Road bike tyres for "competitive" riding

[NickGM]

I've been riding with continental gatorskin 25mm tyres for ages, but one died on me the other day and the other is on its way out. So now I'm looking for a replacement set of tyres, with the fact that I'll be doing a few bike races this summer being a factor in the decision. I'd never given it much thought before now, but having mistakenly bought some REALLY slow and horrible tyres for my MTB recently, I thought I'd at least ask the question for road bikes. I've also heard people say things like "OH I only use gatorskins/whateverotherbrand for training...", which makes me think that it may make a difference if speed is a concern. 

 

So what are people riding with on their road bike? Any recommendations regarding brand (and width)? 

 

 

[Schnavel]

Gp4000s, now 5000s for racing

 

Gatorskins for training!
 

Studies have shown that some tyres are better than others in terms of rolling resistance and weight. You can save watts just by changing your tyre. You can feel the difference in response to accelerations etc. but you pay for this in durability and often puncture resistance as well.

[NickGM]

Gp4000s, now 5000s for racing

 

Gatorskins for training!

 

Studies have shown that some tyres are better than others in terms of rolling resistance and weight. You can save watts just by changing your tyre. You can feel the difference in response to accelerations etc. but you pay for this in durability and often puncture resistance as well.

This is the only obvious explanation for my poor race results in the last 2 years. 

[Mamil]

Nah ... I fitted 4000's and still got dropped on Bothmas ...

 

This is the only obvious explanation for my poor race results in the last 2 years.