Originally Posted by
bruce19
Any idea what the weight difference is? I went on-line and did some research on spec weights of my existing CX tires (Kenda 700x32) and compared them to some Vittoria Rubino Pro tires. Just using that rough data it looks like a 1 lb saving.
That’s about it really. Most decent road tires are 200-250g each. If you really go after some weight-weenie rims, you can get the pair under 1200g, but 1400-1500g might be the range for a more durable set. That said, on wheels and tires, weight is second importance.
As far as the question of tires/wheels vs just tires.. depends. The dedicated wheel set will allow a quick change for any occasion, so that’s what I’d do. ‘Tires only’ will require a tire swap which will eventually grow tiresome if you’re doing it ever couple weekends. Performance wise, your CX wheels aren’t holding you back much at all, it’s just a matter of convenience.
For tires, I’d consider rolling resistance first, weight not at all. I’m currently rolling on 24mm Turbo Cottons and they roll SUPER fast and SUPER plush. On your frame you can fit their 28’s so that’s what I’d recommend. The wider road tires have less rolling resistance and offer a super plush ride at the cost of maybe 50g per. If your roads aren’t nice enough for the somewhat fragile Turbo Cottons, Contenental GP4000’s will do the trick.
Originally Posted by
12strings
Also, just my perspective, but I think this set-up is the best balance of function, cost, and versatility for most people who want to do both road and gravel/cx.
Get a bike with good tire clearance, get two complete, interchangeable wheel/tire/cassette set-ups, and for the VAST majority of people, the frame of a good gravel or cx bike is not going to negativly affect your road performance vs a similarly priced road bike, not enough to matter.
Yeah agreed. A well setup CX bike with a couple set of wheels can roll on almost any surface your likely to encounter.