Avocet Carbon 12

Price Paid:  $45.00 at Direct from Avocet

Favorite Ride:
The former Stowe Bike Race loop

Bike Setup:
'02 Jamis Eclipse, IF steel fork, 9 sp Dura Ace/Ultegra mix, Mavic Ksyrium SL, Thomson stem & post, FSA bars, Serfas saddle, Speedplay X-2's

Summary:
Tires were recommended by riding buddy and mechanic. Ordered the SLK's direct from Avocet (received prompt, polite service). They are a firm but easy mount, offer a great ride (~100 psi) and have proven to be both durable and reliable (no cuts, no flats) over New England roads (paved and unpaved).

Strengths:
Durability, grip, consistency.

Weaknesses:
Pricey, but what isn't?
Impossible to find locally.

Similar Products Used:
Vredestein Fortezza
Continental GP 3000
Michelin Pro Race
Hutchinson Carbon Comp

Price Paid:  $32.00 at LBS - Bicycle Habita

Favorite Ride:
Prospect Park Loop (Brooklyn)

Bike Setup:
1998-era Rhygin (Columbus Metax) Stainless Steel, Time Fork, Campy Record 9speed, Campy Montreal Wheels, Vetta V100HR wireless cadence computer.

Summary:
FINALLY - this tire series got added.

Tire reviewed Carbon 12 K 700x23 (wire bead). I think these are great tires, and I will return to using them just as soon as my VeloFlex Pave/Black need changing at the end of the summer. I will likely go with the SLK model, which is Kevlar belt and bead. Bought these on recommendation of riders in LBS, who found these durable and flat-free. I think that slicks like these are very grippy, and I am happy with them overall.

Strengths:
Grippy in both wet and dry. Good road feel. Punctureless - great for city riding where glass get in the way. I got these for durability, and changed them after

Weaknesses:
260 grams with wire bead, will try the 220g Kevlar next. Should be great.

Road feel not as good as the (much) lighter VeloFlex, but confident in high speed cornering.

Hard to find!

Similar Products Used:
Michelin Pro-Race, Veloflex Pave