Handbike Scotland tyres review.

They don't get and better than these race thoroughbreds. Currently being manufactured with a 320 thread carcase and with a file pattern tread protected with a kevlar shield these tyres are not only very fast but tough with it. Their 20mm profile does limit them to better surfaces though . First choice for a top notch race tyre and my favourite.

2.VITTORIA RUBINO.

HANDBIKE SCOTLAND EQUIPMEMT REVIEW VITTORIA RUBINO

DESCRIPTION (UPDATED 01-05-2010)

MANUFACTURER: VITTORIA
TYPE: CLINCHER ROAD TYRE
SIZE: 650 x 23c
WEIGHT: 285g
NAME: VITTORIA RUBINO
TYPE: TRAINING/TOURING
WEBSITE:www.vittoria.com

ROAD TEST

Tough alrounder and newly updated by Vittoria with 150 threads per inch cloth and twin tread technology. This tyre certainly gives value for money, with its 23mm profile its provides good grip, good puncture resistance and still rolls along rolls nicely.

If you are looking for a no nonsense bullet proof tyre look no further. Six years of use and I have only puntured on two occasions. It is not the fastest compound around and is probably best described as grippy and therefore quite slow. Tough as they come.

4. CONTINENTAL GP4000 TYRES.

HANDBIKE SCOTLAND EQUIPMEMT REVIEW CONTINENTAL GP 4000

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURER:CONTINENTAL
TYPE: CLINCHER ROAD TYRE
SIZE: 650 x 23c
WEIGHT:190g
NAME: CONTINENTAL GP4000
TYPE: RACE / TRAINING
WEBSITE:http://www.conti-online.com

ROAD TEST

A race tested favourite. With a 23mm profile this tyre provides a liitle extra security against punture. Good grip characteristics but still a fast performer a definite choice for rougher roads but still offering good performance on smoother surfaces.

5. CONTINENTAL GRAND PRIX 24mm TYRES.

HANDBIKE SCOTLAND EQUIPMEMT REVIEW CONTINENTAL GP 24mm

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURER:CONTINENTAL
TYPE: CLINCHER ROAD TYRE
SIZE: 650 x 24c
WEIGHT:310g
NAME: CONTINENTAL GRAND PRIX 24mm
TYPE: RACE / TRAINING
WEBSITE:http://www.conti-online.com

ROAD TEST

A new tyre for 2010, report to follow as soon as I can get a hold of some to test.

6. SCHWALBE ULTREMO R1 TYRES.

HANDBIKE SCOTLAND EQUIPMEMT REVIEW SCHWALBE ULTREMO R1.2

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURER:SCHWALBE
TYPE: CLINCHER ROAD TYRE
SIZE: 650 x 23c
WEIGHT:185g
NAME: SCHWALBE ULTREMO R 1
TYPE: RACE 
WEBSITE:http://www.schwalbe.co.uk

ROAD TEST

A new tyre for 2010, looks to be a very lightweight 23mm profile tyre, report to follow as soon as I can get a hold of some to test.

7.MICHELIN PRO3 RACE TYRES.

HANDBIKE SCOTLAND EQUIPMEMT REVIEW MICHELIN PRO 3 RACE

DESCRIPTION

MANUFACTURER:MICHELIN
TYPE: CLINCHER ROAD TYRE
SIZE: 650 x 23c
WEIGHT:200g
NAME: MICHELIN PRO3 RACE
TYPE: RACE/TRAINING 
WEBSITE:http://www.michelinbicycletire.com

ROAD TEST

Continuing their Pro Race series of tyres Michelin latest version 3 has further refined this model. However this tyre may not be wholey suited for handbike use. The tyre has a cntral band of Silcium compound to give good wear and a low rolling resistance outside the central band is a much more grippier compound that increases grip while cornering by as much as 27%. Canted rear handbike wheels may cause this strip to be in contact with the road at all times which will increase drag even when riding in a straight line. Anyone running with wheels perpendicular to the ground won't have this problem so these tyres may be a good choice.