Forums

Cyclocross - ritchey speed max thoughts?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.

PDA

View Full Version : ritchey speed max thoughts?

Dewster

11-04-05, 08:57 PM

I bought a Fuji pro this fall and it came with the speed max. I raced with them last weekend and they worked well. It was dry and the course was mostly hard packed dirt. I used them in a race last month where it was wet and I "ate it " in a tarmac to dirt turn where it was lose. I was not the only one who ate it there during the day's race. The reason I'm asking for advice is, the LBS who sold me the bike, (the owner who races cross) says, they suck when its wet. I'm using Mich. mud 2's as well. Anyway, just want to hear from the peanut gallery on this one. thanks Also if anyone is reading this and is thinking about racing before the season is over.... get out there! you will be hooked like you've never been hooked before! Cheers

travis200

11-06-05, 02:36 PM

The Speed Max's are a decent tire for hard pack dirt and pavement. I run the WTB Cross Wolf for a more aggressive tire for the loose stuff.

darkmother

11-07-05, 10:50 AM

I like the speed max's for an all around tire. As you point out, they are great on hardpack, good on pavement and not so hot in the mud. Mud II's are a better "off road" tire, dry or wet, but you pay the price with higher rolling resistance.

bluebike2

11-07-05, 11:02 AM

I love 'em. I do a mix of road and some light off road. They are very fast tires (max inflation 90 psi). They are also give good traction on lower inflations. This is a pic of my bike (http://waxypoetic.blogspot.com/2005/11/cannondale-cyclocross-xr80_113106967795535941.html) with the Ritchey Speemax cross tires.

PEACE!

xccx

11-07-05, 07:00 PM

true, the speedmax's suck when its wet and/or very muddy. they are good in hardpack/pavement. i raced with them this past wknd at the verge new jersey race and they were perfect for that type of course...flat, fast, and hard. usually i just use them for training.

the muds are a great all around tire. in slightly messy/wet conditions you can run a mud in the front and a speedmax in the rear.

Dewster

11-13-05, 09:25 PM

Thanks for all the replys.
I ran panracers crossmax (I think thats what there are called) in the back and a Michelin sprint in front in WA state championship this weekend. Course was dry with sand pits, Mt. bike type terrain. Raced in the single speed catagory and got a third place. Pretty good for a 48 year old, racing against all age groups. So the bottom line is go strong if you young or old. Nothing better than Cross!