MrTuner1970

Reason for question: my first choice of Michelin Pro3 Race tires wouldn't fit, according to my bike mechanic. Too tight. Instead of those, he put on Challenge Criteriums. (Clinchers, but a.k.a. "open tubulars." Nice ride.)

However, the rear tire is in the process of splitting after just 405 miles. Maybe it was the tire, and maybe it was the road surfaces I ride on (somewhat rough). At any rate, I'm looking for a different brand. Want to avoid any fit problems before I order.

Anyone know if there are other tires that will not work with the Eurus wheel?

Or, should I give the Criteriums another chance?

Thanks in advance,
John

clausen

I recommend you find a new mechanic. All Campagnolo wheels are tight and I have seen Pro3s on those wheels. All clinchers will work on those rims, some will be tighter than others. I would ride those tires until you start having allot of flats or worn down to the threads.

fa63

I recommend giving tubeless tires a try, since your wheels are tubeless compatible.

I have a pair of Zonda 2-Way Fit wheels and use them with Hutchinson Fusion 2 tubeless tires. I am very happy with the combination; tubeless tires ride as advertised IMO. It was a pain to get the tires on the first time, but I can't think of any other shortcomings based on my experience so far.

DaveSSS 

You should be able to use any tire you want. There is no way that a PR3 tire is "too tight".

I've got mixed feelings about tubeless. You still need to carry a spare tube in case of a serious cut (plus some tire boot material) and also need to use messy tire sealant, just for small punctures. At present, there are few models made. It doesn't seem to be catching on.

fa63

If you haven't ridden tubeless yet, I highly recommend giving it a try and see how you feel afterwards. Needing to carry a spare tube is a small inconvenience (don't you do that with conventional clinchers anyways?) for the improvement in ride quality IMO. It also certainly beats having to carry and glue on a spare tubular tire.

I agree tire choices are limited so far, but I see that changing in the very near future.

RichinPeoria

If there is a problem its with your "mechanic" and his shop.

I prefer Continentals too. Maybe give some GP4000s a try

AngryScientist 

agree about dumping your mechanic, and the fact that most campy wheels fit tight, get the michy's if you want them, they're a great tire, as are the gp4000's and the michelin carbons. good luck!

operator

+1

We sold plenty of these wheelsets with pro race 3's on them. They fit fine.

MrTuner1970

Many thanks to all who responded.

Will look into finding a different mechanic. Figured he knew what he was talking about since he's been a wrench for a couple decades.

Seriously thinking about trying tubeless....

Mitro

+1 on trying tubeless. fa63 is right, you might have to carry a small boot in case of an emergency, but the ride quality and the flat resistance are greatly improved and well worth in the inconvenience of carrying something the size of a book of matches.

fantom1 

agreed

Basil Moss

Could just get some real wheels and a pair of tubulars, rather than an overpriced, overcomplicated piece of MTB marketing designed to appeal to hairy legged weeds with baggy shorts.

MrTuner1970

I've never ridden tubulars or tubeless. (Heck, I've only been road biking since August 2008 -- haven't had opportunities yet to experience very much that's available.)

Looking at weights of tubular vs. tubeless. Looks like you save +/- 300g with tubular, but the cost of the wheels (and tires) is significantly higher.

What are other benefits of tubular? Can you put sealant in them like you can with tubeless? One of the main benefits I see of tubeless is puncture resistance because the sealants seals up the small punctures that would normally cause an instant flat with clinchers.

I'm not a racer. (Might race in a race or two in the future, but I didn't start riding until age 37 -- kind of late in life to start if you actually want to win. ) Most of my riding is for fun. I've done and plan to do centuries and benefit rides. But I'm just having a bunch of fun. Therefore, I'm not certain tubulars would be a good match for my riding needs. ???

Tubeless would probably be better than tubulars for me, based on what I've read of each.

socalrider

I have had good luck with a variety of Vittoria tires with my eurus.

fa63

What is overcomplicated about tubeless?

saratoga

Use whatever you want. I have the same wheels and have used different tires each time they've been changed.
Your selection is somewhat limited on the tubeless side, but clinchers are a plenty.