Newbie with Genesis Croix De Fer Tyre issues...

Benji R

Hi guys,

I've been mooching about locally on my now thoroughly knackered 2003 Carrera Vulcan for about 8yrs now, nothing serious tho! I've now taken the leap into some more serious road riding after being badgered senseless by the lads at work and due to the cycle to work scheme I've now just landed a new Genesis Croix De Fer! Well happy.

I'm now looking at changing the Tyres from the Conti Cyclecross 35's to something thinner and more road biased (looking at the Armadillo's, Gatorskins and Marathons) the prob I'd finding out what width Tyres I can fit without issues! (I admit I know nothing about Tyres!) I've got Alex Rims 622 x 18 wheels fitted.

- Sheldon Brown reckons either a 25 or 28" width
- the equation of 140 to 220% of rim width comes out at 25.2mm to 35mm width!

Your advice would be a big help guys!

bendertherobot

Marathon Plus 28" will be fine. And all you'll ever need.

Monty Dog

Marathons are great if doing mixed riding on road and trail, but if planning to stick to the road, then GP4 Seasons would be my choice - Marathons are bomb-proof, heavy and feel a bit dead in comparison which you'll notice if trying to get to a decent speed. GP4 Seasons are nearly as tough but you're not carrying half a kilo of extra rubber.

bendertherobot

Oh, I'd agree with that wholeheartedly. But it's winter, and, if, like me, you're commuting, you get to choose with gay abandon. I quite like hitting every surface on the way. Marathons let you do that.

woodywmb

Had Marathons for 10 months now. Can't remember now how to sort punctures. None this year. Touch wood.

Barrzy257

Got a set of 25mm wire bead gatorskins on my CdF with a set of SKS chromoplastics on as this is my winter/commute bike, quite surprised at how good the gatorskins actually are. But the mudguards would be another recommendation to you!

BruceG

Benji R wrote:

Hi guys,

I've now taken the leap into some more serious road riding after being badgered senseless by the lads at work and due to the cycle to work scheme I've now just landed a new Genesis Croix De Fer! ]

Confused, "serious road riding" and you bought a cross bike? Why didnt you buy a road bike?

Just curious

bendertherobot

Lots of good reasons to start on a cross bike, particularly this time of year. Space for bigger tyres, mudguards, discs to stop etc.

Only drawback really is weight. But that's fine cos when he gets his carbon steed in time for next summer he'll be flying.

If you buy a bike in the Autumn a cross bike is a brilliant bet. At least it will get used.

Benji R

Cheers guys, loads of good advice!

I had a look at the Marathons against the Gatorskins and whilst everyone rates the Marathons total durability in all weathers I do have that concern about them weighing twice the weight of the skins (not that it'll make a mass amount of difference with the CDF weighing in at around 11kg...) Gp4's? I'll have to have a look at them! I'm glad that the 25's fit, I was looking at them for my commuting Tyres.

I got the CDF as a 'do it all bike' as I do like a good dirt track and winter commuting! I'm looking at doing some serious mileage on it, I'm doing the John O' Groats to lands end in may and would like to aim for the Iceland ring road the following year and the CDF fits the bill! (the next Cycle2work scheme I'm aiming for a carbon monster! - my wife just doesn't know it yet!)