Road Clinchers

Road Clinchers

Road tires fall into one of two categories: no-compromise, ultra-light and ultra-expensive racing rubber or slightly heavier and more affordable puncture-resistant training tires. While most cyclists love the road-feel of racing tires, glass and debris-covered spring roads may not be the place to enjoy their supple ride qualities. This season, consider running a more durable tire during training rides and busting out the racing rubber in the weekend. Here are two great tires – one for racing and one for training.

::GEARBOX
Ultremo R.1 700 x 23 – $75
Schwalbe
12062

The lightweight tire offers a surprising level of cut and puncture resistance thanks to its High Density Radial Technology, which extends a protection belt from under the tread and into the side wall. But even with this additional puncture shield the Ultremo R.1 HS 380 weighs only 180g per tire and achieves a lower level of rolling resistance compared to last year’s version of this tire. Traction and control during high speed cornering is extremely reliable.

::GEARBOX
Gator Hardshell 700 x 23 – $69
Continental
12005

With a three layer puncture-resistant casing and an extra puncture-resistant fabric layer under the tread, the Gator Hardshell is almost immune to conventional flats. But rather than stop there, Continental also added a cut resistant mesh for even greater protection against sidewall cuts. Although they may not offer the ultra-supple ride of racing tires, the Gator Hardshells are ideal for riders who prefer to log training miles rather than change flats.