What tyres are you racing on this winter?

milese

I'm starting to plan for the CX season, only having dabbled for a few events over the last 5 or so years.

I've got tubeless ready wheels (Novatec CXD) on my Giant TCX SLR1, but need to get some new tyres.

I'd like (as I'm sure everyone would) to buy a single set of tyres that will be 'good enough' in all situations, but am not sure which ones.

Failing that, what would be good for the drier start to the season, and what for the wetter end?

What are others going for or what would be recommended?

I've done some searching but things seem to change quickly and those recommended dont seem to be available....

trek_dan

If I could only keep one set I'd say that Challenge Griffos are the best all round tread pattern. Happy to race on these in everything other than real deep slop, and even then they are OK with appropriate pressures. Not sure if they are available in tubeless yet though.

tgotb

trek_dan wrote:

If I could only keep one set I'd say that Challenge Griffos are the best all round tread pattern. Happy to race on these in everything other than real deep slop, and even then they are OK with appropriate pressures. Not sure if they are available in tubeless yet though.

If they're not, there are a gazillion other tyres with an almost identical tread (Vittoria XG Pro is one example), and some of those can be used tubeless. I agree, these are a pretty good all rounder, especially on the rear wheel. Also look at less aggressive mud treads (Vittoria XM, for instance, rolls pretty well in dry conditions). None of these treads could be described as modern though, so read on.

I heard a lot of good things from riders who's opinion I respect about Schwalbe treads last season - from what I recall all the good ones seemed to have "bite" in the name. I don't have more details I'm afraid, but that might be enough to get you started on a bit of Google-based research.

roger_merriman

TGOTB wrote:

trek_dan wrote:

If I could only keep one set I'd say that Challenge Griffos are the best all round tread pattern. Happy to race on these in everything other than real deep slop, and even then they are OK with appropriate pressures. Not sure if they are available in tubeless yet though.

If they're not, there are a gazillion other tyres with an almost identical tread (Vittoria XG Pro is one example), and some of those can be used tubeless. I agree, these are a pretty good all rounder, especially on the rear wheel. Also look at less aggressive mud treads (Vittoria XM, for instance, rolls pretty well in dry conditions). None of these treads could be described as modern though, so read on.

I heard a lot of good things from riders who's opinion I respect about Schwalbe treads last season - from what I recall all the good ones seemed to have "bite" in the name. I don't have more details I'm afraid, but that might be enough to get you started on a bit of Google-based research.

I have one of the x-one bites, have to say not been impressed, it rather reminds me of old mud MTB tyres in that though it hooks up well in mud it's quite unnerving out of that, since the knobs are fairly unsupported so the tyre squirms on hardback. it's been regulated to the back of the shed for that reason. possibly might fit to the rear this winter if it's a wet one.

In fairness my usage is quite different in that I ride on mix of road/bridleways with occasional forays into bigger hills, than racing so higher pressures and what not. The standard x-ones I loved though the GravelKings fit my use better.

joey54321

roger merriman wrote:

I have one of the x-one bites, have to say not been impressed, it rather reminds me of old mud MTB tyres in that though it hooks up well in mud it's quite unnerving out of that, since the knobs are fairly unsupported so the tyre squirms on hardback. it's been regulated to the back of the shed for that reason. possibly might fit to the rear this winter if it's a wet one.

In fairness my usage is quite different in that I ride on mix of road/bridleways with occasional forays into bigger hills, than racing so higher pressures and what not. The standard x-ones I loved though the GravelKings fit my use better.

The X-One bite is specifically designed for racing in wet mud so not surprised it isn't great on harder surfaces.

imposter2.0

I have a lot of good things to say about the Islabike Greim Pro tyre - excellent and lightweight all-rounder - and it has cool tan sidewalls as well. Can be bought separately - so not just for Islabikes..

roger_merriman

joey54321 wrote:

roger merriman wrote:

I have one of the x-one bites, have to say not been impressed, it rather reminds me of old mud MTB tyres in that though it hooks up well in mud it's quite unnerving out of that, since the knobs are fairly unsupported so the tyre squirms on hardback. it's been regulated to the back of the shed for that reason. possibly might fit to the rear this winter if it's a wet one.

In fairness my usage is quite different in that I ride on mix of road/bridleways with occasional forays into bigger hills, than racing so higher pressures and what not. The standard x-ones I loved though the GravelKings fit my use better.

The X-One bite is specifically designed for racing in wet mud so not surprised it isn't great on harder surfaces.

I possibly maybe expecting too much, but certainly from the MTB world while it used to be that mud tyres where brilliant in mud but lethal elsewhere, it has changed mainly due to the fact that it’s rare to only encounter mud, so knobs tend to be supported so they don’t fold, under load, which seems to be what the x-one bites are doing.

VamP

I think the regular x-ones are your best all round option. They're decent in mud, and fast for a knobbly. They're raced by some of the best in the country.

The Bites are more specialist.

milese

VamP wrote:

I think the regular x-ones are your best all round option. They're decent in mud, and fast for a knobbly. They're raced by some of the best in the country.

