Long Distance Tires

[Marva32]

A few weeks ago I posted about wheels for a cross-country trip. I'm going to go with the A23's people suggested. For rubber, I can get a deal on Challenge tires, and am looking at using their Parigi-Roubaix 27mm tires. Does anyone have any experience with them? For the record, I'm 295lbs, but losing weight.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Challenge are probably the worst tires on the market right now. I could type out a laundry list of Denver bike shops that had them once and never again. Their Roubaix tire is a race tire anyway, not meant for distance. Your weight requires more rubber, tire width also depends on the bike you'll be using and what size the frame and brakes will accept.

 

[Marva32]

Thanks, I saw that they had a puncture resistant belt. I did check my bike, and it can handle the 27mm tires. What would you recommend?

I've had no problems with the Open Criteriums I've been riding.

 

[RDV4ROUBAIX]

Challenge tires are a gamble, I know people who've had no problems, but when I visit the 30 or so bike shops per week I see the writing on the wall, mostly in the form of delaminating tread from it's casing. All models from Challenge, including the tubulars which have another problem, most are sewn crooked.

If you can fit 27 wide you can probably do 28mm which is a more common size.

I've been using Continental tires for many years, and relied on mostly for my daily fast training, high mileage, touring, commuting, and racing, everything I guess.

This year I'm going to start testing more models from Clement, been using their CX tires for the last couple years and they've been great. Interested to see how their Strada LLG clincher is, comes in 28 too..

 

[JayKosta]

For a cross country trip, I'd want tubulars in the 300-350 gram weight class.
Also, will there be someone with you with the skill & time to repair tubulars?

Jay Kosta
Endwwll NY USA

 

[Boeing]

are you looking for tires that work or the cheapest tire? Cross country or cross county? Cross country I define as a long time in the saddle for many days on your own often in a remote location. Go with he cheapo's in that approach and you are doomed to failure and frustration. By the time you replace tubes you will have spent the equivalent of the better tire anyway.

Connti Gator or the Specialized Armadillo best riding flat protection.

my experience is the sidewall for you weight is problematic with the conti.

Specialized Armadillo wont be the cheapest and wont be the lightest but the low flat probability and the ride quality both at a lower pressure is worth it IMHO

btw it you go cheap and add tuffys the ride quality will suffer and you will have paid as much as the better tire in the end

 

[Boeing]

For a cross country trip, I'd want tubulars in the 300-350 gram weight class.
Also, will there be someone with you with the skill & time to repair tubulars?

Jay Kosta
Endwwll NY USA

what I said. Kinda 😉

 

[Marva32]

The ride is cross country, 7 weeks of riding. No, I'm not looking for the cheapest, I want quality.

I don't ride tubulars, never have, and I'm not planning on switching to them for this trip.

The reason for mentioning Challenge, is that I can get those at wholesale cost. If they aren't worth using for the ride, I'm not going to use them.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

The ride is cross country, 7 weeks of riding. No, I'm not looking for the cheapest, I want quality.

I don't ride tubulars, never have, and I'm not planning on switching to them for this trip.

The reason for mentioning Challenge, is that I can get those at wholesale cost. If they aren't worth using for the ride, I'm not going to use them.

Supported? As in with a SAG wagon?

If not, Continental Contact, 28c..if they will fit. If not, Conti Gatorskin. If supported, then Conti new GranPrix(replaces UltraRace) or Vittoria Rubino.

 

[Marva32]

We will have support, they are still working on the SAG details. From looking around, I was thinking of the Gator Hardshell.