Hi all -

I have a few really specific events coming up, and I'm toying with the idea of getting some "race only" tires.

Race 1 is an uphill time trial, lasting only about 1.5 to 2 minutes, but it's up a very steep hill. Of course something like this would make weight an issue, especially since the steepest part of the course is 18%.

I was thinking of getting some ultralight tires, possibly the Conti Supersonic, or if I could track down a Veloflex Record Clincher. What I'm not sure about is the reliability of either of them. I know the course very well and it is pretty smooth and I know where any dangers are.

Race 2 is 10-mile TT, pretty flat course, which is smooth and I don't think would pose a threat.

Would it be a good idea to try out the tires, or am I at a high risk of flatting and thus not being able to finish the race?

Would it be better to get something like a Veloflex Pave, and use lighter tubes, for a little extra protection with some weight savings? I guess rolling resistance needs to be kept at a minimum for the TT more than the uphill race, so that could be something to consider. My current daily use tire is a Grand Prix 4000, and I use regular old Performance Butyl tubes.

Any opinions? My first thought was to go with a Supersonic with a light tube, since I'm all of 145 pounds and ride smooth, but get paranoid with flatting.

Reviews are mixed on the Supersonics. I mean, if I hit a pebble in the road, will it slice the tire in two, or do they function fine for a short period of time?

Thanks a lot.....

10k

Its all about rolling resistance. The conti 4000 tires are horrible, whereas you can find some others that are far better rollers with decent tread thickness and puncture resistance.

Id check around for some Michelin Pro 2 race Service Course (limited edition team) or just Pro 2 race.

No sense running ridiculous-light tires to save a few seconds only to have them flat halfway.

Ive never seen anyone win a race on a flat tire. Tough to swallow, but most race winners are not on silly light tires.

I put a couple thousand miles on Vittoria Diamante Pro Lights last summer. They roll really fast, and are only 175 grams. Great flat protection (they aren't gatorskins, but very good still). The casing never cut, but after that mileage on open roads the rubber had enough cuts I decided to retire them. I plan to buy another set to keep for the type of TT you're up for.

I would only caution that light weight does not equate to low rolling resistance.

Consumer reports did a auto tire comparison and found some tires actually made for a 1-2 MPG drop or increase in MPG's. Thats huge on a 15-20 mpg vehicle. And the weight of the tires had nothing to do with it.

Okay, is there a tire (other than the mentioned Vittorias above) that is the go-to for lightweight, fast rolling performance?

I figured for the one uphill TT, that being able to get the bike to move forward, easier, would matter more than anything, especially over only 2 minutes. For the flat TT, I'd pay more attention to rolling resistance. But, am trying to kill both birds with one stone.....

Michelin Pro 2 light
Vit Open Corsa CX
either one Plus latex tubes.

You wont find a faster setup that is reliable enough for racing. There are lighter and faster tires, but I wouldnt ride them if I was racing and not wanting to flat.

And forget about the weight. Its tough to forget, but forget. Ask any veteran racer how important (or smart) it is to have silly-light tires. Many racers have tried the supersonics, veloflex records, etc. They will tell ya, silly-light tires are a joke.

I concur with your tire and tube suggestions, pkgdave9144, and would also add that rolling resistance will slow you down by the same percentage (roughly) on a climb as on the flat... so don't think it doesn't matter on the climb.

Veloflex Records might be fragile, but they are really the ultimate combo of lowest Crr and lowest weight... so if you feel daring on that TT...

Does anyone have a link to a listing of tires with the lowest rolling resistance?

The Flash

schwalbe ultremo is pretty light, and while i have no objective data, subjectively, based on feel, they seem to roll as well as p2r, vittoria open corsa clinchers

Does anyone have a link to a listing of tires with the lowest rolling resistance?

http://www.biketechreview.com/tires/AFM_tire_crr.htm

http://www.biketechreview.com/tires/AFM_tire_crr.htm

Big thanks! Just what I was looking for!

Flash