Conference noted::bicycle

	No, that's what I used to buy, before we went metric and when I
started riding in 1960!!  Haven't found anything as good value yet though.

	I've used Wolber LS20, which are pretty bald but seem OK, and don't cut,
I've just started on a pair of Michelin Road II's, which do have a bit of tread
and cost only 85 FF.  I saw some Hutchinson Kevlars which looked OK as well, I
think Rob had some.

    Yeah, those Dunlops were great tyres Robin. Brings me to my current
    hobby horse....
    One would think that with the wonders of modern technology, somebody
    would have made a decent, fast tyre that didn't puncture. Believing the
    hype, I bought Nutrak Kevlar Roadlites. Had the first puncture on the
    4th. day (a flint). Just unlucky I thought; but second puncture in
    second week; third in third (all flints). This was on standard British
    roads. Tyres now back where they came from. I buy Specialised instead.
    They puncture just as bad. I spent the money I saved on beer and turned
    philosophical....
    
    Chris
    
    P.S: Dunlop RR's really *didn't* puncture.... 

    
    
      For Clinchers I really like the Matrix CDK3's that I baought half
    way through last year.  Only one puncture so far and they ride very
    nicely!  I ride these on the pothole roads around worcester MA.
    
      I havn't decided what to use for Tubulars yet this year.  To be
    honest I don't want to spend any of the money that I'm saving for a 
    new bike but the old tires are just to cut up to be any good.
    
    John C.
    

    You really can not get any better clinchers then the Conti's. Are you
    using the foldable model or the the regular. the reason I ask is that
    the foldables are about 40-55 grams lighter in it's same respective size.
    
     For Example:
    
             Grand Prix
                             max PSI
             700 X 18  230g    135
             700 X 18  175g    135  foldables
             700 X 20  240g    120
             700 X 20  185g    120  foldables
             700 X 20  240g    120
             700 X 20  185g    120  foldables
             700 X 23  255g    120
             700 X 23  205g    120  foldables
             700 X 25  285g    120
    
             Super Sport Ultra
                             max PSI
             700 X 18  250g    135
             700 X 18  205g    135  foldables
             700 X 23  300g    125
             700 X 23  220g    120  foldables
             700 X 25  310g    125
    
    The weight difference is probably due to the type of wire core used. 
    I don't think there is another clincher tire out that can handle 135
    psi either.
    
    If you are into more recreational riding. Then I would suggest you go
    to the Supersport Ultra. The tire has a little more rolling resistance
    then the Grand Prix but it will last longer and prevent more snake
    bites. I also suggest you use the Conti's tube when using there tires
    (especially the 18cc ones). I have heard that is the only tube that
    works well in them.
    
    Your only other choice is to go tubular. In my opinon, it's not worth
    the mess unless you are racing or doing TT.
    
    Good Luck,
    
    Dave  
    

    My (700 x 23) Continental Gran Prix clinchers lasted about 4000 miles
    and then wore out. I NEVER had a flat!  They are the most durable tire
    I have experienced.  I'd recommend the 23 width for extra comfort (over
    the 18mm width) and added resistance to snakebites.  I weigh about 170-
    175 lbs, and beat the heck out of those training tires, with no flats.
    
	Mark

    Thanks for the replies. With those enthusiastic endorsements of the
    Contis, maybe I'll try and track down the 23mm Grand Prix. As I said,
    I had snakebite punctures with it, but I think not many that were
    caused by road debris.
    
    Something else I was considering was a more puncture resistant inner
    tube. Freewheel (UK catalogue) advertises Air-B inner tubes, which they
    claim are 7 times as puncture resistant as a normal butyl inner tube.
    However at �10 a throw they're not cheap. Has anyone tried them, and
    are they worth it? I'm keen on cycling, but I like having money too.
    
    
    Rod

>>    I had snakebite punctures with it, but I think not many that were
>>    caused by road debris.
    
    Rod,

I think you might want to check to see you have proper tire pressure. I had a
terrible time with getting snakebite punctures, until I started pumping my
tires 15-20lbs over the recommended limit. I thought the overage might cause
problems with blowouts or short tire life, but I've found it is better to be
over inflated than to be under inflated. Also I'm not sure how accurate my gage
is on my pump.

Tom

     I agree with Tom. In fact, I was in the shop last summer and the
    Conti salesman was in there so I struck up a conversation with
    the guy on this very subject. He said that all manufacturers
    under-rate the max on their tires by at least 20lbs. as a
    general rule. He stated that Conti Grand Prix's have a burst
    rate of approx. 255lbs... I always run 20-25lbs. over and
    have never had a problem.
    
     Chip
    
      P.S. My vote (racing) goes to Conti Grand Prix and training
           I vote for Avocet K20's - They're bulletproof (my $.02)

I'm not sure if anyone does this anymore, or even if it will help with
todays non-rubber compounds, but when I was racing (about 10 years ago)
I used to buy tyres at least 1 YEAR ahead of when I'd be using them, and 
keep them in a cool, dark place for the rubber to age and harden. 

Everyone in my cycling club used to do this, and we all agreed
it undoubtedly reduced the frequency of punctures. If I used
fresh tyres, I'd puncture much more frequently that on matured tyres (I'm
talking about tubulars - never tried 'clinchers')

Does anyone else do this ?

Pete

    You live in France now don't you Rod?

    How about Michelin?  I use their Hi-lite Comp.  They seem to fall in
    the middle of all the categories, weight, lively feel, puncture
    resistance and mileage.

    But if the truth be told I use them mostly because I'm cheap and I can
    get them cheap.  One of the mail order shops sells them for $12.50
    each, which is a very good price.  I've never used their top of the
    line, HD Super Comps, but this same outfit sells them for $18.50 I
    believe.

    Re .10:
    
    Yes I do. However I've just spent the weekend in England and bought
    tyres at my fave shop there, Dave Russell in Slough. For the record, I
    got Continental Super Sport 23mm, which have a tiny centre ridge and a
    fine diamond tread. They look nicely made and were reasonably priced at
    UK#8.50 each. Can't wait to use them now!
    
    
    Rod