Specialized All Condition Armadillo Elite

Price Paid:  $70.00 at Kinetic cycles

Favorite Ride:
Ione Hills

Bike Setup:
Titanium / ultegra

Summary:
I've had these tires for some time and and I swapped them off for higher-end tires. After seeing the poor life of my Hutchingson Fusion's and Rubino's I went back to these. They are really hard riding, but the work well and have very few flats. The tread seems to last forever. I'm really happy with these and would rate them almost equal to the conti GP4000's.

Strengths:
Hard and strong

Weaknesses:
Hard riding.

Similar Products Used:
Lots and lots. These are a great training tire.

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Price Paid:  $100.00 at Local Bike Shop

Summary:
I purchased these tires as they seemed to fit my requirement for tires that were durable, puncture resistant, and not too slow.

I have two sets of these tires now.

First set front tire developed a slow leak from a puncture. Soon after, the rear tire also developed a slow leak puncture!

I've now replaced the first set of punctured tires with the newer second set of tires. So far there have been no punctures or other problems with the replacement set.

Although no (current) tire is completely puncture proof, is was disappointing to have two punctures occurring so soon on these tires.

There is a degree of chance involved when getting punctures, but the local roads here are hard on tires (and cyclists!) due to chip seal, broken seal, and debris. Therefore it is preferable to use puncture resistant (and durable) tires on these roads, that is why I purchased these Elite tires.

I might go back to Ultra Gatorskin tyres, as I've never had a puncture with them, so far. Plus they are more comfortable to ride and are a bit faster as well.

Strengths:
Appear to be reasonably durable with very little wear shown. Puncture resistant to a degree.

Weaknesses:
A bit sluggish. Uncomfortable ride. Not puncture resistant enough.

Similar Products Used:
Continental Ultra Gatorskin, Vittoria Rubino Pro

Price Paid:  $45.00 at Cycle Sports

Bike Setup:
Trek CF 5200, Rolf Vector Pro or Mavic Open Pro wheels.

Summary:
I don't know if I got a defective set or what but I haven't been able to go more than three rides without flatting. Wire, glass shards, pinch flats, you name it. I even put the tires on a different set of rims (Rolf Vector Pros first then Mavic Open Pros). Pulled the tires off and searched for hidden glass, etc. every time. I ride the same route with my other wheels and tires with no problem(either Conti GP4000s or Michelin Pro Race). I'm about ready to just pull tires off and toss them in the trash. On top of the tendency to flatting, the ride is fairly harsh, no suppleness at all.

Strengths:
None

Weaknesses:
Prone to flatting, harsh ride

Similar Products Used:
Conti Gatorskins

Price Paid:  $55.00 at Rock N Road

Favorite Ride:
The OC

Bike Setup:
Pinarello FP5 w/ Dura Ace, DT Swiss Mon Chasserals

Summary:
I've had these tires for about half a year now and so far, I'm very impressed with them. I haven't had a flat yet. The tires are very comfortable, smooth and grip relatively well. I think the only drawback of these tires is that they seem noticeably heavier than other tires I've had. The bike just doesn't seem to roll as fast as they used to. But I think this is a fair tradeoff to have a hastle-free tire that you can depend on. Flat tires really irritate me so these were a very good investment.

Strengths:
extremely durable, flat resistant, look like race tires

Weaknesses:
slightly heavy

Similar Products Used:
Continental

Price Paid:  $48.00 at The Bike Shop

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere there is a hill/ mountain

Bike Setup:
Seven Axiom SG; 10-speed DA; FSA-SLK carbon cranks riding on DA BB; Mavic open pros on CK hubs for commuting and training; Ksyriums SL's for events

Summary:
I have gone through many a tire (brands) which I have used to make my daily commute to and from work and for training but these are second to none. Excellent tire, durable with good traction. Excellent tire for training and commuting! Heavy for events/ racing.

Strengths:
durability, puncture reistance-proof

Weaknesses:
Weight

Similar Products Used:
conti-gatorskins; michelins, you name it i've tried it!