Grambo

Looking for a tire I can install on my road bike which would have low rolling resistance / fast on road but also some off road capability for double track with mild roots / rocks. Don't think I can go much beyond 700 x 28 perhaps 700 x 30. Was considering Continental GP 4 Season 700 x 28.

Suggestions?

Renny

Anything with an "inverse tread." Panaracer Crosstown is a popular choice, and comes in 28c. As long as the surface isn't too loose, you don't need much knobby. For multi-surface, I run Crosstowns on one bike and Ritchey SpeedMax Deltas on another (these aren't really inverse, but the treads are broad, triangular and shallow, so they roll OK on pavement). The Deltas are probably a bit better off-road, due to somewhat taller knobs on the shoulder, but this makes them a little shakey when cornering on pavement. The Crosstowns are better if you're going to spend most of your time on-road.

That GP 4 looks like its 'tread' is just some decorative siping. At best they would pull up a ton of mud, with no increas in traction.

ghettocruiser

Vittoria XN.

But wears somewhat quick on the road.

zagnut

I have Conti Ultra Gator Skins in a 700/28 and they actually measure 25 mm. They would only be good on fairly smooth gravel roads. I think most Conti sizing is on the small side. I just received some Panaracer Paselas which measure a true 28mm, but I have not yet used them. The tread is a little more aggressive than the Conti, but not much.

Zagnut

Grambo

I am partial to Conti .... have had very good luck with them in terms of durability and puncture resistance (GP 4000s w/ black chili). Opted for the Conti Top Contact in a 700 x 28 for this application. Looks like it should do the job.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/pcocl...FQIMswodfzE3-A

lowlife1975

i just put some vittoria randonneur cross 32's on my old steel road bike... they measure about 28.5mm on a 15mm internal rim. rolls fine on the pavement, a bit heavy but once you get up to speed its fine... and i just took it on some pretty nasty roads with loose shale, embedded rocks, and otherwise torn up and rocky fire roads... and they held up fine, surprisingly... thought about top contacts but they were way too expensive. randonneurs were only 28 a pop.

knobster

I use 700x32 Specialized Borough CX Armadillo's that work pretty well. They have knobbies on the side, smooth center and great flat protection. Plus they are a folding tire so easy on and off. Downside is the price. Best I've found them was $45