[Alan]

I am in need of new tires for my road bike. I think I have narrowed my decision...I am going to stick with Michelin. I have been on the Axial Pros for years, but would like to make a change. I am looking for lightweight, low RR and some longevity. What is the difference in the Carbons, Pro Race, Race Lites and anyother that you can think of. I considered the Vict Corsa Evo CX, but I couldn't get any feedback... Any ideas are welcomed. I weigh all of 155 lbs, no racing, spirited group rides, 100 miles weekly.

 

[peabody]

if you run any open

tubular with michelin latex tubes you will be shocked by the ride difference
form regular clinchers with butyl tubes. the vit open corsa are some of the best tires
going

 

[Alan]

tubular with michelin latex tubes you will be shocked by the ride difference
form regular clinchers with butyl tubes. the vit open corsa are some of the best tires
going

What do you mean by "open tubular"? I have Mavic Helium clincher wheelset. AND...what specific Vit. tire do you recommend? They seem to have the Open Corsa Cx, Ks and Kx...I have no clue as to the difference.

 

[peabody]

open tubular IS a clincher BUT

the tire is made just like a tubular (meaning tpi of around 300 as opposed to 127 or less
and the tread is hand glued on not molded on). open corsa evo cx i believe is their
high end open tubular, go on their web site

 

[Alan]

I see that Mich. makes Aircomp Ultra light tubes (butyl- 74 gms) and Aircomp (Latex-65gms)...You all like the Latex? I thought there were major drawbacks with Latex= punctures!!!

 

[peabody]

i have never had

any problems with michelin latex, do not use vittoria or continental latex. make sure
when you install them you inflate the tire slightly and push the tire away from the rim all
the way around to make sure the tube is fully seated inside the tire and not stuck under
the bead anywhere.

 

[schwing_ding]

Michelins:
Carbon, heavier and more durable.
Pro Race, lighter, some flat protection, sticky, wear faster.
Pro Lights, lighter still, but sacrifice the flat protection, still sticky, wear as fast as the Races.

I run Vredestein Fortezza (not the tri-comp). High thread count, higher available inflation pressure, solid flat protection, handmade. In reference to the Michelins, they would be of similar durability to the Carbons, at a similar weight. They are dual compound, so sticky on the edges, and harder in the center. They would fall between the Carbons and the Pro Race in terms of durability vs. traction. They would ride like the open tubular Vittoras due to their higher threadcount, and being hand made.

Vittora does make a good tire too, I have not ridden them myself, just from others I know.

I run the Michelin Air Comp Ultra Lighs in Butyl, and really like them. I do not know about the latex version, nor do I know anyone who is running them. They are nice in that the stem is not threaded with exception to the very end. Fully threaded shafts tend to eat up the seals on the track pump over time, and can take longer to inflate or come off easier with a worn pump.

I have found that the tire makes a bigger difference than the tube in terms of punctures. For that reason, I run something with flat protection, and feel it is worth the extra 10-15g which can be easily offset with the lighter tubes.