RiBMo tires. Opinions?

I normally use Specialized Armadillo's, but I'm thinking of trying out the RiBMo PT tires (http://www.panaracer.com/urban.php)

The Armadillo's are fine, but I've had a few flats due to glass getting stuck under cuts in the tread and eventually causing small punctures.

Anyone use these?  Have opinions?  Know of any LBS that stocks them?  I'm using 700x32c. Any difference in traction or ride with the RiBMo's? How are they on winter pavement?

I'm a year-round commuter, with occasional long trips.  Mostly street and paved trail riding, occasionally on gravel paths.

Thanks for your feedback.

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Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on October 14, 2013 at 8:12am

I had Panaracer Pasela PTs (700x32) on my current commuter. Probably got two to four weeks riding out of them before switching them to my new commuter, which is not quite finished. (Now running a set of Schwalbe Smart Sams in 700x35 until the new commuter is complete). During that time I got no flats, though I admit I haven't ridden them much yet. They were a big improvement over the Michelin City 700x28s the bike had before. RibMo != Pasela, so YMMV, but I think Panaracer makes pretty good tires in general. You'll likely be happy with the RibMo's.

Permalink Reply by JeffB on October 14, 2013 at 8:13am

Also, is there any advantage to folding beads over wire beads?  I've only used wire beads.  I'd guess weight is one difference, but that's not a critical element to me.  I'm no speedster

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on October 14, 2013 at 8:14am


JeffB (7+ miles) said:

Also, is there any advantage to folding beads over wire beads?

Yeah, just weight and folding. Oh, and you get to pay more for the Kevlar beaded tires. :-)

Permalink Reply by Julia 3.5/7.5 mi on October 14, 2013 at 8:34am
I've had armadillos on my commuter for the last year and had the same issues - bigger cuts picking up little shards if glass along Elston that end up poking through to the tube. I went with Gatorskins for my new cannondale instead, but haven't put a ton of miles on them yet.

My bf had RiBMos on his Allez for a bit. I think he only had about 800 mi on them before it was stolen a few weeks ago, but no flats over urban and gravel terrain. They seemed to work pretty well for that short period of time.
Permalink Reply by Apie (11) on October 14, 2013 at 9:20am

I ride RibMos (700x32), I was not impressed the first 600 miles, I thought they were a bit slippery, especially compared to Conti Tour Rides. They also got a few punctures by large pieces of glass. 

Now that I've had them for 1000+ miles, I can say the finally shed all debris and I have not had a flat since.  On grated bridges they feel a bit slippery, but that may be the width, I changed from 40's that had no slip at all through winter or on any of the city bridges. 

 

I think its a fine tire for road, the v shaped tread is nice once you get them broken in a bit so you have a few more MM of contact.  As for a winter tire, I would def go for 35mm or wider or go for another tire if you are looking for better grip/traction in wet conditions.   I'm hoping they feel safe this winter, if not I'm going straight for Schwalbe, either Supremes or the Mondial. The latter looks like a good choice for winter.

I also for found 1 RibMo at REI for $9, and bought a 2nd off ebay for cheap, so price was the biggest factor when first purchasing.

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on October 14, 2013 at 11:55am

I like them,have them on both tires and really good a puncture resisting though any flats I do get are because of a big shard of glass just slicing through it.

I go through the tires and look for anything stuck in a previous cut and pick it out.

 

Permalink Reply by Kevin Mulcky on October 14, 2013 at 12:28pm

I prefer the non-tourguard Pasellas. They're cheap, much more supple than the ribmos, and flat-proof enough. I think I've averaged less than one puncture per year with the pasellas over the last 5 years.

Soma is coming out with a Pasella clone, the C-Line, very soon. It sounds like the ultimate "fat" road tire.

http://oceanaircycles.com/2013/10/08/new-soma-c-line-coming-soon/

Permalink Reply by Matt Wolfe on October 14, 2013 at 1:11pm
I don't have any personal riding perspective, but I put a pair on my girlfriend's commuter and she got two years of year round commuting without any flats until she sold the bike. They still looked good.
Permalink Reply by JeffB on October 15, 2013 at 4:23am

Thanks for the feedback!  I put in an order.

Permalink Reply by JeffB on October 21, 2013 at 4:22am

I received my RibMo PT's today.  I ordered the wire-bead version as opposed to the folding bead, but they arrived twisted and folded and taped together to fit in a bag.

They seem ok, but look a little out of shape, with the beads kind of flared-out at some points.  Should I be concerned, or will they straighten out once installed and inflated?  Anything specific I should check for?  There's no sharp kinks or anything.

Permalink Reply by Doug Haynes on October 21, 2013 at 4:46am

Without seeing them it is impossible to really know if they are OK or not but chances are they are fine.



JeffB (7+ miles) said:

I received my RibMo PT's today.  I ordered the wire-bead version as opposed to the folding bead, but they arrived twisted and folded and taped together to fit in a bag.

They seem ok, but look a little out of shape, with the beads kind of flared-out at some points.  Should I be concerned, or will they straighten out once installed and inflated?  Anything specific I should check for?  There's no sharp kinks or anything.

Permalink Reply by Skip Montanaro 0mi on October 21, 2013 at 5:29am

IME, wire bead tires are typically twisted into a figure eight which is then folded over on itself (into an "oh") and taped shut. I've never had a problem. You should be fine.

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