I went with the 4000s' as the best play off between grip, speed and punctures, from what I had read here over the last year.

crosstownk

I've been using Michelin Pro 4 Service Course for the last 2,000km and not one puncture. For 25's they are a bit wider than the stock Giant tyres (rubbish) than came with the bike and I need to deflate the tyres to remove the wheels past the brake calipers. I pump to 7 bar (100psi) before each spin so maybe this helps keep punctures at bay.

I've no idea if they are the best puncture resistant tyres out there but they've served me well so far.

nordicb

4000km on single set of Gatorskins - 1 pinch puncture only, but poor grip in wet, even poorer grip in cold. GP4000s much better grip, but have a weak tire side, a piece got ripped out within 1st 200km, had to be binned, felt like a waste of money

Can't fault Gatorskins, they give me peace of mind over longer rides...

DaveyDave

This is a really tough decision. It's an expensive gamble, but I think I'll go with the GP4000s. If I get more than one puncture per month in the first few months I'll ditch them for something else and keep them for sportives.

I'm just afraid of losing the speed. If I throw on some 500g Marathon Plus tyres, wont they have a massive effect on speed? I spent 3 years on a heavy hardtail, I'd like to keep it light. Everything seems to point towards GP4000s, away from the Gatorskins, and a mix in between. I'm just worried about how light the GP4000s are.

At the end of the day, a slower tyre is still faster than fumbling with a puncture and being late for work in the rain, but I really like the speed and nimbleness of the racer but I suppose you can't have a race bike and a commuter. I want bomb proof but I'm afraid the Marathon Plus will make it feel like the hardtail again

Cee-Jay-Cee

I've been using Michelin Pro4 SC's for the last 1200km puncture free and free from cuts or nicks. They're lightweight (205g) very low rolling resistance and excellent wet and dry grip despite their slick thread.

Smokeyskelton

I used to get a puncture a week with the stock Giant tyres that came with my bike.

Since I got a set of Durano Plus well over a year ago I have had one puncture from a massive piece of glass, (within a fortnight of putting the tyres on).

I don't have much experience of other tyres, but for puncture protection the Durano Plus seem good (at least compared to my rubbish stock tyres), and I'm pretty happy with grip. However, it seems they are on the heavy side compared to the others you have listed.

As you are aware the Continental 4000s and the newer 4000s II appear to be popular as a compromise between performance and puncture protection, so they might be a good bet. I just thought I'd let you know my experience with the Durano Plus. Wishing you many miles of puncture free cycling.

Wishbone Ash

DaveyDave wrote: »

.... puncture protection is an absolute priority...

DaveyDave wrote: »

...I'm just afraid of losing the speed...

Which is it - puncture protection or speed?

In my experience Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres will drop your average by 1 or 2 kms per hour. But there's nothing near them for puncture protection and peace of mind. I put 20,000 puncture free kms on a pair on my commute before putting them into retirement. I'll keep them for emergencies.

mistermatthew

DaveyDave wrote: »

This is a really tough decision. It's an expensive gamble, but I think I'll go with the GP4000s. If I get more than one puncture per month in the first few months I'll ditch them for something else and keep them for sportives.

I'm just afraid of losing the speed. If I throw on some 500g Marathon Plus tyres, wont they have a massive effect on speed? I spent 3 years on a heavy hardtail, I'd like to keep it light. Everything seems to point towards GP4000s, away from the Gatorskins, and a mix in between. I'm just worried about how light the GP4000s are.

At the end of the day, a slower tyre is still faster than fumbling with a puncture and being late for work in the rain, but I really like the speed and nimbleness of the racer but I suppose you can't have a race bike and a commuter. I want bomb proof but I'm afraid the Marathon Plus will make it feel like the hardtail again

I raced with a former professional rider last week in the lashing rain. He was on gatorskins and had no problem dropping almost everyone on the descents and lining it out on the flat.

I also ride gatorskins, just put on a new set after 6000miles and one puncture from a failed patch on a repaired tube from previous michelin tyres(speediums, they were crap) .

I haven't tried the marathons but assume they're even more bomb proof. As for the speed. It isn't going to slow you and if its good enough for a former pro rider not to worry about loosing speed I don't think its anything to worry for.

By all reports the Gp4000s are great tyres, better handling and grip (but the gatorskins are by no means banana skins) but with an obvious lesser puncture resistence and weakened sidewalls in comparison.

