Cyclocross Commuter - help with tyre choice needed

Project_79
Project_79 Posts: 10
edited February 2011 in Commuting general
Just bought my new cyclocross for the daily commute (Kingston to Soho), a mixture of road, path and track) I'm also using it at weekends round Richmond Parks dirt tracks and the river path between Kingston and Hampton Court.

After a few squeaky bum moments at the weekend I have decided I need to upgrade my tyres as I don't feel I'm getting enough support when off road. That said I don't want to lose any speed when on the road. Basically I'm after a good all rounder.

I am currently running:
Specialized Borough CX Sport, 700x32c, wire bead, 60TPI

However after a lot of research I have narrowed it down to the following choices. I'd be glad of any advice which may help me make my decision.



http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... tact.shtml

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... ross.shtml

http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Specialized-Bor ... _26158.htm

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-sammy- ... 5360053039

Comments

  • phersey
    phersey Posts: 30
    The thames tow path is very flinty so cyclo cross tyres tend to puncture too often - they are soft and supple for riding on grass and mud. You will want something hard and puncture proof thats pretty good on road - so steer clear of conti Speedkings. I would suggest Schwable Land Cruisers.
  • Mr Plum
    Mr Plum Posts: 1,097
    You'll have to make a compromise really - to get better grip off road you'll need something slightly knobblier which will increase rolling resistance when on road. I guess the Schwalbes will be the pick out of that lot based on your requirements, but will again probably slightly increase rolling resistance.

    I went completely the other way with my Tricross and put 25mm slick tyres on and it now flies along the road compared to the standard 32mm CX tyres it came with.
    FCN 2 to 8
  • phillipjohnson
    phillipjohnson Posts: 117
    I second to steer clear of the conti speedkings.

    I had them on my cyclocross bike and had nothing but punctures.

    I've gone for the specialized borough pro cx armadillo elites now.
  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,808
    Another one saying no to the Conti Speedkings. You can have a pair that came off my bike if you like. I'm in Kingston, I took them off after getting lots of punctures.
    Now running Schwalbe Marathon Plus in 35mm. Big, lots of grip and no punctures yet. Work well on the tow path and can cope with the Richmond Park sandy cycle track. Bit slow and heavy though. Conti Ultra Gatorskins are a good compromise I reckon.
    Kinesis Pro6
    Marin Nail Trail
    Cotic Solaris
  • cjcp
    cjcp Posts: 13,345
    Veronese68 wrote:
    Another one saying no to the Conti Speedkings. You can have a pair that came off my bike if you like. I'm in Kingston, I took them off after getting lots of punctures.
    Now running Schwalbe Marathon Plus in 35mm. Big, lots of grip and no punctures yet. Work well on the tow path and can cope with the Richmond Park sandy cycle track.

    This /\, and what Phersey said.

    I'm in Kingston, too, and take the route into the City. If there's snow, I'll put Michelin Mud 2s on my crosser for some fun in the snow. However, you need to watch them when cornering as there's less grip on the road, and they are prone to visits from the PF.

    I've used my Durano Pluses on the path around the Park and they're fine. Again, though, just watch them on the corners, but this time because of the lack of nobbles.
    FCN 2-4.

    "What happens when the hammer goes down, kids?"
    "It stays down, Daddy."
    "Exactly."
  • beverick
    beverick Posts: 3,461
    Faced with a couple of similar experiences last week I was thinking of upgrading to these:

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/spe ... e-ec001824

    I have no idea what they run like but they must be better than slicks.

    Bob
  • Project_79
    Project_79 Posts: 10
    phillipjohnson wrote:
    I second to steer clear of the conti speedkings.

    I had them on my cyclocross bike and had nothing but punctures.

    I've gone for the specialized borough pro cx armadillo elites now.

    Out of interest - How you finding them?
  • MichaelW
    MichaelW Posts: 2,164
    CX racing tyres are not known for their durability on tarmac.
    A std commuter tyre is OK on tracks and trails. Schwalbe Marathon is probably the benchmark tyre. The Marathon Plus is much more p* resistant but heavier, more sluggish and harder to fit. Some of the touring tyres have similar grip and more flexi sidewalls.
    Maybe you need 2 sets of wheels?
  • hstiles
    hstiles Posts: 414
    MichaelW wrote:
    CX racing tyres are not known for their durability on tarmac.
    A std commuter tyre is OK on tracks and trails. Schwalbe Marathon is probably the benchmark tyre. The Marathon Plus is much more p* resistant but heavier, more sluggish and harder to fit. Some of the touring tyres have similar grip and more flexi sidewalls.
    Maybe you need 2 sets of wheels?

    Get yourself a track pump and with a bit of practice you can swap tyres in 10 minutes or less. No need for a second set of wheels. I run either Continental Gatorskin (23s) for dryer road only conditions or Schwalbe CX Pros (30s) in the wet.
  • Project_79
    Project_79 Posts: 10
    Thanks for all the input guys - in the end I have gone for the Vittoria Cross XG Pro. With a view to getting the Conti Gatorskin's in the summer for road sessions.

    Will let you know how I get on with the Vits.
  • Buckled_Rims
    Buckled_Rims Posts: 1,648
    I use 25mm Schwalbe Marathon on my CX bike at the moment and I've been on some very rough paths. I think 28mm Schwalbe Marathon will probably be the perfect combination of extreme toughness and speed.
    CAAD9
    Kona Jake the Snake
    Merlin Malt 4
  • phillipjohnson
    phillipjohnson Posts: 117
    Project_79 wrote:
    phillipjohnson wrote:
    I second to steer clear of the conti speedkings.

    I had them on my cyclocross bike and had nothing but punctures.

    I've gone for the specialized borough pro cx armadillo elites now.

    Out of interest - How you finding them?

    Really nice ride. I've not used gatorskins etc so can't give a comparison but much much better than the Conti Speed Kings that came on the bike.

    The feel more rigid and roll a lot better.

    I wouldn't use them for too much off roading... fine for light trails etc but seem to spin a bit in thick mud... which isn't a problem for me.

    I would definitely recommend them... hopefully the punctures won't be as much of a problem now either... not had any since I put them on.
  • Project_79
    Project_79 Posts: 10
    Put the Vitts on this afternoon on both mine and my wifes crosser.
    What can I say - they are excellent - delivers all the grip needed and give you confidence in the cornering and down hill hooning!

    Definitely a good choice. Now just need to choose a road tyre........mmmm
    Project_79 wrote:
    Thanks for all the input guys - in the end I have gone for the Vittoria Cross XG Pro. With a view to getting the Conti Gatorskin's in the summer for road sessions.

    Will let you know how I get on with the Vits.

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