Inspired by it''s older brother, the All Condition S-Works, and unlike the competition, our Armadillo tire has the same proprietary cornering shoulder for maximal contact (more traction) in turns.
Submitted by
garysst
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Cruces, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: July 11, 2009
Strengths: I have been using Specialized tires with Kevlar since they came on the market in 1985?? or so. I have NEVER had a flat with these tires. In New Mexico, there are seed pods called "goatheads". These will punch a hole in any non-Kevlar tire, every ten minutes.
Weaknesses: A little more weight than non-Kevlar tires. A lot more weight than tubulars. More than offset by not being stuck on the side of the road. A light tire is useless if it goes flat every ten minutes.
Bike Setup: Vitus frame, Campy hubs, Campy crank, Dura Ace derailleurs, Dura Ace shifters, Modolo brakes, Cinelli stem and bars, Wolber rims, Specialized Armadillo All Condition 23mm tires
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Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Fe New Mexico Republica
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Strengths: Pretty impressive puncture resistance. I've not had a flat (knocking on wood) since I've placed these on my roadie or MTB. We gotta lotta glass, nails, and cactus spikes out here in New Mexico. You WILL be fixing flats every 10 miles or so, without these. I've got the equivalent RollX on my MTB, with similar results.
Weaknesses: OK...not for weight wienies. If you ever DO get a flat, be warned that with the 700x23 road version, these things are absolute PIGS to get back onto the rim. Why? well...the very thing that makes 'em so flat resistant. Those THICK sidewalls! Very, very tight. Plus they're heavy, and ride a bit harsh. Who CARES? The MTB RollX version is of course a lot easier, because the tolerances aren't so damn tight. But you will notice it compared to light weight racing tires.
Bottom Line:
The weight and ride consideration PALES next to the fact that, with these tires, you will be RIDING, instead of squatting at the roadside, fixin' flats. Because of this factor alone, the fact that they are heavier, and possibly ride a little harsh, are BOGUS. You WILL make up that time, as you bypass your speedo buddies, who are squatting at the roadside, fixing the flats on their twitchy race tires. Unless you do all your riding on a wooden track, these are about the most practical tires you can have on your bike.
Similar Products Used: Any other tire is a distant 2nd to these, far as flat resistance goes.
Bike Setup: Which? My roadie or MTB? Doesn't matter. Both are pretty stock, except these. 1st thing I do when I buy a bike is, I pull off the stock tires, put these on.
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Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianola, MS
Date Reviewed: May 9, 2006
Strengths: These tires are virtually indestructable. I rode one set of these 3800 miles (Virginia Beach, VA, to Portland, OR) and had no flats. None. I had to make a point of prying out the pieces of glass that got stuck in the rubber every 500 miles or so.
Weaknesses: Do not use these on an indoor trainer! The tread will separate from the casing and your tire will be useless.
Bottom Line:
I would, and do, recommend these tires to anyone who cares about not getting flats. No, they're not for the weight conscious, but these are as good as they come.
Similar Products Used: None. What can i say? These are it.
Bike Setup: 2002 Cannondale T2000 with Ultegra left Dura Ace right shifters, 105 front deraileur, XT rear, Salsa chainrings on Cannondale cranks, Aerobars, Shimano Flightdeck computer, Speedplay X-3 pedals, Blackburn rear rack, Planet Bike fenders.
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Submitted by
Roger
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Strengths: Puncture resistant Cut proof
Weaknesses: Ride
Bottom Line:
Bullrt proof tire that resists cuts and punctures. I changed to the Armadillos a few years ago and when using these tires punctures are rarer than hens teeth.
One thing the ride is a bit harsh but I can live with that as I get no flats
