Reflective strip removal from tires

[dasgeh]

@bluerider 24837 wrote:

I know its small potatoes but they are going to look stupid on my bike and it will drive me crazy everything I look at them. They are new and unmounted so I will just return them for a refund. I had seen pictures of these tires with a much darker strip than these tires have and thought they would be ok. However, they are much brighter than the pictures. Almost like white walls. The reflective strip just annoys me.

If you ride outside, they’re not going to stay white for long. I imagine some of the pictures are from bikes that have been taken out on the road. But if you don’t like them, return or paint them…

[bluerider]

@dasgeh 24851 wrote:

If you ride outside, they’re not going to stay white for long. I imagine some of the pictures are from bikes that have been taken out on the road. But if you don’t like them, return or paint them…

I have them boxed up for return. Probably go with a Conti Gatorskin (700×32, wire bead) or Conti GP 4 season (700X28, folding bead) Try to figure out which to go with. I like the 700X32 size but hate wire beads. The GP 4 Season is a folding bead and almost 100 grams lighter but a narrower tire which I don’t like. Back to the drawing board of which compromises I am willing to make.

[bluerider]

So I boxed up the Vittoria’s and sent them out. I doesn’t appear they are available without the reflective strip unless its a special order. Since I am switching from Hutchinson Toro CXs (700X32, a knobby cross tire) to a more road friendly tire to ride some Centuries and train with, I decided narrower and lighter are better. So I just ordered some Conti Grand Prix 4 seasons in 700×28. They should be fairly durable (similar to Gatorskins), lighter than the Vittoria’s or Gatorskins, have a folding bead while being wide enough for gravel trails and such on occasion. Plus, I still have Hutchinson’s available to me if the need for a more off-road tire comes up. Oh and they the don’t have the reflective sidewall. I think I made a reasonable choice. If only they made Gatorskins in 700×32 with a folding bead.

Thanks for everyone’s opinions and advice. Sorry for being an overly anal crazy cyclist about tires.

[DaveK]

@bluerider 24884 wrote:

So I boxed up the Vittoria’s and sent them out. I doesn’t appear they are available without the reflective strip unless its a special order. Since I am switching from Hutchinson Toro CXs (700X32, a knobby cross tire) to a more road friendly tire to ride some Centuries and train with, I decided narrower and lighter are better. So I just ordered some Conti Grand Prix 4 seasons in 700×28. They should be fairly durable (similar to Gatorskins), lighter than the Vittoria’s or Gatorskins, have a folding bead while being wide enough for gravel trails and such on occasion. Plus, I still have Hutchinson’s available to me if the need for a more off-road tire comes up. Oh and they the don’t have the reflective sidewall. I think I made a reasonable choice. If only they made Gatorskins in 700×32 with a folding bead.

Thanks for everyone’s opinions and advice. Sorry for being an overly anal crazy cyclist about tires.

You’ll like those tires. GP4000s are my go-to road tire and those are very similar. They grip well and are fairly puncture-resistant. They have excellent longevity too.

[off2ride]

I’ve met a few reps from Michelin and Dunlop through the years and they have never said NOT to put tire shine on the side walls. I’m not sure where you get your info from but on that note, I’ve also seen severe dry rotting from tires that never had the conditioner put on it. Car tires are tougher than you think. Bike tires on the other hand are not as tough. That’s why your local LBS uses the mildest cleaner to scrub them clean.

@GuyContinental 24847 wrote:

FWIW- don’t ever sand or apply chemicals to a car tire either (including any petroleum or silicone-based “tire shine”) Really. Don’t do it.

[GuyContinental]

@off2ride 24955 wrote:

I’ve met a few reps from Michelin and Dunlop through the years and they have never said NOT to put tire shine on the side walls. I’m not sure where you get your info from but on that note, I’ve also seen severe dry rotting from tires that never had the conditioner put on it. Car tires are tougher than you think. Bike tires on the other hand are not as tough. That’s why your local LBS uses the mildest cleaner to scrub them clean.

Odds of this are indeed slim given that I prefer bikes to cars, but I (currently) happen to run a tire company.

Guidance from the Tire Industry Association is clear: “Don’t use petroleum- or silicone-based tire shines/cleaners. Most people don’t realize that some of the most popular tire shines and cleaners on the market have a negative effect on the additives that tire manufacturers use in tires to help prevent ozone damage or dry rot.” As a matter of corporate policy we won’t sell or advise customers to use anything but water-based shine (it’s also dangerous for my technicians because it makes the sidewall of the the tire extremely slick). Additionally, the rep that you talked to was ill-informed- use of tire dressing with petroleum distillates will absolutely void many manufacturer warranties (where the damage is related) including Michelin. LINK to Michelin Manual

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