Tyre choice for Cyclocross commuter.

[Dennoire]

Hello,

I have begun commuting on my new Cyclocross bike, around about 5k trip each way. I was after a road bike that could handle some rougher terrain and the terrible roads around where I live, hence my decision to get a CX bike. My bike came with a set of Maxxis Raze, and whilst I like them, I don't see them lasting particularly long as my ride is predominately on road/tarmac/bike trail (80% I would say). Can anyone recommend me some good 700x32 tyre options? Should I look at swapping my current tyres soon as not to waste them or should they be fine?

[JulMass]

No sure about your current tyres but look for some touring type tyres ... might not be super light but will wear better. Vittoria CX randonuer (I think that's the name) is one example.

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[nezumi]

I run Schwalbe Marathon Plus, 700 x 28c.

They handle the gravel path I have (20% of commute) and the paved PSP with aplomb.

[Dennoire]

I have the same bike Nezumi, how do the 28's go on it?

[nezumi]

They run great for me
I commute from Heidelberg to the CBD via the Main Yarra Trail. The first 20% or so is gravel track, and the 28s give enough cushion on there that I am not numb in the hands by the time I hit the pavement (according to Strava I average 32km/h on the gravel)

On the hard stuff they roll very nicely - my only complaint is speedhumps. The longer ones I can lift the front wheel up to, but the little ones can be harsh.

[MattyK]

I run Schwalbe Marathon Supreme, 700 x 28c.

They handle the gravel path I have (20% of commute) and the paved PSP with aplomb.

Fixed. Lighter, faster, I've taken them on gravel with no issues but they're ideally better for paved surfaces. They run a mm or two undersized, 32s would be perfect

[systema83]

I used Maxxis Refuse 700x28c on my previous bike. Good dry grip and rolls well, very hard wearing as well.

[simonn]

I've been using GatorSkin 700C x 28. Rear wore out after ~7000km. Front still going strong ~2000km later. This includes some dirt (mostly a 200km mixed terrain audax ride), but my commute is mostly on-road/path. To put that into perspective, the rear knobbly that came with it should serious wear of the knobbles after ~1000-1500km onroad.

I am not going to tempt the puncture fairies, so I'll leave it at

[silentbutdeadly]

No sure about your current tyres but look for some touring type tyres ... might not be super light but will wear better. Vittoria CX randonuer (I think that's the name) is one example.

OP is right...the Maxxis Raze won't like the tar at all. They wear quite hard on tar - good tyre though. You are better off killing them though rather than hanging them on the wall for 'later'.

The Vittoria CX Randonneur tyres are quite good but unless you really know what you are doing...avoid the folding versions as they are a floppy arm wrestle frustration to get onto a rim.

If you have the brass then anything marked Schwalbe Marathon is hard to go past...

[singlespeedscott]

I use Challenge Parigi Roubaix on my audax bike. They are suppose to be a 27mm but measure 29mm on mavic open pro rims. I've done a few 1000kms on them with a mix of sealed and dirt roads and so far are puncture free. They are without doubt the most comfortable, best handling tyre I have ever used.

There is a 30mm version called the Strada Bianchi which actually measures about 33mm on the rim. These have had some good reviews on various cyclocross, gravel grinder and retro forums.

[am50em]

I run Schwalbe Durano Plus Road Bike Tyre Black - Reflex, 700c, 32c, Wire Bead and they appear to run well for me (115kg inc bike and 90psi rear, 70psi front)
Note I also changed the wheels as the cyclocross wheels had a relatively low maximum pressure rating.

[rjk]

i like conti gp4seasons formy cx commuter, i have a 2nd set of wheels that i swap out they have my cx knobbies on them, best of both worlds,

easiest way is to just swap wheels when doing some firetrails and easy single track

[Flighter]

I run Schwalbe Durano Plus Road Bike Tyre Black - Reflex, 700c, 32c, Wire Bead and they appear to run well for me (115kg inc bike and 90psi rear, 70psi front)

I run the same tyre but in 28mm. I used to use Gatorskins, but found them fragile given the number punctures I was getting. I found them to be less comfortable and not as grippy as the Schwalbes too.

