IRC Paperlite Plus Clincher

Price Paid:  $20.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Great Swamp

Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale BadBoy with the following changes: Velocity Aerohead wheels; Shimano Ultegra hubs; Shimano Dura-Ace cassette (12-27); Thompson Elite stem; RockShox suspension seat post; Selle Italia Max Flite Trans Am saddle.

Summary:
I have put about 500 miles on the IRC Paperlite Plus tires w/ the Kevlar bead (650c x 20) using my Cannondale BadBoy. So far, so good - no blowouts or punctures (knock on wood). I love these tires for the price, weight, and performance. Supple yet responsive.

Strengths:
Light weight as the name implies (155 g - 650c size). Sticks well to the road. Low rolling resistance. Great value for the money

Weaknesses:
No Kevlar belt or other puncture protection.

Similar Products Used:
Michelin Axial Pro

Price Paid:  $20.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
any clean shoulder

Bike Setup:
14YO custom reynolds 653 frame, Ultegra/Superbe Pro.

Summary:
have done 800K on these and no flats so far. light and reasonably fast. comfortable ride compared to other cheap tyres. I would buy them again.

Strengths:
light, comfortable.

Weaknesses:
none yet

Similar Products Used:
cheaper contis

Price Paid:  $17.00 at Endurosport mail ord

Favorite Ride:
my 15 mile morning commute

Bike Setup:
Cervelo P2K with Syntace profile bars, mostly Ultegra components, Speedplay Ti pedals & Dura Ace whe

Summary:
The 650X20's ultra low weight & high pressure=amazing speed & acceleration (2nd in class @ club time trial). Over 2000 miles on rear tire before the first puncture. With 50% of its cord showing, it still held 150 psi. Front tire still has 100% rubber.

Strengths:
Ultra low weight (155 gm) & price. Reasonable durability with 180 lb rider. Accepts gross overinflation (150 psi).

Weaknesses:
Very hard to mount on a Dura Ace rim.

Similar Products Used:
Michelin, Continental, etc.

Bike Setup:
Giant Al, 105.

Summary:
I got these as standard on the bike. After 500 miles, the rear tyre wall split and caused a fast flat whilst travelling downhill at around 35mph. Pretty hairy. I weigh in at 155lbs.

I would say this is a cheap, light option as a race day only tyre. Low rolling resistance due to almost slick treads, but fragile.

Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance, cheap.

Weaknesses:
Extremely fragile

Similar Products Used:
Vredestein Fortezza

Favorite Ride:
RAGBRAI

Bike Setup:
Litespeed Arenberg/Shimy 105

Summary:
I have 1500 miles on them and flatted only once,they have taken a good beating on some unforgiving roads.

Strengths:
light,durable

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Turbo