Specialized 04 Tri-Sport Tire

Price Paid:  $17.00 at Oro Valley Bicycle

Favorite Ride:
Rillito Riverside Park in Tucson

Bike Setup:
1983 Bianchi Alorro. Columbus lugged steel with a mixture of Italian components, and some lower end Mavic wheels.

Summary:
The "Tri" in the tire name has nothing to do with their suitability for Triathelon, or any other form of competition. They should be used as Specialized recommends for sport, and recreation, and I would also add commuting and touring. They ride and handle better than Turbo Armadillos at half the price, but I'm sure are not as long wearing or puncture resistant. They are not as good handling as Victoria Rubinos which can be used as a trainer by racers, but I think will last longer

Strengths:
Low price. Plenty of long lasting rubber compound. Stout cord body. Will take 100 or more PSI.

Weaknesses:
None if correctly applied. Weight and handling if you try to use them for more advanced applications.

Similar Products Used:
Victoria Rubinos, Turbo Armadillos, Conti Sports and Super Sports (both are fragile JUNK)

Price Paid:  $21.00 at Bicycle Garage, Frem

Favorite Ride:
Calaveras and The Wall

Bike Setup:
Vitus Aluminum, Suntour GPX gruppo, mountain gears, Specialized Body Geometry saddle, Maillard fronts, Mavic rear. It's a fun bike.

Summary:
I ride in groups with my club. This season I put on about 800 miles on a new set. The price is right from my LBS. They were the cheapest 700c's in stock and they looked acceptable.

Strengths:
I can over inflate these tires to 120 to 130 psi and get very good performance. The wear is good, and the handling is good. I could not tell the difference if I was using Conti Gran Prix, or these. It's a good ride.

Weaknesses:
This is a good tire for reacreational and club riders who want a good cheap tire that looks good.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized something, folding, Trek ISO3 which I like a lot, Continental Gran Prix 3000 another good tire