12strings

Hey, have any of you tried a cyclocross race on a road bike with 28mm tires (can't fit bigger ones).

Is this even possible, assuming I have been riding and training to be in shape for a race?

(know SOME races, especially later in the season, are mud-baths, in which this wouldn't work at all, but have you been in some that are dry in which it wouldn't be too much of a hindrance? )

OneIsAllYouNeed

It's no problem if you weigh 110lbs. Get some Kenda Kwick 700x30 tires (they're undersized) with knobs. Put 35psi in 'em and go for it.

I raced one cyclocross race with suitably wide, but treadless road tires (32mm Panaracer Paselas). There was one off-camber section of wet grass that was like ice with my tires. I couldn't keep the bike upright through there. Any knobby tire would have been better in that section. Otherwise, the smooth tires were fine.

I once saw a couple of international riders attempt a cylcocross race on GMC Denalis (Walmart road bikes with 25mm tires). They were DFL. It didn't look fun.

You'll likely have more fun if you borrow a 'cross bike or mountain bike. Maybe you know someone racing a different category? Maybe your LBS will demo or rent you a bike.

12strings

Those Kenda Kwick look like they might be worth a look. An amazon Q & A said they measured them at 27.5 (Didn't say what size rim). Not too expensive either.

I'm 5,9" 160 lbs, so while I"m not overweight, I'm not exactly a standard cyclists build either.

I have taken my road bike down a few gravel roads with 25mm tires, and the results were less than confidence inspiring.

50voltphantom

I believe Panaracer Cross Blasters measure in at 28mm.

Tire Review: Panaracer CrossBlaster Cyclocross Tire - Cyclocross Magazine - Cyclocross News, Races, Bikes, Photos, Videos

Remember, tires this width (and smaller) were the norm at one time.

caloso

Yes, it can be done. I did my first season of CX on a Trek 660 with Kenda Kwicks. Mud can be an issue but it was fine for dry courses.

superdex

and <GASP> CALIPERS!

caloso

Funny thing. I had some calipers on there and then found some centerpulls on eBay.



They helped a bit with mud clearance.



(Same bike, just repainted)

caloso

But yeah, give it a shot. Also keep in mind that you'll probably never use the big ring, but 39x12-27 is all the range you need.

50voltphantom

I ran this setup on my Steamroller at this years Jingle Cross mudfest and never had mud clearance issues. It works...

JeffOYB

I don't get it: as late as the early 90's, 28 was the biggest they had! ...of course, TUBIES are the key for modern performance from 28's. I used em for a few yrs a couple years ago. Fine unless the turf was really choppy and, yeah, not as much slippy traction, but lighterweight. I'm liking my 32's now. But I'm now trying some Dugast 30's a pal gave me. I'm 180 and the rear is squashing, folding, darn easy on sidehills at 30f/35r. Hmm.... Looks like they might need a few more in the rear. Or maybe I need more finesse...

12strings

Thanks, I have put some Kenda Kwicks on my Christmas list ( I could buy them now, but relatives always want gift ideas, so I'll just be patient.)

I took my road bike out on some bumpy (mole-infested) hard packed grassy ground, and 25me road tires were pretty jarring. It's been dry here so traction wasn't a problem, I was able to predictably skid the back wheel on some truths without wiping out... but I also tried dismounting a few times, and need to work on getting back on the bike while running. Lots to learn.

Ronsonic 

My first season was on a road bike that I could barely squeeze a pair of 32mm Speedmax into. Had to let air out to get 'em past the brake pads. This was in dry, flat Florida. I've run 28s in a cross race. They worked. Not all cushy and plush but I did okay among my aged and infirm peers.

bikeme

Great thread!!! I'm in the midst of converting an extra road bike into a gravel/CX bike. It's a Soma Smoothie that I originally bought to make into a stationary trainer bike. Those Kendas look perfect for it.

