Which Tyres?

I'll have to measure. 2.0 may fit.

I like this thinking.

A use for old tyres, other than "belts"? That is good!

Conti 4 seasons are indeed good tyres but I've concluded they don't like going off road, at all. I've been off road on them three times this year.

The first time I got two punctures on the Pretorius Paris-Roubaix ride (not that much unpaved but both punctures on an off road bit), the second time was a gravel climb up to the Col de la Madeleine when admittedly I didn't get any punctures, but @fussballclub was there so I think his sheer belief in Conti's puncture protection kept them at bay.

The third time was today going up the Lea valley (mostly not on the towpath, but did some towpath bits). Got a puncture 10 miles in.

Has anyone bought Gravel Kings and done enough riding on them to actually test them properly? They seem good on paper/based on website reviews but would be interested in some real world insight.

Oh, and lay off Winstanley's! They've always been good for me and I've found that their stock levels are normally accurate. They're hardly Shiny Bikes. Plus they sent me a bike part today cunningly disguised as a black pudding.

Are you getting pinch-flats or is stuff getting through the tyre?

I've just retired a pair of Continental GP 4000's as they've worn out.

I'm going to recommend them as that's fifteen months one and a half(ish) winters and no punctures.

I hope the Vittoria Pave CG's that are now on do such a good job.

Apparently the new paves are puncture magnets

Oh good.

I took them out and tested them today and they were very, very comfortable - even over some cobbles - and, thankfully, no punctures so far.

I was rolling over some pretty horrible stuff so I'm going to do some hoping.

Update with how they fair. Thinking of getting some.

Will do.

I won't get much cycling done next week but after that, I should be out a lot more so I'll let you know if they're awful.

How did they hold up?

Still good .. some panic over ice yesterday losing traction etc but thats expected of a zero tread tyre .. couple of punctures in about 2k miles .. both pinch flats but they tend to develop cuts .. I am guessing their 'lifespan' under my usage is about 2.5k

9000 miles. Hmm.. wonder how many miles I've done on the Durano Pro I have on the Kinesis..

Pave's are slightly tougher but still basically high quality high tpi race tyres. GP4000 are middle of the road training/racing tyres. Not really comparative.

some panic over ice yesterday losing traction etc but thats expected of a zero tread tyre

Any tyre surely: tread, or not, won't make any difference on ice.

Unless you're going to take a leaf out of Smallfurry's book...

I'm currently using a set of Vittoria Open Pave CG Black edition... so far, so very good. Beautiful to ride on, very progressive, grippy and fast feeling. Crossing fingers and toes, touching wood etc. no atmospheric pressure equalisation yet.

They cut really easily.

I've been riding on Michelin Pro Race Endurance this winter, and have to say that I'm very impressed with them. Hard wearing, grippy in damp and dry conditions and offer excellent grip.

Well, I have only done about 300 klm's so I will see how it goes. Wanted to try something other than the conti 4000IIs. if they suck then I'll try schwalbe Duranos

They're super lovely, but they're not a true winter tyre. Which suits me fine.

Michelin Pro Race Endurance >

How do they come up in size? I had a set of 25c lithion 2's on and they were like balloons.

I think I know what you mean. Thing is, if I'm going to go and ride in the rain and cold, I like the bike to feel as good as possible. Which is the same reason I'm riding the nice wheels, not the cheapo shimanos...

I used these through spring and was impressed. They're as good and will go on again next year I guess.

I fitted the Pro4 Service Course version for summer and it seems all the new compound, 2014 Michelins cut up way less than their predecessors - which was their only issue.

Have had the new Durano 2015's on for about a month or two new and they are vastly superior to Gatorskins and even GP 4000 II's in my opinion. Don't cut up anywhere near as much, seem to be a lot more durable and grip is far superior to Gatorskins and probably on par with GP4. Also feel really nimble.

How do they come up in size?

Big and round.

I think my 25s measured 28mm on OpenPro rims.