Originally Posted by
harmonica2
Hi - Another question about my 2019 Sirrus Expert Carbon: The tires are getting worn and I'm researching options.
The stocks wheels are 700C Axis Experts with 21mm internal width, and the stock tires are 30mm in width.
1. Most of the higher-rated tire option only come in 28mm and 32mm. Which should I choose? I suppose I am more interested in comfort than speed, but at the same time I figure 28mm is a standard for a reason. Or have I missed a nice tire that comes in 30mm?
2. The stock tires have a nice reflective strip, but I'm not seeing that option on many replacements, unless they are Schwalbe e-bike tires which I think are overkill for a bike as light as mine. Are you aware of any good options with the reflective strip?
3. The Axis wheels have middling reviews, so I'm open to changing those as well. What do you suggest? Should I consider a tubeless setup?
Thank you!
Can't help at all with the reflective strip question, but that aside you really, really can't go wrong with Specialized's own Roubaix Pro 2Bliss Ready tire. I've been using these for years now: 30/32 (that is, they have a typical '30' tread area with a typical 32 casing), light, fast, durable, and supple (comfortable). Just one suggestion. If interested:
https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/ro...ext=00016-2162
Wheels? I don't know. I have the same wheels on my '19 Sirrus X Comp (now the X 5.0) -- pretty much your bike in a 1x version. They are certainly a little heavier than necessary, but they've so far been durable and have stayed true/smooth running (hubs, which are sealed cartridge). Most of the negative stuff about 'em on the interwebz has to do with the earlier iterations with Specialized's stupid SCS hub system, now thankfully consigned to the bin.
I often think of changing the wheels, but so far haven't been bothered actually to do it! Tubeless? That's really up to you, I think? If the thought of sealant etc. doesn't bother you, then by all means. There are definite advantages, I believe. Maybe others will chime in. Me -- I'm perfectly happy with lightweight tubes/the Roubaix tires.
TL;DR: I think the most noticeable change you could make -- really noticeable -- would be the change from those stock Espoir Sport/60 TPI/wire bead to something much higher quality, like the Roubaix or similar.