Okay, this is yet another “what tire to use” questions and I did try the search function. Most of the threads were pretty old and I’m not sure if the recommendation would change.
So, what tire would you recommend for a front SRAM S80. The wheel will only be used for races with the A race being Buffalo Springs 70.3. I was leaning towards the Continental GP4000s, but some threads seem to recommend a narrower tire for this wheel. So, what’s the consensus?
Thanks.
I use the GP4000s on my S60 from and S80 rear. They ride well but are a pain to mount the first few times.
I used a Conti Supersonic 20mm last year and an HIM and a bunch of Olys and it worked great. Super fast tire, no issues with cuts or anything and it’s more aero.
I have a Flashpoint FP60 which is essentially a Sram S60. Similar wheel to yours, maybe 20mm shallower. I run a Vittoria Evo Corsa CX (23mm) with latex tube for road racing. My choice is made for rolling resistance and cornering traction.
If I were going for aero and rolling resistance, I would be running the 21mm. The wheel is definitely narrow enough to justify a 19-21mm tire. It will probably save you 2-3 watts, especially if it’s a fast rolling tire.
-Physiojoe
20 mm Conti Supersonic, latex tube. Very fast and very nice setup
Use mine with Bontrager R4 Aero tires. I like them the most as they are really light to help off set the wheels as they are already pretty heavy.
What are you going to put on?
Right now I’m leaning towards GP 4000s because they’re reasonably priced and seem to offer a good value. Just wish it came in a slightly smaller width.
Here’s an out-of-leftfield idea.
I have converted my FP60s and FP80s to tubeless, using the Stan’s tape, sealant, and Hutchinson Fusion tires.
No idea how much I’m giving up in rolling resistance, but the flat protection more than makes up for it IMO. I run these both training and racing, and have had to hit them with a CO2 mid-ride once in two years. I carry a spare tube but have never needed it.
It’s as close to a set-it-and-forget it tire solution as there is.
20 mm Conti Supersonic, latex tube. Very fast and very nice setup
+1, for the Sram S80/Flashpoint/old Zipp 808 a narrow tire is the most aero.
Here’s an out-of-leftfield idea.
I have converted my FP60s and FP80s to tubeless, using the Stan’s tape, sealant, and Hutchinson Fusion tires.
No idea how much I’m giving up in rolling resistance, but the flat protection more than makes up for it IMO. I run these both training and racing, and have had to hit them with a CO2 mid-ride once in two years. I carry a spare tube but have never needed it.
It’s as close to a set-it-and-forget it tire solution as there is.
Mostly curious as to how this is working for you. My thought would be that the higher pressure of a road time would make this sort of flat prevention system less useful than a low pressure MTB setup. I’ve never tried this, so honest question.
My tubeless experience has been fantastic. I would never go back to tubes.
Prior to converting the Flashpoints, I rode the tubeless Hutch’s on rims that came tubeless-ready (Shimanos).
Over the years I’ve had many micro-punctures get instantly sealed by the sealant. These surely would have flatted a traditional tube. Pressure loss isn’t significant enough to require stopping in these events.
Only once have I had to use a CO2 mid-ride to deal with a puncture the sealant didn’t quite fill. I was able to limp home that time.
On race day I’ll gladly give away seconds in resistance to save minutes changing a flat.
My calipers say the S80 rim is exactly 23mm at its widest point. So a tire up to 23mm should be fine, assuming it isn’t lying and isn’t wider than 23. By all means ride the GP4000 (Schwartz - black). A 20mm ought to be better than 23mm but I have no objective data on that. All the wind tunnel comparison tests I can find were done on bulging profile rims.
Don’t go wider, such as 25mm. Many wind tunnel tests showed 25mm to be superior … and lots of people swear by running 25mm up front. But those tests were done with bulging rim wheels like the dimpled Zipp Firecrest. Your rim is hybrid toroidal.
Wish granted. The GP4000 in all black is the same tire, and there is a 20mm. Its only the color versions that use different rubber.
I’m running the R4 Aero and they seem to work fine.
My calipers say the S80 rim is exactly 23mm at its widest point. So a tire up to 23mm should be fine
??? The brake track is 18.5mm wide. Why would you go by the widest point?
To the OP… forget tubeless, Conti makes a 20mm GP4000… but the Supersonic is the fast tire for that rim.
+1… low CRR and as aero as you’ll get
combine with fast tubes and you’re on a winning ticket
I used a Conti Supersonic 20mm last year and an HIM and a bunch of Olys and it worked great. Super fast tire, no issues with cuts or anything and it’s more aero.[/quote
Thanks everyone – went ahead and ordered the GP 4000 20mm in black.
Exactly! Helped get me some fast splits last year!