Road tryes for a cyclocross bike

[Powza]

I've got a Kona Jake cyclocross bike - really pleased with it so far, but I'm thinking of buying a pair of slick (ish) road tyres for commuting etc.
The wheels are Alex AT450's and they currently run on 700x35 tyres. Does anyone know if I can change them to 700x25 or 28? I'm a bit on the heavy side(!) so I'm not sure if the 25's would be a little uncomfortable for riding - would I be better off with the 28's, or would I not really notice much difference? Is there likely to be much gain in rolling speed between the 25's rather than the 28's?
Any advice would be very welcome!

 

[lejogger]

I use Schwalbe marathon 700x25 on my cyclo cross for commuting and touring. No punctures yet and roll very well

I find them very comfortable but that's in comparison to the 23s on my wknd bike.

 

[Powza]

Thanks for that - I'm looking at a pair of Continental Ultra Gators, probably give the 25's a go. They are on offer at Wiggle at the moment for about £20 each, so I'll give 'em a whirl.

 

[lejogger]

Not tried those, so not sure how they compare... if you're looking at Wiggle, the ones I got are the Kevlar ones here: http://www.wiggle.co...vlar-city-tyre/

£17.59 each

Edit - discontinued... sorry

 

[lejogger]

These must be the new version... http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-plus-smartguard-city-tyre/

£30!

 

[potsy]

These must be the new version... http://www.wiggle.co...uard-city-tyre/

£30!

Those are the 'plus' lejogger. Much better puncture resistance but heavier. A great commuting tyre as many on here will tell you.


These are the new version of the ones you linked to-
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/schwalbe-marathon-original-greenguard-rigid-road-city-tyre/

 

[smokeysmoo]

Schwalbe Marathon+

 

[PaulSecteur]

Are you really sure you want to go as slick as a Gatorskin?

One of the pluses of a cyclo-cross is its ability to do trails, and a bit of mud. I would definatly go for something with a bit if tread so I can still use it on slippy surfaces, in fact I have marathon plusses on my tricross. I still get reasoable grip when on stuff that needs a bit of tread.

 

[gaz]

are you sure your rims are AT450?
AT450's shouldn't run anything more than a 28. and even then you are pushing it!
A 35mm tyre on a 13.5mm rim is just asking for a rim or tyre sidewall failure!

 

[Powza]

Yep - the bike (Kona Jake) came fitted with Alex AT-450 wheels and Maxxis 700x35c Mudwrestler tyres:

http://ctcshop.org.uk/cycling/p/CTC/22/Kona_Jake_2011/5360055763/

 

[mcshroom]

I've got 28mm Conti Sport Contacts on my tourer - they're pretty much slick and have been as puncture resistant as the Marathons I also use on it

 

[gaz]

Yep - the bike (Kona Jake) came fitted with Alex AT-450 wheels and Maxxis 700x35c Mudwrestler tyres:

http://ctcshop.org.uk/cycling/p/CTC/22/Kona_Jake_2011/5360055763/

You shouldn't be using 35's on those rims and as I said 28's are pushing it. I would recommend using 25's

 

[Powza]

You've got me worried now!
I have sent emails to both Alex and to Kona querying this - I'll let you know what they reply, if anything.

 

[Norm]

You shouldn't be using 35's on those rims and as I said 28's are pushing it. I would recommend using 25's

Kona don't agree. That pic clearly shows the Alex AT-450 rims and 700-35c Maxxis Mudwrestler tyres.

 

[gaz]

I checked the specs on the Ctc site and saw it was sold like that.
Alex say those rims are for road use but give no specific tyre size advise.
The 13.5mm interior rim size is the size that road racing rims are and they shouldn't take more than 25mm tyres.

The upside is it's safer to use tyres which are larger than you should use rather than smaller than you should use. Still not something I would recommend.

Edit:
I just checked On the Alex support site, someone has asked if they can use 23mm tyres on the at450 rim. If they say it's alright to use a 23mm on a rim then you should not be using + 30!!