Old 11-27-16 | 04:44 PM
  #12  
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canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,520
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From: Texas

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

I'd rather have a gravel bike geometry than cross, but that's because of the roads I encounter.

The Fuji looks good. First thing I'd change would be the tires. Save 'em for actual cyclocross or gravel rides. As an all-rounder compromise I like Continental Speed Rides. If the 700x42 size is too wide (they're actually closer to 38 wide), try the Conti Cyclocross Speed tires -- same design, 700x35 to meet UCI specs (not sure whether that tire width limitation still applies). Not aggressive for mucky conditions, but grippy on gravel and dry open fields, and smooth rolling on pavement.

They seem tough too. I've bombed across unavoidable potholes and uneven pavement ledges around town, no problems. Got a puncture a couple of weeks ago, running across a pyramid shaped chunk of glass about the size of a small marble or large bb, hidden in the grass and leaves. It would have punctured any tire. Just barely poked through the fiber puncture shield and nicked the tube. No gashes left in the tread or inner shield.

They can be run up to 85 psi, but I like 'em around 50 psi. Comfortable but not squishy or sluggish.
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