Tires, Tires, Tires

[MitchC]

Hey,

I need a new back tire... well I don't, but my buddy does. He is away from home and would like me to find out what you would suggest for tires. Ironically enough, I know nothing about tires! So it is my time to learn.

He only needs the back tire at this moment. He would like to know about some tires that are decent for sport riding that have a good wear.

Opinions from guys that have used more than one brand are welcome. So what would you guys and gals suggest?

Thanks in advance from me and Evan,

Mitch

Loads of good info in the 'tyres' section of the forum. I use Continentals and find them to be fine, but haven't yet tried others.

Not sure what's available your side of the pond.

Cheers Keith

Mitch,

Here are my experiences:

MEZ 3's = Old hat but still pretty good and cheap.

Dunlop 208's = Very grippy until they slide, heat up quick wear down quick, not good in rain. (Recomended summer wear)

Bridgestone BT020's = Longer wearing reasonable grip, very good in rain.

I cant really give an acurate wear rate as i tend to go through rubber quicker than most.

Mitch, maybe this should be in the tyres section bud

For what its worth, Metz' Z6's are awesome, give you so much more confidence than the stock tyres too... Well worth a look

[ophic]

Also good advice is to replace the front anyway, even if it aint too worn. Stock tyres tend to be less sticky, and having a rear more sticky than the front is asking for trouble. So I've heard... (still on stockers, me)

tire technology changes every year as the manufacturers develop new models and discontinue obsolete ones

I recommend a sport touring tire for long life and better rain performance
among the most recent releases you can't go wrong
michelin Pilot Road
Metzler Z6
Pirelli Diablo Strada
Conti road attack
Avon Azaro ST
Bridgetone Bt20 (BT20's have been out 5 years, due to be updated)

I cannot recommend the Dunlop 220, to me they are lacking in brakeing traction

I run Azaro STs I like the profile and they seem to retain their shape better throughout their life, they differ from all the others as they use a variable belt density technology to keep the center cooler and reduced wear yes still get sticky on the edges cause the carcas flexes more there

BUT not everybody likes the same tire or rides the same

Hi Mitch,

Like Cloggsy I plumped for the Metz Z6 option, decision based mainly on the report from Rictus. (Thanks Mark for the considerable amount of information provided btw - top job.)
Going against popular methods who fit both Front and Rear , I had just the rear Dunlop 200 replaced after 500 miles.
After a quick spin on Sunday to scrub the tyre in, the different feeling of the Metz was immediately noticable.Quick stable turn in with a feeling of confidence all the way to the edge when cranked over even when applying power exiting a familiar corner.
Downside ? yes - but then I only have myself to blame trying to eke out a few extra miles out of the Original Front-- my SV now feels imbalanced front to rear...cant put my finger on it but its just not right.
Solution: New Metz Z6 Front on order now for fitting ASAP...

For what its worth my recommendation is to have your friend change both Front and Rear tyres at the same time.

Now wheres my friendly mobile Tyre Fitter that new Metz Front..??

Cheers
Graham