Winter Tyres

Gabi from London has found a good pair of road tyres for the winter, but wants our suggestions on some other options. So we have had a look at some round bits of rubber.

Question:
I run 700×23 Vredestein Volante’s on an alu/carbon Ridley. I’m 6’3″ tall and weigh 110kgs, and have no problems with those.

I’m looking for some decent winter tyres that will be very durable. I was running Specialized Armadillos in winter, but I’m looking to change to something else. I also might go up to 700×25 just for the winter months.

Most of my riding is done in an around London, as well as the Essex countryside, so glass is an issue!

What would you suggest?

Hi Gabi.

My first suggestion would have been Specialized Armadillos as they are a very good set of tyres for the winter and/or bad road conditions. There are many more and here are our other options.

Continental Gatorskin Hardshell Duraskin

Continental make great tyres and the Gatorskin’s Hardshell has great puncture protection with fast rolling and good mileage, the protection goes all-round the tyre for extra resistance. It’s available from 23 to 32 width sizes and has wet weather grip.

Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Vectran Duraskin

The Grand Prix is a lighter weight tyre with great grip in the wet, its polymide mesh layer protects against cuts, punctures and abrasions, so glass will have a harder job causing flats.

Nutrack Road File

A value for money tyre with all weather grip and traction with lightweight skin walls, a cheap tyre that you can afford to replace as often as needed.

Vittoria Adventure

The Adventure has lots of rubber and a protection layer; it’s a larger tyre and has a reflective strip for safety in the dark.

Vittoria Randonneur

Good grip and lots of rubber on this low weight foldable Kevlar beaded tyre. It has a triple shielding puncture protection. It’s big and hard wearing.

Michelin Dynamic

Another big tyre with lots of grip and durability and puncture resistance.

Michelin Erilium
The Erilum has exceptional grip on wet and dry roads and has a Kevlar reinforced casing for maximum puncture protection.

Those are some of the hardest wearing, puncture proof tyre available, some come in bigger sizes than the 23 or 25 that you are interested in, but they are great for the winter or on dodgy ground or for commuting into work and back. Remember to check that the tyres will fit your frame, especially if you intend to use mudguards (fenders) in the winter.