The Bites are more specialist.

Excellent, just had delivery of the allround's!!

First time tubeless mounting inbound!

Thanks for the replies.

bendertherobot

This year, WTB Resolute 42c. Cos we are allowed and I'm not remotely threatening the podium. Should do for every condition.

bendertherobot

bendertherobot wrote:

This year, WTB Resolute 42c. Cos we are allowed and I'm not remotely threatening the podium. Should do for every condition.

These were epic for the sandtrap yesterday. 8 laps, 2 sandtraps per lap. Rode every one.

cyclingsheep

So hive mind, I can only have one mid range tire, by this I mean somewhere between super dry hard track and ankle deep mud. I like challenge tires but should I get baby limus or Grifo?

imposter2.0

Take a deep breath and get the islabike tyre I mentioned earlier..

stumpmagnet

baby limus no question... i have both and now sold the grifos as i never used them... not enough corner grip for me.. have an old pair of limus for full mud but usually only put it one on the back, chicane are excellant for fast hardpack but with the aggressive side knobs of baby limus for corners, but again dont get used enough to justify keeping them.
so baby limus covers most courses

pickled

Glad to hear you recommend the Baby Limus. I've just bought a pair. I'm sure they'll be great if I can actually get them on!

tgotb

cyclingsheep wrote:

So hive mind, I can only have one mid range tire, by this I mean somewhere between super dry hard track and ankle deep mud. I like challenge tires but should I get baby limus or Grifo?

Grifo on the back, something a bit more corner-y on the front. That's an FMB slalom for me, Baby Limus looks similar. Thing is, you don't really mind the back slipping out a bit; if you know the back's going to let go first you can push harder in the corners, and it's great fun!
This year's tyre combos for me:
Hard: Fango front, Grifo rear
Soft: FMB Slalom front, Grifo rear
Mud: FMB Supermud

I have a very strange issue with one of my tubs; it held air perfectly until I glued it onto a wheel, now it leaks like crazy from somewhere around the valve. Took it off last night (grrr), and it magically fixed itself. Remount it on the wheel (no glue this time) and it's leaking again. It's not the valve or valve extender...

211dave112

Imposter wrote:

Take a deep breath and get the islabike tyre I mentioned earlier..

...though seemingly (and annoyingly as they look good) out of stock and has been for a while

imposter2.0

211dave112 wrote:

Imposter wrote:

Take a deep breath and get the islabike tyre I mentioned earlier..

...though seemingly (and annoyingly as they look good) out of stock and has been for a while

Ah, didn't realise that. The set I have here are still going strong from last season...

cyclingsheep

TGOTB wrote:

cyclingsheep wrote:

So hive mind, I can only have one mid range tire, by this I mean somewhere between super dry hard track and ankle deep mud. I like challenge tires but should I get baby limus or Grifo?

Grifo on the back, something a bit more corner-y on the front. That's an FMB slalom for me, Baby Limus looks similar. Thing is, you don't really mind the back slipping out a bit; if you know the back's going to let go first you can push harder in the corners, and it's great fun!
This year's tyre combos for me:
Hard: Fango front, Grifo rear
Soft: FMB Slalom front, Grifo rear
Mud: FMB Supermud

Not so worried about the back end letting go in corners so much as having grip up slippery, wet, grassy climbs. Had Challenge Almanzo tires at MK which were fine in the dry but forecast looks slightly wetter for Campbell Park this weekend. Just looking for an option that isn’t Supermuds

tgotb

cyclingsheep wrote:

TGOTB wrote:

cyclingsheep wrote:

So hive mind, I can only have one mid range tire, by this I mean somewhere between super dry hard track and ankle deep mud. I like challenge tires but should I get baby limus or Grifo?

Grifo on the back, something a bit more corner-y on the front. That's an FMB slalom for me, Baby Limus looks similar. Thing is, you don't really mind the back slipping out a bit; if you know the back's going to let go first you can push harder in the corners, and it's great fun!
This year's tyre combos for me:
Hard: Fango front, Grifo rear
Soft: FMB Slalom front, Grifo rear
Mud: FMB Supermud

Not so worried about the back end letting go in corners so much as having grip up slippery, wet, grassy climbs. Had Challenge Almanzo tires at MK which were fine in the dry but forecast looks slightly wetter for Campbell Park this weekend. Just looking for an option that isn’t Supermuds

Try mine afterwards, see what you think...

othello

Imposter wrote:

211dave112 wrote:

Imposter wrote:

Take a deep breath and get the islabike tyre I mentioned earlier..

...though seemingly (and annoyingly as they look good) out of stock and has been for a while

Ah, didn't realise that. The set I have here are still going strong from last season...

Backing up the original poster, but the Islabike Greim tyres are very, very good. Tread pattern is similar to Dugast Rhino, but they still roll well when its not super muddy.

I've heard they have a shipment on the way, so fingers crossed. My son has managed to tear one of his and needs a replacement.