CX tyres....

[simonB2014]

So ... I am a noob on a Spec Tricross that came (used) with 'Onza Allegra' tyres.
From what I've googled, these are pretty unknown basic road tyres, and to be fair, I was just going to used them whilst I found my legs and 'needed' to replace them.

My current routes are only about 10 miles and most of it tarmac.
At the same time, I have a woven a couple of miles of woodland & heathland into my rides.
I'd like, in time, to add more offroad.
These are a mixture of hardpack, loose gravel, grass, and of course with the right weather ... 'mud'
And to be fair, I am rolling over most of it with no issue.

Yet of course, there are small, and tbh, yes 'small' sections that I am finding my rear wheel spinning on uphill gravel or any-level mud.
And that annoys me.
Ok, so maybe 'annoy' is the wrong word... it just 'detracts from the pleasure'.

So my dilemma is that I really do not want to put any tyre on that's going to heavily penalise the miles of tarmac I have to cover... but I really would like a little extra bite to really enjoy the off road sections.
I don't like having to stop pedalling and get off, even for a few yards.

I've looked at these, which are near dam it to what the bike originally would have shipped with :
http://www.evanscycles.com/products...lo-wired-700c-commuter-tyre-ec056012#features

Of course I can 'read' what they are supposed to do .....
... just wondering if anyone can pop some 1st hand experience.

Will I feel a noticeable difference to my ride on either surface ?
Can I get away with putting one of these on my rear rim only - after all that's where the traction is ?

Many thanks for any advice

 

[ScotiaLass]

I can't comment on those specifically, but I ride a MTB 29er with Specialized Fast Trak tyres.
I was going to change them (came on my new bike) after reading reviews that said they were ok, but not the best.
I'm glad I gave them a chance!
They are brilliant tyres; roll fast on the cycle paths but grip better than my Conti's did on loose gravel and in the woods.
I suppose it comes down to personal preferences but I do prefer the Specialized tyres over he Continentals.

 

[ayceejay]

It may be technique that is lacking rather than tyre grip. Cyclocross riders learn to shift their weight over the back wheel in the conditions you describe you may also need to adjust tyre pressure to compromise what is best for tarmac and what for mud.

 

[Supersuperleeds]

The tyres you have picked are 45mm wide, are these the same width as your current tyres? If not you might want to check that the Tricross can take such as wide tyre.

 

[potsy]

The tyres you have picked are 45mm wide, are these the same width as your current tyres? If not you might want to check that the Tricross can take such as wide tyre.

Was just about to make the same comment regards clearance, mine came fitted with those as standard but in 32c.
I actually really liked them until they started de-laminating after around 1000 miles, since then I've only had slicks on.

 

[KneesUp]

Sometimes the grip just isn't there. One of my options on the way home involves a path that at one point has a very tight (i.e. slow) corner before a steep hill with gravel and cobbles, which means you hit the gravel and cobbles with almost no speed, and because it's a steep hill you need to put lots of power down. I've not managed to ride up it yet

 

[simonB2014]

It may be technique that is lacking rather than tyre grip. Cyclocross riders learn to shift their weight over the back wheel in the conditions you describe you may also need to adjust tyre pressure to compromise what is best for tarmac and what for mud.

Darn good point .... one of those things I've read about but forget to put into practice ... will give it a shot tomorrow !

 

[simonB2014]

The tyres you have picked are 45mm wide, are these the same width as your current tyres? If not you might want to check that the Tricross can take such as wide tyre.

Darn it .. thanks for pointing out the oversight !
Back to the Google ...

 

[simonB2014]

Sometimes the grip just isn't there. One of my options on the way home involves a path that at one point has a very tight (i.e. slow) corner before a steep hill with gravel and cobbles, which means you hit the gravel and cobbles with almost no speed, and because it's a steep hill you need to put lots of power down. I've not managed to ride up it yet

Glad to see I'm no the only one !
But I take it you are still trying ?

 

[KneesUp]

Glad to see I'm no the only one !
But I take it you are still trying ?

Of course

 

[adds21]

My experience is that CX tyres don't last long when used on the commute.

My rear tyre is virtually smooth after little more than 2,000 miles. Probably 80% of my riding is on roads (albeit, pretty badly maintained roads), with the remaining 20% being split between gentle forest tracks, and quite gnarly off-road stuff. I can't decide whether to stick with CX tyres, or just give up and put marathons on!

 

[KneesUp]

My experience is that CX tyres don't last long when used on the commute.

My rear tyre is virtually smooth after little more than 2,000 miles. Probably 80% of my riding is on roads (albeit, pretty badly maintained roads), with the remaining 20% being split between gentle forest tracks, and quite gnarly off-road stuff. I can't decide whether to stick with CX tyres, or just give up and put marathons on!

Wheelset +1, surely?

 

[adds21]

Wheelset +1, surely?

Yes, but then you get chain/cassette wear issues, plus most of my rides tend to be the 80% road / 20% off-road type, so I wouldn't know which wheelset to use anyway.

 

[gaz]

Kenda small block is a good choice. http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kenda-small-block-8-dtc-folding-cyclocross-tyre/

 

[simonB2014]

My experience is that CX tyres don't last long when used on the commute.

My rear tyre is virtually smooth after little more than 2,000 miles. Probably 80% of my riding is on roads (albeit, pretty badly maintained roads), with the remaining 20% being split between gentle forest tracks, and quite gnarly off-road stuff. I can't decide whether to stick with CX tyres, or just give up and put marathons on!

Can I ask what CX tyres they are ?