Originally Posted by
jppe
Here are the tires I plan to use initially. Until I ride the bike on different roads I just don't know what I'll eventually use but these should get me started. I generally prefer Continental 4000sII (or latest model) on my road bikes so I picked up some 700x28s. Those should be great for mostly road and a little dirt. Heck, I could probably run 25s but with the 28 mm outside diameter of the rims that just seems strange.
I also got some Kenda Happy Medium 700x35 mm tires thinking those might be good to start with on the more "gravely rides". I had a hard time deciding on 32s, 35s and 40s but opted for the 35s. My clearances allow me to ride up to a 45 tire. My buddy rides 40 tubeless and loves it. Who knows, I might get there one day but you have to start somewhere.
I think the 35s should be pretty versatile on the trail rides I have in mind. They shouldn't be that gravely, muddy or hilly so these should fit the bill.
Anybody running gravel tires they especially like?
IMG_0479 by
joe price, on Flickr
I don't have a lot of gravel miles yet. There's essentially no gravel roads within 90 minutes from here, just some mountain bike trails in parks.
I ran similar 35mm tires, Clement USH, on a mixed trail and road ride. They were quite good in both parts of the ride. I did slow down for downhill curves on the road, since I didn't have a good feel for the grip when leaning into a turn with these tires.
The trail (
Virginia Creeper Trail -- recommended!) had some rounded rocks sticking up from the crushed stone surface on the 2-3% downhills, due to some erosion. The 35mm tires didn't really cushion these impacts, my arms and shoulders were a bit sore. So, for bad washboards or other large bumps, the biggest tires that fit would be good.
Those GP4000S 28mm might measure close to 31-33mm on your wide rims. I have GP4000S 25mm on my similar width rims, and they measure 29mm. At 170 pounds, I typically use around 65psi front, 80 psi rear. It's very good on bumpy roads, and good on maintained crushed stone trails.
Originally Posted by
maddmaxx
Great thread Jppe. I've always enjoyed build my own bikes. The sense of accomplishment is strong.
One tip that might be worth a try. In addition to bikes I still race RC race cars and there is a finish treatment for carbon frames. We treat the cut edges of the chassis plate with thin CA glue to seal the cut and to prevent de-lamination. I have not had the opportunity to try this yet as I haven't used a fork with a carbon steerer tube yet. Perhaps someone else has heard of this and can comment. On the cars, just a couple of drops spread along the cut surface with a toothpick is all it takes. Just don't get heavy handed a create a build up on the outside of the steerer tube.
Steerer tubes are very dense with carbon, and very strong. I don't think the edges need treatment. I cut a small ring off the top of my steerer to reduce the height a little, and even this narrow ring is very stiff -- impressive.