Any feedback on Hutchinson Pro Series?

[Mike552]

I just ordered a set of Pro Series 700x30 for my Fuji Tivoli. I'll be using them on Shimano Parallax 36H Hubs laced to Mavic MA3 double eyelet rims. I'm going to experiment with cyclocross this winter. I just wanted to know if anyone has any feedback on these tires???

[i_r_beej]

I've only had the opportunity to use them in dry conditions-- no rain here yet.

So far so good. They seem to have good traction in dry somewhat loose conditions. The knobs look like they might collect mud... but that's a little hard to guess. Hopefully i'll get to find out soon. Racing cross in dry, warm, sunny conditions is a little weird. :)

[Mike552]

I mounted the tires and took them for a first ride today... nothing crazy... we have a 3 mile pebble and dirt path nearby. Back and forth a total of 6 miles. I like the tire a lot. It's skinny enough (700x30) to ride on smooth roads with not much sacrifice on speed, yet, the added grip is much appreciated on the path. I'll be commuting with this tire through the winter so I'll see how it goes.

[Mike552]

UPDATE: I took the bike on a 10 mile commute today. I was taking a turn on clean, dry pavement and the rear wheel let loose. The bike fishtailed HARD. I was able to gain control but nonetheless, a strange feeling that left me insecure about the tires. Maybe it's because they're still new??? I'm just putting this disclaimer out there in ase anyone is interested in purchasing this model...

[auk]

Or maybe it is because you are running a cyclocross tire with nobs on dry pavement when it is intended to be used on grass/dirt/etc. Not unlike a mountain bike tire.

[jpearl]

Or maybe it is because you are running a cyclocross tire with nobs on dry pavement when it is intended to be used on grass/dirt/etc. Not unlike a mountain bike tire.

Double that.

The Hutchinsons are the tires that came stock on my Cannondale, albiet at the 28cc size. With a max PSI of 72, these are definetely not road tires at all. They are made to be squishy and give a CX bike traction on grass, dirt, and mud, and not on paved roads or anything of the sort. In cyclocross conditions, they great tires, made mainly for the mud and snow.

Seems the problem here is that some people are erroniously being led into the notion that CX tires are "great all around tires", which is not the case. As with any CX tires, there are lots of knobs, which reduces the amount of contact between rubber and asphalt. When cornering on asphalt, it's even worse, as you set the bike over on an even more reduced number of knobs. Off road however, the tires bites into the ground in all sorts of different ways, giving traction on climbs and corners.

[Mike552]

Double that.

The Hutchinsons are the tires that came stock on my Cannondale, albiet at the 28cc size. With a max PSI of 72, these are definetely not road tires at all. They are made to be squishy and give a CX bike traction on grass, dirt, and mud, and not on paved roads or anything of the sort. In cyclocross conditions, they great tires, made mainly for the mud and snow.

Seems the problem here is that some people are erroniously being led into the notion that CX tires are "great all around tires", which is not the case. As with any CX tires, there are lots of knobs, which reduces the amount of contact between rubber and asphalt. When cornering on asphalt, it's even worse, as you set the bike over on an even more reduced number of knobs. Off road however, the tires bites into the ground in all sorts of different ways, giving traction on climbs and corners.

I wasn't lead into believing anything, I was just looking for a tire that I could mount on my road bike to practice some cyclocross, and at the same time, a tire that would serve as a winter commuter tire in the snow, etc. I have a feeling that the tires will grip better once they're broken in a little. I'll take your advice though.

[jpearl]

The tires will get a little gummy. However, after riding with the tires for a little while, you'll have a better idea of how they handle in different conditions, and at different pressures. I found the tires to be a bit "floaty", but tracked pretty well in snow and mud.