Tire Choice for dirt Gran Fondo

[weisan]

whatever tire you ended up with, be sure to play with the air pressure to find the sweet spot or else...kinda defeat the purpose.

[stephenmarklay]

Originally Posted by GRAVELBIKE

Yes, 23/26/28 have the file/herringbone tread, whereas the 32s have the knobby "lego" tread.

A 32/35/37mm Pasela works well on dirt and is still fast/smooth on pavement.

Is this the one? http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Pase.../dp/B001CK0GUG

[choke]

Originally Posted by stephenmarklay

Is this the one? http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Pase.../dp/B001CK0GUG

That does appear to be the non-Tour Guard version which most people seem to prefer over the TG.

FWIW, I've used the 28mm Pasela TG (largest that would fit) on dirt/gravel with excellent results.

[stephenmarklay]

I’m tempted to try several tires that I have always read about. The Riv Rolly Polly for one. The Vittoria Pave 27, but that panaracer 32 knobby, would be pretty fun on the RB-1.

I really like the Veloflex Master 25 so right now I will likely run that normally.

[GRAVELBIKE]

Originally Posted by stephenmarklay

Is this the one? http://www.amazon.com/Panaracer-Pase.../dp/B001CK0GUG

Yup, that's the one. Nice ride, decent traction off-road, and you can't beat the price.

[Vientomas]

I have been using the Panaracer T-Serv Protex in 28 on a Calfee, and in 32 on a Black Mountain Cycles on the Forest Service dirt roads of Northern Idaho with absolutely no problems.

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/prod...-t-serv-protex

[stephenmarklay]

Thanks Vientomas. Hey you should join me on the ride next weekend. Its here in north Spokane. Look up http://www.emdesports.com/life-at-camp.html. Its the Nitty Gritty Gran Fondo.

[stephenmarklay]

I greatly appreciate all the feedback, ideas and comments. I decided to give the Vittoria CG Pave in a 27. I have enjoyed Vittoria CX tires in the past so I am sure this will be a good tire with enough volume to get me through the ride.

[Vientomas]

Originally Posted by stephenmarklay

Thanks Vientomas. Hey you should join me on the ride next weekend. Its here in north Spokane. Look up http://www.emdesports.com/life-at-camp.html. Its the Nitty Gritty Gran Fondo.

Thanks for the invitation. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend. Have a great time. It looks like a nice course. I have not ridden in that area. Perhaps you can post a ride and tire report after the event?

[stephenmarklay]

Originally Posted by Vientomas

Thanks for the invitation. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend. Have a great time. It looks like a nice course. I have not ridden in that area. Perhaps you can post a ride and tire report after the event?

Absolutely I will. I anticipate if being a good time. I am hoping to come away with all my skin intact too.

[stephenmarklay]

I went with a friend to do a pre-ride on the route. Oh snap. This is hard course. There will be accidents, people will cry and feelings will be hurt.

My new tires were set to arrive today but I left early. I had some Rubino pro tires in 28’s but the rear was a bit flat in the center. But that is what I had.

The good news is that they worked great at 90 rear and 85 front. I may just leave them on for Saturday as they worked and I don’t want to make any big changes if I don’t have to.

The route as a lot great gravel attractions like washboards, washouts, 10% grade climbs (heck it starts out with a climb that must be a mile long) and a ton of pain and uncertainty.

Wow what a great time.

[GRAVELBIKE]

Try dropping the pressure 7-10 psi.

[Vientomas]

Originally Posted by GRAVELBIKE

Try dropping the pressure 7-10 psi.

Good advice.

[stephenmarklay]

I had them at 80F/85R but added 5 at the last minute worrying about pinch flats. The guy I rode with was at 70F/R on 30mm tires but he only weighs 140 and I am 190.

Maybe I will try 80/85. The washboards in some areas were pretty bad and twice my hands flew off the bars and only luck kept me up. Maybe a little less pressure will soften them.

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by stephenmarklay

I went with a friend to do a pre-ride on the route. Oh snap. This is hard course. There will be accidents, people will cry and feelings will be hurt.

My new tires were set to arrive today but I left early. I had some Rubino pro tires in 28’s but the rear was a bit flat in the center. But that is what I had.

The good news is that they worked great at 90 rear and 85 front. I may just leave them on for Saturday as they worked and I don’t want to make any big changes if I don’t have to.

The route as a lot great gravel attractions like washboards, washouts, 10% grade climbs (heck it starts out with a climb that must be a mile long) and a ton of pain and uncertainty.

Wow what a great time.

Tee hee