CX Tyres for road bike

rockmonkeysc

I could use some knobbly tyres for commuting on muddy, leafy rural lanes and cycle route. Slicks have been pretty lethal the last couple weeks and I'm getting bored of falling off.
It's to go on my Boardman Road Race so there isn't huge clearance. I'm using 25mm Conti Gatorskins and I guess I can get away with 28mm, maybe 30.
Any suggestions?

dj58

I doubt you would be able to use CX tyres on your bike as most start at 32mm, though Michelin do a 700 x 30 Jet folding CX tyre. Have a look at a four season tyre like the Conti Grand Prix 4S or Michelin Pro 4 Grip Service Course.

rockmonkeysc

It's difficult to measure but with 25mm tyres on I have 15mm clearance to the top of the fork arch and the forks internal width of 40mm. Would that be enough for a 32mm or 35mm tyre?

dj58

Difficult to say as different brands don't all size up the same, you could order a 30/32mm CX type tyre from a retailer that does free delivery/returns and do a test fit, however you might be better looking at a treaded tyre like this: http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... itttyrf900 in 32mm may still be to big though. The only way to know for sure is to do a test fit.

slam that stem

This was discussed a month ago. Fork and stay clearance is so variable between makers and even between the front vs rear (ie. most bikes have a lot more space out back than under the fork crown) that you should buy 1 30mm tyre and see if it fits - keep the packaging in case you have to send it back.

Any 32 or 34 mm CX tyre will not fit in a road bike unless it's a more generous model with 57mm drop brakes.

Sometimes a phat road tyre with a bit of a knurled tread can work for grip. But what you cannot do is run a 25 or 27mmm road tyre at 25psi. Else the snakes will come out and pay your wheels a visit.