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Tyres, tyres, everywhere
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 2:11 pm
by katie1
and not a clue as to which ones to choose. Ok, it didn't rhyme but you know the dilemma.
So, I have Michelin PR4s on the bike which urgently need replacing. I could put the same on but thought these alternatives might be worth a go. Has anyone got experience with these on a Falco?
Dunlop Roadsmart III
Bridgestone T30
Metzeler Roadtec 01
Whatever happens, I will be doing around 700 miles a week in all weather so am looking at cold/wet grip, longevity and ability to brake at 40mph on the white lines while filtering on the M25!
Not too fussed about how good they are in the warm and dry 'cos these will probably have been replaced twice before that weather arrives!

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 3:09 pm
by D-Rider
Pirelli Angels for great wear and great performance in the colder wetter days.
I've 2 sets of wheels - one with Angels for this time of year the other with Pirelli Corsas for great grip in the warm weather. Each do a great job for what I use them for.
If I had to choose one set only for the whole year, it'd be the Angels.
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 4:16 pm
by flatlander
Obviously ever in has their own preferences but I found tge roads mart 2 better than tge 3 and gave away tge Pirellu Corsa as being horrible for the commute I was doing a roads M way and lanes on anything other than tge best days
Not tried meter or angel found Bridgestone let go a bit earlier than riadsmart when getting towards the end of the tyre life
Not tried Michelin on tge falco
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 6:20 pm
by fatboy
The Michelins are really good all rounders, if you are happy with the way they perform then it would not be a bad move to replace like with like.
I have heard good comments re the Angel's,not heard good about the other choices.
A lot comes down to opinion, what I like about how a tyre behaves may what you hate ect.
I'm lucky, the guy who runs my local bike shop is ace,he tells me which tyres suit me and my riding rather than trying to sell me the most expensive or old stock he needs to shift.
If I took my ride in for new hoops, he would recommend PR4's.
I'm on PR3's, have no complaints and they seem to be lasting forever.
I dont do the same mileage as you but I dont ride with fuel economy or tyre life as a main concern
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 8:39 pm
by HisNibbs
The pr4s you have are a very good tyre, especially in the wet and last too. You'l be hard pressed to find better.
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 8:39 pm
by mangocrazy
You'll get as many different choices as there are responders, I suspect. If you've been happy with PR4s annd you like the way they behave, I'd be very tempted to buy another set. I've not tried any Michelins for about 10 years, so can't really comment. I've used Dunlop Roadsmarts and Sportsmarts since about 2008 and have been very happy with them, but your likes and dislikes on tyres may not be the same as mine.
Also I don't do cold winter commutes any more, so it would be unwise of me to try and influence your decision. But to be honest, I don't think there are any bad tyres on the market. Tyre technology has advanced so far and fast in the last 10-15 years that bad tyres simply wouldn't sell.
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 9:18 pm
by katie1
Thanks all, other views always welcome.
The PR4s are pretty good in most ways but feel very uncomfortable when riding the white lines. As I can be filtering for long periods (6 junctions is the worse so far) it's a big part of the ride. Thought it was just me (or the road) but had a couple of people mention it online so thought it would be worth trying something different.
Had the Angel GTs on my Benelli but found them very slidey in the cold/wet and never had any confidence in them.
Kinda tempted by the Bridgestones 'cos I used to really like the 020s last time I had a Falco but it's always good to see what others have tried. Will let you know what ends up on there!

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:07 pm
by Dalemac
I've had Avon Storm 2 Ultra's on mine.
They have definitely changed the rubber in the current set. They used to be great in the wet, could ride almost how liked. This set have had too many slides (though it can be fun in a narcissistic way) but one day might end up in tears.
I've heard good things about the T30 evo's, these will probably be what I choose next time.
Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:48 pm
by mangocrazy
Just a thought, Katie. If you've only used PR4s when they were coming to the end of their life and probably a bit squared off, I'd cut them a bit of slack. Most tyres tend to exhibit a fall off in performance when they get near end of life, and misbehaving on white lines is one symptom that tells you it's time to change tyres. I think most tyres would degrade in a similar manner as they reached end of life to be honest.
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:43 pm
by fatboy
That is a good point well made Graham ! Just listen to a post race interview to hear how riders change style to compensate for worn rubber.
Trye choice is as fickle as 'white with no sugar'
Or black with 3 sugars
Or white with 5 sugars

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 10:47 pm
by flatlander
And you definitely don't want a worn rubber
Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 11:18 pm
by Dalemac
flatlander wrote:And you definitely don't want a worn rubber
Which is strange, as they are usually more sticky.
Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 10:49 am
by katie1
Now we're back on the right track:)
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 7:09 am
by Aladinsaneuk
For that mileage - Congo road attack - I use them
Or the maxxis equivalent - I bought a cheap set when I was needing tyres urgently - they performed well
Posted: Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:35 am
by Gio
I haven't a clue what to use, mines got 020's on and the rest I've never heard of. I'd have thought a hard middle and soft side tyres would be best for straight line commuting, seeing as you are on boring roads mostly, not sure whats available in that area though.