I'm 72 and I ride 1800 to 2000 miles per year on pavement, for fun and training. I'm tough on tires because I weigh 170 pounds and I ride out of the saddle a fair amount for climbing. I used to have lots of punctures and wear out a lot of tires until I started riding on Maxxis Re-Fuse tires, first the 23 mm red ones I bought from my local store, and recently, black 25 mm tires I bought from BTD. I have no empirical data on tire mileage, but I had a pair of Michelin tires last year, and the cords were showing before very long. So I got another pair of Maxxis tires. I enjoy riding a lot more If I don't have to stop and fix flats every other ride. Some might find the tread compound is too hard, but I feel they're safe and responsive at 100 psi.
I'm no podium fixture but I'm definitely a competitive rider. I used to ride 'race' tires even while training but got tired of flatting so I switched to the Maxxis Re-Fuse about a decade ago. I thought I would be giving up some performance but I liked them so much I started using them during races. I've done sub-5hr 100 mile rides on these so if I've given up performance, I can't tell. The only thing I've given up is changing flats. The grip is great and the wear is much better so I'm not changing them out as often. I've ridden the 23mm and 25mm versions and both are solid tires. Definitely recommend.
The sleeper of the training tire category. The Re-Fuse gives Gatorskin-like puncture resistance, plus plenty of grip in wet conditions. No, it's not the fastest tire in the world, but delivers a smooth and secure ride.
A perfect tire for winter and spring training, or all-year adventure rides.
There are many tires. Some more expensive than others.
If you pay more, you should get more. At least that is what I expect.
But with some tires I have paid more and didn't get better or equal performance to this tire.
For my money, I like maxxis refuse on my back tire and I expect to get at least 2 seasons out of the tire.
Every season, I place a fresh tire on the back wheel and move the old back tire into the front.
I do between 1500 and 1800 miles per season from April until October.
And so far, so good. Very few punctures and good performance on my training bike.
I have been riding for 35 years. Im not an athlete or in any competitions.
For riding my recumbent. This is the ONLY tire that I change because the excessive wear. All others are because the flat protection was compromised.
I get 3000 mi. With no flats.
My only 700 tire. I wish they made them in different sizes.
I've got the Maxxis Re-Fuse tires on both of my bikes. They are really great. They are light, fast, and "re-fuse" to get flats. They are so fast that they helped me set a course record in the Silver State 508 which is one tough race.
I was looking for a 700x25 alternate to Gravel Kings with a file tread pattern to fit under my fenders for winter riding. I ride a lot of rough roads as well as crushed limestone/very light gravel paths and these are perfect. They went on with average ease. Really nice and grippy. No complaints
I don't track my mileage on my tires so I can't give any specific data, but these tires last a very long time. I have never had a flat with one, and that includes occasional ruough shoulders and gravel roads. They provide a good ride at a good price.
Bought these tires for the Great Allegheny Passage and the C&O Canal. Had a puncture on the third and final day while we were taking a cut through on roads. It took a sharp steel piece of pipe on the road to slit it down the sidewall which doesn't have the kevlar belt protection. During examination after the trip, I found several other large slits in the front and rear tires, of which none had caused a flat.
I use this tire on the rear wheel in the 25c size. After 1500 miles it has been bullet-proof. It is a little heavy, but when you're riding you don't notice the weight. I would not use this as race tire, but it is not meant for that. It's a strong and reliable training tire that you don't notice while riding and you don't have to change flats.
I just can't say enough about this tire. With this tire I unintentionally ran over the broken base of a bottle. The front tire, which is another tire. Immediately popped. The back maxxis went rite over it. No problem. I never seen anything like it. Definitely named correctly.
I used many many tires on my 2 recumbent bikes. This is the only tire that I NEVER had a flat on, and I ride a rail trail that many times has glass and stone chips that play havoc with any other tire. I only wish they made a 26" for my V-REX.This is the only 700 tire I'll buy. May be a little slower than some racing tires. But its plenty fast for me. Great product.
I got the 28mm wide tires to deal with really crappy roads on my commute. I had been using 23mm tires and I had several pinch flats (even with 100psi) due to horrendous potholes. Four weeks in, I haven't had a puncture or pinch flat, and the tires don't feel slow like Armadillos or Gatorskins.
I have been running Re-Fuse tires for close to ten years. Never had a puncture flat. Had flats due to broken valve stems.
Even when worn to the cords Ive never been stranded.
Some of my friends say the tires weigh too much but I am not competing in races and neither are they. I feel like it is more important to not be troubled with a flat than it is to save a few grams.
