Cyclocross - Which Cyclocross tires?

I'm looking to get some tubular cross tires. Does anybody have any feedback? Specifically what are your thoughts about tire width? I rode 32s (Bontrager Cross Jones) a lot last year and fell down a lot. Should I ride 34s? Or 32s with less pressure for more grip? Thanks in advance for your opinion. I stayed up a bit better on a Michelin Mud/Specialized S-works tire 35ish combo but was so slow on the straights and grass.

first off, there's no reason to pump a tubular tire up to max psi. I have a teammate who switched to tubies and still pumps them up to the max, just can't talk him out of it. Lowering the pressure will get you better traction and give you some more shock absorption for bumps.

I like the Tufo 30s, but I am now running 32s as an all around tire, rather than having skinnies and fats. You could always use 34s and pump them up more for faster courses, and drop the pressure for bumpier/wet courses.

I have the Michelin Jets on my training wheels and those behemoths feel ungodly slow comapred to what I am used to. :(

Thanks. I'm getting the 32s. I was thinking along the lines of variable tire pressure too. I think that is a viable strategy.

Hi,
I'm thinking about TUFO clinchers & was wondering how they compare size wise to other tires? I have some Michelins that are huge 30's & Ritchey's that are skinny 30's. Any tips for a race tire between the elites & prestiges? Thanks!

The Michelins are sure as heck not normal 30s (more like fat 35s). The Tufos seem to be pretty close to "normal". I had a set of Tioga 30s that were more like 25s!

The Elites have pretty delicate casings. The Prestige is more robust. Personally, it all depends on how upset you'll be if you trash one. I tore open the casing of an Elite and was pretty pissed (given the $) but what do you expect with such a light tire, right? Most of my Tufos are Pros. Rock solid and tough.

I have another question...do you use the tire sealer goo as a preventive measure or just after a flat? I guess I should have ordered my cx tires BEFORE the season as sdeals.com are out of most all Tufos! Thanks!

www.worldclasscycles.com carries Tufo stuff. I agree the 30s are 'real' 30s. I have the tubular clinchers and they have very low rolling resistance. The sealant adds weight. So if you want the lightest possible set-up don't use it. If you are going to be riding somewhere that there might be thorns or glass, use it (unless you want to be heading for the pits and making a wheel change). Ditto for sharp rocks that could cause a tear. If you use your body like a shock instead of the tire (along with appropriate pressure), you won't have to worry about rocks (as much). I got the elites and ran them last Saturday. The 32s are a pretty big tire but they still run fast on grass on dirt. They are super light and make accelerating much easier.

I have another question...do you use the tire sealer goo as a preventive measure or just after a flat? I guess I should have ordered my cx tires BEFORE the season as sdeals.com are out of most all Tufos! Thanks!
I put the sealant in beforehand. I'd rather cart the extra 10 grams/ wheel around then flat.

I put the sealant in beforehand. I'd rather cart the extra 10 grams/ wheel around then flat.

Grouch.

Grouch.
nah, cranky! ;) Seriously, you won't notice the added weight, and you will notice if you flat and have to ride or run with a flat. Here in Colorado, sealant is a really good idea.

I took your advice & went with the Pros & sealant. I can't wait to try them out! Thanks for the advice.

Enjoy. :)

Hello,

I got my Tufo Pros today & mounted them up. The sealant instructions said 1/2 a tube per tire (small tube) does that sound correct? Any advice? Thanks again!

It seems like a lot but that's how much I use, but I just follow the directions. That way you have a better chance of it sealing quickly when you do get a puncture.

Hello,

I got my Tufo Pros today & mounted them up. The sealant instructions said 1/2 a tube per tire (small tube) does that sound correct? Any advice? Thanks again!

How do you know which direction to install? There's no arrow on the sidewall. Do you use the direction of the "arrow" on the actual tread pattern, making it face forward?

That's what I did. I emailed TUFO also regarding the goo. They said 1/2 of the Big tube per tire. I went ahead & put a full little tube in each. Race today & we'll see if they work!

I run the front one w/arrow in direction of travel, rear opposite. Most of my races this year will be late season, with more potential for mud/snow, and rear reverse seems to me to match the Michelin Mud pattern.

From the Tufo North America website...

"the tread chevron pattern should be facing forward (direction of rotation), this is our recommendation.
I have seen the rear tires mounted in reverse though, maybe someone can explain this,

Vladimir"


Looks like they reccomend that the arrows face forward for both tires. FWIW - I ran my that way and it worked out pretty well.