Tire Recommendation: Paved road and hardpack singletrack use

[docbluedevil]

Can anyone recommend a tire that would be appropriate to ride on a paved road (about 5-10 miles) to access single track (hardpack dirt, no mud).

All the tires out there seem to be fairly knobby for more muddy and loose conditions, which wouldn't be the best choice for the paved ride up there.

This Specialized cross tire seems to come close:

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15259

[jhota]

i ride Continental Twisters everywhere. paved or not.

http://www.conti-online.com/generator/www/de/en/continental/bicycle/themes/tires/city/twister/twister_en.html

[Pigtire]

I second the Twisters. Awesome tires for both type of surface. I also do the same type of ride. 7 paved miles to the trailhead and then offroad heaven.

http://home.comcast.net/~mitschiener/wsb/media/141116/site1053.JPG

[slagjumper]

I've been pleased with these--
Michelin Cyclo Cross Jet S 700X30
http://bike-import.ch/images/big/5134.jpg

[jpearl]

I would highly reccomend the Ritchey Speedmax Pro HDKs in the 700 x 30 size. Why? Read below:

- The tires can be pumped to 90psi, which makes them hard enough for the road, but soft and absorbant for the trails.

- The side tread is aggresive, and the middle tread is treaded enough for the trails, but subtle enough for lower rolling resistance on the road.

- These particular models (the HDK, or folding model) is 310 grams per tyre, one of the lighest 'cross tyres around.

I use these on my CX bike which I ride on and off road quite fast and quite aggresively in the Washington DC metro area, and they suffice very well.

[fritZman]

What about IRC Mythos CX 35 tires?

I've used up a set of Kenda Kwick 35 and I was very impressed with them. I do 75% gravel and 20% pavement with the rest being trails. Unfortunately, Kwick replacements are getting hard to find so I've been looking at the Mythos.

Only concern with the Mythos is that they apparently fit wide.

[flipped4bikes]

The Specialized Borough CX is a great tire for pavement and dirt roads. It may be too slick for anything singletrack except the the hardest, dry hardpack. It'll hookup in turns, but any loss of traction, and the tires will slip. HTH...

[fritZman]

At $50/tire, the Borough CX are pricey. Any ideas where they can be found (online) cheaper?

Also, what's the weight and actual width?

[flipped4bikes]

It's tough to find Specialized stuff cheap unless the retailer is closing them out. The Borough CX Armadillo Elite weight spec is 415gm and the regular CX (Flak Jacket) is 325gm. Actual weights, dunno, not that kind of weenie. When I get home tonight I can post up the actual tire width.

[wintermute]

I've been pulling out my hair over this issue. And on top of all of this, I want puncture protection. Has anyone had the chance to compare the Ritchey SpeedMax to the Michelin Transworld Sprint? They seem very similar, but those little ridges on the SpeedMax seem to be friction mongers.

I'm currently riding on 30/32 WTB All Terainasauruses which run nice, but really attract fine gravel and I've flatted twice on less than 100 miles.

The Conti TravelContacts seem like they might run well.

[flipped4bikes]

If you want puncture protection in a fast rolling CX tire, check out the Schwalbe CX Comp (http://schwalbe.com/gbl/en/bicycle/cyclo_cross/produktgruppe/produkt/?ID_Einsatzbereich=4&ID_Produktgruppe=11&ID_Produkt=30&ID_Artikel=141&info=1)

[i_r_beej]

I used to ride Contis on my road bike. The damn things were tight tight tight and took two QuikStiks to remove them. A friend ran Contis on his MTB. Same "problem".

Are the Twisters a tight fit to the rim?

Looks like a nice tread, though. Dang sweet Rock Lobster up there. :)

[jhota]

i haven't had any problems with mine...

[stric]

I had a very good experience with Continentals on both my mtb and road bikes (I use Hutchinson on my cx bike). In my opinion, Conitnentals are prhaps the strongest tires around. They might not be the cheapest but they are deffinitely extremely strong and can offer a long ride life. In fact they will probably wear out before they start disintegrating due to age. Michelines are there as well, but I found them to be much much more short lived. Vitorias are - in my opionion - one season tires literally...




I used to ride Contis on my road bike. The damn things were tight tight tight and took two QuikStiks to remove them. A friend ran Contis on his MTB. Same "problem".

Are the Twisters a tight fit to the rim?

Looks like a nice tread, though. Dang sweet Rock Lobster up there. :)

[garskoci]

I'll add a vote for Michelin Cyclo Cross Jets! I love them! :D They are made for dry hardpack and run very smooth on pavement.

[Grampy™]

Another vote for the Richey Speedmax.....