re: What tire and pressure do you run on your road bike?

Ok. I read about five posts and I see lots of mixed information. Someone did post a chart that is pretty accurate. I think I saw someone mention a GP 4000sII as a good all around tire. That is false. The sidewalls are paper thin so that it can be a lighter race tire. You will flat the shite out of that tire if you train on it. I punctured two this year with less than 75 and 100 miles each time.

The gatorskins are bomb proof. I have had a set on my training wheels since November. I probably have 7,000 miles on those tires and maybe three punctures...knock on wood.

I am 184 pounds. I usually ride 25mm tires. I never put more that 100psi. If I am racing a criterium, I usually run high 80psi on the front and low 90psi on the rear. A straight across 95-100psi on both tires will be fine for just general riding or training, or stick with what the manufacturer suggest is MAX psi.

More is not better. You want to keep some ride quality. Gatorskins have a more rigid ride, but you probably won't notice if you are just starting out.

ETA: Looks like I was late to the thread. See you got 4seasons. That's a great all arounder.

quote:

---

think I saw someone mention a GP 4000sII as a good all around tire. That is false. The sidewalls are paper thin so that it can be a lighter race tire. You will flat the shite out of that tire if you train on it.

---

By all around, I meant something you can train and race on. I would not want to do any distance racing on Gatorskins. So if I had to choose one tire, I'd pick the 4k's. And there are plenty of people who train on GP4k's. As far as "race" tires go, it's got the reputation of being puncture resistant. Certainly better tires out there for training. And I realize not everyone is racing, but I would ride fast tires if I was going for a "competitive" ride with a group or something as well.

I have seen the sidewall issue stated quite a bit, but I've also seen people defend them. Most of my riding is done on my trainer during the week. My bike with the GP4k's on them only sees the road maybe once a week. So I definitely can't testify to them being bullet proof. But I've had no issues. I also have never had any issues. I'm pretty anal when it comes to keeping my bike in working order. I pump up to the exact pressure I want every ride. And most of the roads around me or good (save a few charity rides I've done). *Kock on wood* I've never changed a flat on the road.