[singlespeedscott]

I run Schwalbe Durano Plus Road Bike Tyre Black - Reflex, 700c, 32c, Wire Bead and they appear to run well for me (115kg inc bike and 90psi rear, 70psi front)

I run the same tyre but in 28mm. I used to use Gatorskins, but found them fragile given the number punctures I was getting. I found them to be less comfortable and not as grippy as the Schwalbes too.

What pressures do you run them at?

[clackers]

Vittorio Randonneur 28s have been great for me.

[Flighter]

I run Schwalbe Durano Plus Road Bike Tyre Black - Reflex, 700c, 32c, Wire Bead and they appear to run well for me (115kg inc bike and 90psi rear, 70psi front)

I run the same tyre but in 28mm. I used to use Gatorskins, but found them fragile given the number punctures I was getting. I found them to be less comfortable and not as grippy as the Schwalbes too.

What pressures do you run them at?

Normally around 90 psi.

[Blackrock]

I'll get taking delivery of a 2014 Merida Cx 5 shortly and want to move to a more road friendly tyre from the Continental Cyclocross Race 35.

Lots of good recommendations above; where's the best place to get a set of tyres (any of the above) delivered for under $100?

[alexander]

I've run a fair few tyres as commuting is my main source of cycling. I try to keep them light, high psi, wide, fast, and as puncture resistant as possible.

Vittoria Randonneur 700x32 Ran a pair for 2 years without incident. Thick, heavy, lots of tread and decent grip. ran these at 80-90 psi.
Continental Gatorskin 700x28 Currently running these, had them for about 6 months, got 2 shards and tiny gashes in the tread, but no punctures. slick, fast, feel flighty and not grippy. Run these at 100 psi
Maxxis Refuse 700x25 The Mrs runs these, loves them, nice and fast, grippy, she only rides 1 every fortnight, so no real harsh riding, but did ride the Melbourne Roobaix and not one issue. She runs these at 90 psi
Maxxis Columbiere - 700x32 Rubbish, lasted a 2 months then tonnes of punctures and the tread wore really fast. 80 psi

I'm also looking at the Schwalbe Kojak, Specialized Armadillo, Schwalbe Durano Plus as alternatives when the gatorskins need replacing.

[mitchy_]

i've got Gatorskins in 28mm and Detonators in 28mm on my disc CX.
detonators have had a few punctures, gatorskins have only suffered one however i'm pretty certain that was whilst i was bombing down a slightly rocky trail.

there is something scarily fun about flying down a dirt track on narrow, high pressure tyres...

[duncan16v]

700C x 28 Gatorskins for me. The current set has been on for about 4,000km and only one puncture. The bike came with the cheap-end Vittoria Rubinos that were absolutely bomb-proof. I replaced them after a puncture when I noticed the tread was as thin as tissue paper. I used to run Marathons but they were woeful for punctures especially in winter. My theory is that the Marathon's tread trapped pieces of glass and gave the shard time to work its way in.

[Blackrock]

Just purchased a couple of Conti Contact 2 in 700x28. Reflective trim and a nice looking tread. $60 for both, posted!!

Once I;ve had a few rides on the Conti Cross Race fatties (700x35) I'll swap them over for regular commuting. I had MAxxis Detonator 700x28 on my carbon T5 flat bar and while they gave me no issues, I did get quite a few punctures. The Contact 2's have a bit more tread for !! BAN ME NOW FOR SWEARING !! to get through....

[Jonno]

Schwalbe Durano Plus 28c w/ reflective strips (AT) 80psi.

[JBark]

Schwalbe Durano Plus 28c w/ reflective strips (AT) 80psi.

I've got a pair of these exact tires waiting at home to be installed on my CX commuter. I normally go with Marathon Plus, but figured I'd give these a try to see if the substantial weight savings is worth the increased chance of punctures. I'm also curious to see what sort of tire life I get, as the MPs last well over 10k. I'm at 11k on my current set and they still look to have another thousand or two km left in them.

[Blackrock]

Conti Contact 2 700x28 on my Merida cx5.

[Bentnose]

I went with Continental GP4Seasons and have managed 2 punctures in just 300km.