I've got a 35mm Michelin Hi-Lite Tour hanging around that I'm going to use to test the clearance on my International and PX-10 during the cold months. Based on what I learn I may invest in a pair of Compass tires for next season, the brainwashing, er, I mean rave reviews are influencing my thinking about tires on the International.

I have mixed feelings about Rivs. I always admired their aesthetics and I don't begrudge them creating and curating premium-market products. For my own sense of value they're not worth the cost nor the prestige of the label.

I had the chance to examine some up close a few years back at Harris Cycles in MA. There was absolutely nothing to fault, yet I found them somehow lacking evidence of being hand-built. They were almost too perfect. It's hard to express - my Mercian doesn't exhibit flaws in construction or finish, but somehow I get a feel for the builder's hand. I haven't experienced that with any Riv I've encountered.