The perfect tire for D2R2

[weisan]

Is there such a thing as the "perfect" tire for D2R2?

I know if you are a capable rider, you can ride almost anything but...if given a choice, what would you choose to ride on?

[guido]

One question controls the choice: How recently has it rained?

[eddief]

Michelin Pro 4 Endurance 28mm on my Casseroll over the last month. For pavement, I can't imagine anything that would be more reasonably priced that would ride any better. I think a nearly great tire. On sale in the UK right now since I think the model is being phased out.

[eBAUMANN]

Originally Posted by weisan

Is there such a thing as the "perfect" tire for D2R2?

I know if you are a capable rider, you can ride almost anything but...if given a choice, what would you choose to ride on?

Depends on which route you do. If the 160, I would take something with some volume and tread just to be able to rip that awesome class 4 jeep track descent.

Ill probably go clement MSO or panaracer comet hard pack this year, just cause.

[dcama5]

Never rode D2R2, just read about it. However, I would pick Challenge Paris Roubaix open tubular (clincher). They are listed as 700X27mm but mine are easily 30mm wide - great for this kind of terrain.

[AngryScientist]

i think panaracer paselas are pretty excellent for this type of thing.

agree that it depends a lot on the conditions, but unless you are chasing speed, which you shouldnt be at D2, bigger volume and tread are hard to go wrong with.

[merckx]

With all due respect, if you have never done D2 then you are simply shooting from the hip with a tire suggestion. I've used seven different tires for each of my D2 rides. I've done the 180 and recently the 100. Clement MSO 33 is the best of the lot for D2.

[dcama5]

Originally Posted by merckx

With all due respect, if you have never done D2 then you are simply shooting from the hip with a tire suggestion. I've used seven different tires for each of my D2 rides. I've done the 180 and recently the 100. Clement MSO 33 is the best of the lot for D2.

Gravel and mud there is gravel and mud everywhere. The Clement MSO 33 may be great but I am sticking with my suggestion of Challenge Paris Roubaix.

[merckx]

Originally Posted by dcama5

Gravel and mud there is gravel and mud everywhere. I am sticking with my suggestion of Challenge Paris Roubaix.

See you there.

[dcama5]

Originally Posted by merckx

See you there.

Too far away from where I live but if I were to go, I would be on Challenge Paris Roubaix. The Clements may be the ticket as well though.

[Peter P.]

Ride ANYTHING with some tread that's at least 27mm wide (The D2R2 creator recommends nothing less than 27mm). Anything narrower and you can't bomb the descents without wearing a skirt. Since I even see LOTS of cyclocross bike riders repairing pinch flats on D2R2, I'm inclined to think even 35mm (typical cyclocross tire max size) is insufficient, or they're pumping their tires up to 'cross racing pressures for D2R2 rather than something higher.

I ride a 38mm hybrid style tire and have the pressure set to my bodyweight and degree of recklessness (40psi.). It's perfect for me.

I definitely don't recommend tubulars: Very few others are riding tubulars on D2R2 and if you're unfortunate enough to have one tubular flat, you'll likely be riding gun shy the rest of the day on a less than solidly glued on spare. Should you be so unfortunate to have two flats, you can almost forget about mooching a spare tire from someone else.

[pinkshogun]

Pasela 700x37 have always worked for me......tan wall of course

[happycampyer]

I rode Michelin Jets one year, and felt that they were overkill--not really needed on the dirt/gravel sections except for a few instances, and undesirable on the paved sections. The other years I've ridden Jack Browns twice, Vittoria Randonneurs twice and this last year Compass Babyshoe Pass--all of those tires have very little tread.

I don't think that there is such a thing as a perfect tire for the event, but a nice 32mm+ file tread tire will put a smile on your face, as our old pal Pete would say. Even some who regularly admonished folks here that "all you need to ride D2R2 are 25mm tires" are riding 38mm Barlow Pass tires these days. Sure you can ride it with 25mm tires, but why would you?

[R3awak3n]

I rode compass babyshoe 650b 42mm 2 years ago and they were awesome and perfect for me. This year I am going even fatter, compass again, switchbacks 48mm. These roll just fine on pavement and also on gravel. Best of both worlds. I personally would not do it with anything thinner than 35mm but its definitely doable with any tire.

[MatthewL]

I rode it on 700x37 Paselas (non-TG). I never felt the tire holding me back.

It's a great ride. Might be the only thing I miss from the East Coast. ;-)