What's the best road tire for $50-60

[Jspear]

I've been using Continental Grand Prix 4,000's for a couple of years. Is there any other tire brands out there in the 50-60 dollar range that you guys would recommend? I do like the 4,000's and they've lasted for a good while (around 3,200 miles). I just wanted to get some thoughts on what else is out there and your experiences with them.

 

[42x16ss]

I've been using Continental Grand Prix 4,000's for a couple of years. Is there any other tire brands out there in the 50-60 dollar range that you guys would recommend? I do like the 4,000's and they've lasted for a good while (around 3,200 miles). I just wanted to get some thoughts on what else is out there and your experiences with them.

GP 4000's are just about the best value tyres out there - why change? Michelin Pro Race 4's are about the closest for similar money, but don't wear quite as well.

Unless you want to spend a fair bit more on Vittoria or Veloflex - for negligible gains at most - stick with what you've got.

 

[avanti]

I use GP4000S and get them for around $35 when on sale from the UK. Over the last several years I have found them to perform well in TTs and club riding over most road conditions, plus I get fewer flats. I like the fact they are made in Germany and not China.

I used to use Michelin Pro 2 but they were harder to change. I also recieved a pair of

 

[StyrbjornSterki]

Veloflex clinchers are <$35 at xxcycle.com but I wouldn't expect to get 3200 miles out of them unless you weigh less than Nadia Comăneci.

 

[Jspear]

GP 4000's are just about the best value tyres out there - why change? Michelin Pro Race 4's are about the closest for similar money, but don't wear quite as well.

Unless you want to spend a fair bit more on Vittoria or Veloflex - for negligible gains at most - stick with what you've got.

Ok cool. I just wanted to hear from others on what else was out there. I haven't had a ton of experience testing different brands so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Jspear]

I use GP4000S and get them for around $35 when on sale from the UK. Over the last several years I have found them to perform well in TTs and club riding over most road conditions, plus I get fewer flats. I like the fact they are made in Germany and not China.

I used to use Michelin Pro 2 but they were harder to change. I also recieved a pair of

You said you used to use Michelin's. Even though they were hard to change, how long did they last you?

 

[avanti]

You said you used to use Michelin's. Even though they were hard to change, how long did they last you?

I don't keep track of my mileage but I use new tires every year or if they have significant wear (the Conti's have a wear indicator in the tires). I believe I got about the same wear with the Michelins. Tire cost is not important to me - just good handling and freedom from flats.

 

[ustabe]

GP4000s has been my go-to tire for a few years now. Occasionally I try something else, like Vredestein Tricomps (about as durable, but a harsher ride), Michelin Pro 3s (lighter, not nearly as durable), Bontrager R3s (pretty damned good, but not a GP4000s), and Continental's midrange plain vanilla Grand Prix (a little heavier, just as durable, similar traction, feels kinda sluggish, though). The GP4000s is still my go-to tire.

If that isn't enough, the 2014 model is better, cheaper, and comes with colored sidewalls.

 

[Jspear]

GP4000s has been my go-to tire for a few years now. Occasionally I try something else, like Vredestein Tricomps (about as durable, but a harsher ride), Michelin Pro 3s (lighter, not nearly as durable), Bontrager R3s (pretty damned good, but not a GP4000s), and Continental's midrange plain vanilla Grand Prix (a little heavier, just as durable, similar traction, feels kinda sluggish, though). The GP4000s is still my go-to tire.

If that isn't enough, the 2014 model is better, cheaper, and comes with colored sidewalls.

That's great. Thanks all for the responses.

 

[Bustedknuckle]

I've been using Continental Grand Prix 4,000's for a couple of years. Is there any other tire brands out there in the 50-60 dollar range that you guys would recommend? I do like the 4,000's and they've lasted for a good while (around 3,200 miles). I just wanted to get some thoughts on what else is out there and your experiences with them.

Vittoria Rubino Pro or Open CX on sale.

 

[winkybiker]

GP4000s has been my go-to tire for a few years now. Occasionally I try something else, like Vredestein Tricomps (about as durable, but a harsher ride), Michelin Pro 3s (lighter, not nearly as durable), Bontrager R3s (pretty damned good, but not a GP4000s), and Continental's midrange plain vanilla Grand Prix (a little heavier, just as durable, similar traction, feels kinda sluggish, though). The GP4000s is still my go-to tire.

If that isn't enough, the 2014 model is better, cheaper, and comes with colored sidewalls.

I keep coming back to the Conti 4000s. I stock up on a couple when I see a deal.

 

[Bar Tally]

I too like the Conti 4000s. But over the last year or so within my bike group we seem to be having sidewall issues. They get a cut and then fail shortly afterwards. Anyone else having the same thing? I still think they are a good value and will keep buying them.

 

[Guidokcd]

I'm a fan of Vredestein Fortezza Tri Comps. Very few flats and handle well. Just don't get the 23s. Super tough to put on. The 25s are great, though.