Its all about compromise. Puncture protection vs. comfort (the more puncture resistance and sidewall reinforcement makes it slightly harsher).
I wouldn't worry about grip. They're all rideable.

mirv

I'd have thought using a former pro would be an unfair example - i.e. he'd be so fast/powerful that he wouldn't really be affected by the higher rolling resistance of a gatorskin, and he might be a bit paranoid about punctures and he doesn't have a team car with a spare set of wheels following him!

Unknown Soldier

Schwalbe Marathon Plus are for your commuter ala slog to work.

They are not for your Sunday Best.

I disgrace my Canyon by being on it but even I wouldn't run it on Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres tbh.

DaveyDave

Got a puncture on the way to work this morning, I'm finally thinking to just go with puncture resistance for peace of mind. So I'm looking at the Marathon Plus, however, Wiggle have the Durano Plus 23c for €35, same price as the Marathon. I think I might take a gamble on them. A puncture every now and then isn't too bad once it's not a pain in the arse to do and I think the lower weight is worth slightly less protection.

My Mavic tyre was a piece of cake to remove and put back on this morning as opposed to the 1.35" Marathon Plus on the MTB which could take up to 45 minutes of struggling to put on some days.

CramCycle

DaveyDave wrote: »

My Mavic tyre was a piece of cake to remove and put back on this morning as opposed to the 1.35" Marathon Plus on the MTB which could take up to 45 minutes of struggling to put on some days.

I found out after I nearly bent my rims putting on mine that you are apparently meant to leave them in hot water before fitting them. They were a pain to take off but I suppose, that was a rare enough thing that I could not complain.

Koobcam

crosstownk wrote: »

I've been using Michelin Pro 4 Service Course for the last 2,000km and not one puncture. For 25's they are a bit wider than the stock Giant tyres (rubbish) than came with the bike and I need to deflate the tyres to remove the wheels past the brake calipers. I pump to 7 bar (100psi) before each spin so maybe this helps keep punctures at bay.

I've no idea if they are the best puncture resistant tyres out there but they've served me well so far.

Just got a pair of these at the weekend and happy enough so far. A chap I know in Beijing has been riding them for a while, including over some absolutely shocking roads, no punctures so far. I have heard that they are good in the wet, plus the 25mm is a wide 25mm, so they look like a good option for improving grip and handling. Plus, they are currently available for €25 on Bike-discount.de!!

crosstownk

Koobcam wrote: »

plus the 25mm is a wide 25mm................. they are currently available for €25 on Bike-discount.de!!

Yes - it's a wide 25mm. So much so that mine won't pass the brakes without deflating them despite releasing the lever and I'm reluctant to slacken the brake cables as I like the brake response the way it is. It's not a big hassle but it can be nuisance when transporting the bike in the car requiring the front wheel to be removed meaning I have to bring the track pump.

At €25 each I might order another pair.

smacl

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

In my experience Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres will drop your average by 1 or 2 kms per hour

That much? Might consider swapping my Durano pluses for GP4000s next time out to see if I see any gains.

CramCycle

smacl wrote: »

That much? Might consider swapping my Durano pluses for GP4000s next time out to see if I see any gains.

Over long distances I found it to be alot more than that, short distances it was negligible but when I went on any day long stuff, my arms became so tired that it really slowed me at the end of the day. That said if you are in an area with good roads I don't think it would be as bad, down in Cork though they nearly killed me over a 200 when I was alot fitter.

nordicb

I may not have enough miles in my legs, but I haven't noticed gatorskins rolling worse than GP4000s, in fact I would even say the opposite. It could be a tire and wheel combo question.

rubadub

Have marathon plus now, no puncture in over 2 years on a daily commute and I ride over glass without a thought. I still got punctures with gatorskins and when using inner liners on regular tyres.

The marathons weigh a little more but I no longer have to carry a pump, tubes or repair kit, I am that confident about the marathons.

I was getting a few punctures a week at one stage. I wondering about my true average commute time, as I no longer have to add time in for puncture repair and/or walking.

waywardchild

i have been using Michelin Pro 3 Race Road Tyres for 2000K no punctures good grip and light at 200g (700x23) pumped to 8.5bar the higher the pressure the less punctures in my experience.

No Pants

Used to run Schwalbe Ultremo Zxs on my roadbike. Great grip, wet or dry, only ever got one puncture, but they picked up stuff quite regularly that I had to pull out at home. Lots of nicks here and there.

Recently moved to GP4000S IIs. 261km on them so far and they look like new. Not a scratch. They haven't been out on a proper wet road yet, but dry grip is fine so far, although in warm conditions.

