Coby

Hey guys, I need to order some new tires for this season, but I'm still new to cycling and have no idea what to get. I bought a Trek 1.2 last year, and the tires on it are fine, but they're nearly impossible to remove/install. The bead is so stiff and makes changing on the road practically impossible. So I need some new ones.

I'm a big guy, 270ish, so I'm not sure if that should be a deciding factor when it comes to tires. I'm just looking for something that is durable and will last long and not puncture easily.

I'm a poor kid saving for college, so I can'y spend too much. Preferably something like ~$30/tire, but I'd be willing to spend a bit more if it was worth it.

Thanks in advance!

10 Wheels

What size do you want?

Coby

To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. Still not sure exactly how tire sizes work, and what the pros and cons of them are.

Current ones are 700x23, so I guess that?

Thanks.

caphits

I run conti gp4000s (1 puncture) and gatorskin(0 puncture). I haven't been running them very long though. Both are kinda pricy. I used ultra sport before that, and NEVER had a flat due to puncture on them. You might not be as lucky though.

PS. I am about your weight.

AngrySaki

Being somewhat heavy myself, I found I flatted like crazy on skinny tires so I run wide tires on all my bikes (between 28mm and 35mm). I'm not exactly sure how wide of tires the trek 1.2 can take though, I would guess 28mm but I'm not sure.

(I use Schwalbe Marathon Plus's on all my bikes because I hate dealing with flats, they're about $40 each. They're probably slower, but the convenience is worth it for me)

10 Wheels

Guessing you may be limited to 700 x 23's
25's may or may not have enough clearance.

https://theultimatefitchallenge.files..._blackred1.jpg

DRietz

I guarantee you that you can run 700x25's, which you should run at your weight. It'll give you a far better ride without sacrificing your "speed."

Your current tires are hard to get off because they're likely a steel bead instead of a folding bead.

In your price range?

I'd recommend the Hutchinson Atom:
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes..._1088178_-1___

thinktubes 

700x25 contis, Michelin Pro 3 if you shrink a bit.

mechBgon

700 x 28 Continental Gator Hardshell. And if you're having difficulty with the installation/removal,

1. replace the stock rim tape with something very thin yet strong, such as Stan's Yellow Tape stretched on super-duper tight like the instructions say.

2. when removing, gently apply "scoopage" force with a tire lever while pushing the bead into the middle of the rim elsewhere. The slack you generate will get collected at the tire lever. Now angle the lever about 45 degrees and slide it along the rim.

canam73

I've always found steel bead tires to be easier to get on and off. Steel stretches, kevlar doesn't. But I still stick to folders for road bikes. The easiest I've had to mount were Panaracers. Continentals are usually not bad, but Michelins tend to be tight.

I have no experience with Trek/Bontrager rims, but that might be your problem and not the tire. Maybe somebody else can chime in.

And lastly, do you have much practice at changing tires? It gets easier. The tires themselves tend to loosen a bit the longer they're on.

socalrider

best deal around for big guys are the Vittoria Rubinos - wire bead.. work fine with 200+ guys and price is right with lots of colors.. Buy mine here, 46.00 / pair and free shipping. They have 700x23 / 25 and 28's depending on what you need.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/bellsbikesho....c0.m270.l1313

Juan Foote

If that Trek is like the 09 1.5, it will take 28's with no problem.

mechBgon

I work at a Trek dealership and can verify 28s work fine on the 1-series frameset. A small 32 might fit, but could start gnawing on the frame with wheel flex (or certainly with a broken spoke). Fat 32s will actually hit the rear of the seat tube above the FD clamp and almost certainly gnaw on the fork blades.

ls01

First go to eBay, then go to nice bike tires .com, that's an eBay store. I get the cst top speed tires with kevlar beads for $52.00 a pair shipped. They roll great, low resistance, corner well, and are very durable. They have a kevlar belt for puncture resistance.

10 Wheels

Good to know.

qcpmsame 

I am 235 and 6'-1" so I am close. I used the Michelin Pro3 Race, Service Course on my old R500 and got excellent use out of them. I'll probably use either the Pro4 or stick with the stock Schwalbe Luganos on my new bike, depending on how they work out.

Coby

Thanks for the replies, guys. So from what I've gathered, a larger tire than 23 is the way to go. And it sounds like my 1.2 will work with 28s, so I think that's what I'll do. Or 25s should be good too, right?

If the Ultra Gatorskin and Gator Hardshell are as durable and long lasting as it says they are, then I'm going seriously consider them.

Also, just to clarify. Folding tires are easier to install than the non-folding?

MikeyBoyAz

No tire is invincible, but the gatorskin tires are close. the hardshell tires are not very comfortable.
Folding tires are easier for me to install over wire-bead... some said the wire stretches: I have never noticed that!
either 25 or 28 should be plenty comfortable ride.

Coby

Ahh, I see. Thanks. The stock tires are insanely stiff. I was worried about getting a flat on the road because I knew I wouldn't be able to change it.

What do you mean by comfortable? I think I'm far too new to cycling to even notice or care about that. Haha.