looking for a semi-slick cross tire
 

I bought a cyclocross bike for commuting because I liked the geometry and brakes. I prefer slicks on the road. However, I have a ¾ mile jaunt on gravel that can get very loose. My thinking is I want a light weight, durable, smooth down the center with knobbies on the sides, 700 x 28C tire. Any thoughts?

I am using Vittoria Randonneaur Cross tires, 700x28. They work fine on fireroads & hiking trails but anything more, they get overwhelmed. I know that they work on loose gravel as I have zipped over that stuff due to all the construction in the area & that seemed ok. But, wet grass & mud, it's going to bog down & slip.
On the road, it's simply great!

Don't use Ritchey Speedmax 700X30s if you plan on turning offroad. The slick center gives way and the nobs on the side don't usually catch you, but they could work just great for a fairly straight 3/4 mile gravel. good luck

First of all no suggestions for you excpet that my Jones cx 32's have done me well over the past months, smooth on the road and grippy off. no pinchflats over rocky terrain, even though I run them a bit low. Waaay smoother and faster than my MTB onroad!!!
Is there even a difference between the sides and the middle of a 28 tire? It seems a bit much to ask a 28 tire to work in loose gravel. I would step up to 32 or 35 cross/semislicks and youll be alot more comfortable..

Dont count grams. . please. its a communter afterall, count comfort first.

~Steve

I run these on my K2 Enemy, they have about 2000 road miles on them and are still holding up good. No flats, run rocks/gravel over all the time. I love them :)

Ritchey Crossmax
http://aebike.com/site/page.cfm?PageID=30&SKU=TR3041
http://aebike.com/site/images/librar...odl/TR3041.jpg

Get the 700x32 version of these: http://tinyurl.com/3ntmt
I have them on my cross bike.

check out michelin sprints, haven't tried em but they look just like what you're asking for.

I've had great luck with the Speedmax.