JMONAY

So, I was looking for new tires for my trusty ol' steed. The "gumwall" Schwalbe Delta Cruisers I have been using for the past ~700 miles started developing cracks between the threads. I came across the venerable Vittoria Randonneur in the 37 x 590 size. I read reviews and whatnot, and the verdict seems like they are a great tire for road bikes, are nearly indestructible, and they feel noticeably slower (duh) at lower pressures. While they are marketed as a commuting tire, I am wondering if they will still work alright at 60 psi with a significant rear weight bias. I probably am not so much concerned with the speed aspect, but maybe with pinch flats or problems associated with sidewall thin-ness? Or are my worries unfounded?

If these aren't the best choice, I will go for the Michelin Protek which comes in this size as well. I can't seem to find a place to buy them online in this size, though. If all else fails, I will order them through the LBS.

fietsbob

Read the inflation range that is on the sides of the tire.

Giant Doofus

I've been using Vittoria Randonneurs (700c x 28mm) for the past 2300 miles. No flats, not a single one. I ride on pretty rough city roads. I pump them up to about 70 psi and re-inflate when the get down to about 55 or so. I use these on a Binachi Volpe that weighs about 25 pounds (I think, never actually weighed it). I weigh 120.

Edit: my tread is showing some wear, so I've started thinking about what I will replace them with when the time comes. I've just about settled on the Vittoria Voyager Hyper. Should give a faster, plusher ride, but sacrifice a little puncture protection.

mercator

Your worries are unfounded, the Randonneur is a great tire, although I have only used the 'pro' and 'cross' models so can't vouch for the 'trail' or other ones.

canklecat

I was on the verge of buying a pair of Vittoria Randonneurs for my comfy hybrid when Nashbar discounted Michelin Protek Cross Max enough that I got the Michelins instead. Almost six months later on mixed terrain -- smooth and rough asphalt, gravel, open fields -- no regrets. Yup, they're a bit heavier and slower rolling than my previous Specialized Hemispheres. But the Michelin Proteks are really puncture resistant, respond well to adjusting the pressure between 50-70 psi to suit the terrain, and really grippy. Only stuff they can't handle is wet black gumbo mud.

But if I mostly rode a road oriented bike primarily on pavement, the Vittoria tires probably would have suited me just fine and would have been a bit cheaper. The Randonneurs might corner better fast on pavement too. The Michelin Protek Cross Max have a pronounced raised sharp shouldered tread that can feel just a wee bit squirmy on hard cornering on pavement.

JMONAY

Thank you all for the advice. I suppose Michelin Protek shall remain on my list of tires to try, maybe on another bike. As for my 1958 Raleigh Sports, it will probably be set for a while. I took the dive for the Vittoria Randonneur shortly after posting the question and I have to say these are the smoothest, nicest tires I've ever had on this bike - even better than the Delta Cruisers. They handle 45-55 psi just fine. Speed doesn't suffer much even at lower pressures (at least not noticeably on this bike, compared to other tires). To date these are my favorite so far.

bmthom.gis

Check out Col de la Vie tires from Panaracer as well.

NormanF

Tire selection for 590 size is decent as there are still millions of these vulnerable bikes on the road and its still popular in Japan.