Re: [CR]27 x 1 1/4" Tire Choices

(Example: Events:Cirque du Cyclisme:2007)

From: <Wolfman231@aol.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Mar 2002 12:30:59 EST
Subject: Re: [CR]27 x 1 1/4" Tire Choices
To: CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com, Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


In a message dated 3/21/02 11:43:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, CaptBike@sheldonbrown.com writes:

<< I agree with your conclusion, but not your reasoning. Punctures are never the fault of the tire, unless it is a tire that has worn so thin that a tiny sliver of glass can fit through it.

There are tires with extra puncture-resistance features, such as Kevlar belts or unusually thick treads. These things may or may not offer a bit of extra protection, but between tires of similar construction and weight, there generally is little difference in puncture reisitance. >>

Hi Sheldon,
         Punctures aren't the fault of the tire, true...I'd blame the glass, etc. But your post didn't take into account the hardness of the tread rubber (and that softer or stickier rubbers tends to pick up more glass/debris...much like being more prone to flatting in the rain.) Some makers (e.g., Vittoria) even engineer the rubber itself to be puncture resistant. Also, I'd argue that casings with higher thread counts not only offer a more supple ride, but are more impervious to flats than cheap, low thread count tires. IMHO, the less expensive 27tpi casing Michelins puncture more frequently. I don't know who the manufacturer is, but plain Specialized Turbos are durable, inexpensive wire-bead tires. I have Vredestein Fortezza TriComps on my race wheels and they are great in all ways...except that they are purple. As you also know, "Japanese" manufacturers may make the same model in different countries, with the Made in Japan version usually superior. Just my experience, thanks for your time. Ed Kasper dodging the beer bottles in Detroit