Tyre performance - are Gatorskins really costing me this much? 😲

[dhaines83]

I love the S-Works turbo 26’s - they feel a lot nicer to me than the GP4000’s - not quite sure how the rolling compares though but Specialized claim they’re the fastest on the box

[John_Hallas]

@bbarrera

The Vittoria Corsa Speed (open TLR) is the fastest on the chart, but I haven’t used them.

The Corsa are also known for being very difficult to get on and off. I would prefer something a little easier in case I break down a long way from assistance.

[Alen]

@PaulSav

I’m pretty sure someone once lost an Ironman race due to riding Gators. Literally if he’d been on some faster tyres he’d have won!

That would be Andy Potts

[Alen]

@Slowhands

Just another tip, if you’re running latex tubes in your wheels, consider bringing a butyl spare (if you carry spare tubes). The reasoning is that a roadside repair is naturally going to be a bit more hurried and rushed than doing the swap at home. Speaking from experience, latex tubes are not accommodating to even the slightest of misalignment.

Actually the reason the spare is butyl is because latex is more porous. If you inflate it with a CO2 cartridge, the gas will leave the tire and you will have a flat in a few more minutes. CO2 is a much smaller molecule than Nitrogen gas that you pump in with a regular pump.

[BMAC615]

Gator skins are great for training and commuting. Unless you are a serious CAT 6 racer, it doesn’t really matter.

[hvvelo]

@Alen

Actually the reason the spare is butyl is because latex is more porous. If you inflate it with a CO2 cartridge, the gas will leave the tire and you will have a flat in a few more minutes. CO2 is a much smaller molecule than Nitrogen gas that you pump in with a regular pump.

CO2 is actually bigger - the issue is that the CO2 has much higher solubility & permeability in rubber. This allows it to pass through much faster despite the larger size. Whereas normal air is predominantly nitrogen that doesn’t permeate as easily.

At one point, auto tire shops started selling pure nitrogen fills with the idea being among other benefits, you’d lose less pressure over time, among other claimed benefits.

[Alen]

I googled it and you sir are correct!
Thanks for the lesson.

[TonyLPowell]

How big a deal is to use 23mm butyl tubes in the 25mm tires? I have the GP4000 25mm tires now (will be using them for my event in a couple of weeks) and will be using the Vittoria latex 25/28mm tubes. I want to keep the spare 23mm butyl tubes as a backup as well as using them in the 23mm tires for training, non-event riding, etc.

[RobertSims]

Not a big deal at all. Will work totally fine. Think I have 23mm butyl tubes in 32mm tyres! Never had issue in 2 years (or puncture!)

[AujujuSauce]

Anyone used ChainReactionCycles before? They have Vittoria Latex tubes for $8.54/tube vs Amazon $26.99 for 2. Just want to make sure it’s legit. I’m in the US.

[jimmyrat]

yes use them all the time they are part of Wiggle

[PaulSav]

Urggg!! Hate them, I find them sloppy as hell in the wet.

[JoeX]

Standard supplier in the U.K., used them for years.

[T_Field]

I’ve bought a complete group from Chain Reaction, and several other things without problem. They often have the best prices and usually free shipping to the U.S.

[AujujuSauce]

Good to hear chain reaction is legit! Seemed too good to be true.

[T_Field]

Chain Reaction is the U.S Mail order name for Wiggle. If you watch GCN, Wiggle is mentioned all the time.

[grayham]

That’s sort of true. Wiggle and CRC were competitors for years, then a short while ago one basically bought the other and chose to maintain both brands. Either way, Chain Reaction is big and legit.