Wishbone Ash

TiBoy wrote: »

GP 4000S best from the options you list.

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Now on Conti GP4000s

CramCycle wrote: »

the 4000S win

Unknown Soldier wrote: »

running on Conti 4000s and it is super fast compared to the boardman.

I went with the 4000s' as the best play off between grip, speed and punctures, from what I had read here over the last year.

nordicb wrote: »

GP4000s much better grip, but have a weak tire side, a piece got ripped out within 1st 200km, had to be binned, felt like a waste of money ...

DaveyDave wrote: »

I think I'll go with the GP4000s

Smokeyskelton wrote: »

the Continental 4000s and the newer 4000s II appear to be popular as a compromise between performance and puncture protection

No Pants wrote: »

Recently moved to GP4000S IIs. 261km on them so far and they look like new. Not a scratch

Based on what I read here I bought a pair of GP 4000's. Punctured on the first ride (ROK)!

In saying that they roll beautifully and felt much more grippy on descents.

Koobcam

GP 4000s are good tyres, I would also recommend Michelin Pro 4s-both of these roll well, grip well and seem to offer good puncture resistance

Thargor

Why does nobody seem to like Gatorskins? I haven't ever had a puncture on them in more than a year now, was getting one once a week before that so very happy with that but are they costing me performance in other areas? Haven t tried that many tyres to know the difference.

Koobcam

Thargor wrote: »

Why does nobody seem to like Gatorskins? I haven't ever had a puncture on them in more than a year now, was getting one once a week before that so very happy with that but are they costing me performance in other areas? Haven t tried that many tyres to know the difference.

Gatorskins do offer very good puncture resistance, but I don't think they are great in terms of traction and overall handling-that was certainly my experience.

Wishbone Ash

Thargor wrote: »

Haven t tried that many tyres to know the difference.

I've never punctured in them either and they roll well but I have no confidence in them in the wet. Even on a commute, they require caution on every roundabout when the road is wet. Other tyres don't require the same caution in my experience.

I couldn't get over how grippy GP4000's were by comparison. I was able to descend with confidence on unknown roads on the ROK on Saturday.

CramCycle

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Based on what I read here I bought a pair of GP 4000's. Punctured on the first ride (ROK)!

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I couldn't get over how grippy GP4000's were by comparison. I was able to descend with confidence on unknown roads on the ROK on Saturday.

Probably running them soft :pac:

Wishbone Ash

CramCycle wrote: »

Probably running them soft :pac:

I reckon I picked up the puncture in the last few kms. Didn't notice until I had cycled back to the hotel and was removing the wheels!

rollingscone

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I reckon I picked up the puncture in the last few kms. Didn't notice until I had cycled back to the hotel and was removing the wheels!

Was Zyzz there? Maybe his Sonic Boom overpressured the tubes as he passed you.

I've been using Rubinos on both bikes (23mm on the road, 28mm on the Commuter) for about 1500-2000km on each of them and puncture free with the exception of a loose split valve letting air out on one spin on the roadie. The commuter has done some extremely rough rural roads and on the Canal tow path some actual forest tracks complete with rocks and roots without problems, and often does road stuff with an extra 15-20kgs of tools or shopping on the back, I've cycled through pretty much every part of Dublin, including through the oft blamed fields of glass.

I just can't understand why everyone else is getting so many punctures, I top up my tyre pressure pretty much every time I go out but other than that I'm doing nothing different. The times I did get punctures with any regularity where before I even had a track pump.

@The Gatorskins question: They're horrible tyres, they are effective in stopping penetration but really things like glass only get through in wet weather and go through the sidewalls as the pressure is lowest there, the trade off on handling and cycle experience is not worth it. And if you do get a flat on any armoured tyre, changing the tube is a nightmare.

Wishbone Ash

rollingscone wrote: »

Was Zyzz there? Maybe his Sonic Boom overpressured the tubes as he passed you.

He was farting around Dublin failing to get any Strava cups on Saturday!

rollingscone wrote:

I just can't understand why everyone else is getting so many punctures...... if you do get a flat on any armoured tyre, changing the tube is a nightmare.

I rarely get them as I generally use Panaracer Ribmos and Gatorskins on the 3 bikes. Got two punctures last year and one this year so far. I thought I'd try the GP4000's as they seem to be highly recommended.

The Gators are fine to change. I can replace the tyre with my thumbs. The Ribmos are a bitch to replace though.