12strings

Just measured my bike's clearance: the rear clearance is the issue: 33mm total width where the tire would be...The fork is no problem, I could probably fit 40mm tires up there, even with the caliper brakes (they are long-reach, and wide).
(Bike is a 2015 Jamis Quest Comp).

Getting antsy to try the Kwick out....if they are too wide, the back-up plan is just 28mm GravelKings.

chas58

The Kwick will be fine on the quest. That bike has lots of clearance for a caliper bike.

I would be tempted to put some 30mm schwalbe G1 tires on the back and be able to run low pressure without pinch flats. Fatter tires up front give good cornering traction, and a little suspension.

bikeme

I just put 30mm Kenda Kwicks on my bike and they fit fine with both '97 Ultegra 600 brakes as well as 2001 Ultegras. A snug squeeze to get past the opened sidepull pads but no prob after that. Thanks @caloso!

caloso

Excellent!

chas58

Yeah, they work fine with short reach calipers much of the time - if you can get a 28mm tire on there it can work. I measured these at 28mm wide (just 1mm bigger than most of my 28mm tires) Depending on your frame, some people might have to trim the side lugs. They are a snug fit to get past the brake pads - it helps if you can loosen the cable in two spots. Glad it worked for you!

bikeme

@caloso , @chas58 , et al. , what psi are you guys with Kenda Kwicks running? I'm 172 lbs., wheels are Mavic Open 4CDs. I'm guessing I'll mostly be on dry, hard pack trails. This is more for use as a gravel bike vs CX racing but you never know, I might do it next season. Thanks.

caloso

60-ish, but that's probably higher than necessary.

chas58

on the 30mm tires, about 80 rear, 60 front for commuting on mixed roads (I like to hit gravel when I can). much lower than that and a rock could give me a pinch flat.

bikeme

I'm going to have to be careful starting out as I mostly mtn bike and am used to dropping off trail stepdowns and rolling over jutting rocks. That could be disasterous on the skinny tires with no suspension.

12strings

UPDATE: I got the Kenda Kwick tires and put them on my bike. I think they're going to be great. As recommended, they are listed as 30mm, [EDIT: they measure exactly 30mm ] (I have 17mm inner rim width). The tires are listed for Min. 60psi, Max 80psi. So I'm starting them at 40psi for now, and we'll adjust from there. Might need to go up to 50. :-) (I'm 160lbs).


Pic1: This is the the rear tire...the one I was worried about, but there seems to be plenty of clearance for general riding, and just a bit of mud.
IMAG0866.jpg

Pic2: As you can see, the front Fork has way more clearance than the back. I could easily get a 35mm tire up there if I ever wanted to. FYI, the Brakes are Long-reach Tektro that came stock on my bike...once I got Kool-stop pads, they work fine for me.
IMAG0871.jpg

Pic 3: The whole Bike: I really like the way it looks. It makes the whole bike look more aggressive and rugged. Definitely hoping to train up and try a cyclocross race next fall. Believe it or not, this isn't meant to be a gravel or cyclocross bike at all, just an endurance-geometry road bike, but I'm very happy to have this extra capability. Now that I know the tires fit, I'll be ordering a 2nd set of wheels and a cassette soon so i can switch quickly without tire/tube changes.
IMAG0868.jpg


-Thanks to all for the advice!

50voltphantom

^Nice!! I bet you could even go a a touch lower than 40 PSI at your weight. Assuming my scale and pressure guage are somewhat accurate, I was running 32psi on 33mm tires this past fall and I weigh 190lbs.

chas58

Nice! I almost bought one of those bikes to do exactly what you are doing, since it is steel and has decent clearance for a road bike.

On a bike like yours, personally, I like putting a bigger tire up front for dirt. The front tends to lose traction first, and a larger tire can provide more grip, while the extra volume allows running a lower PSI and absorbing some shock. A smaller tire in the rear keeps it fast on pavement and hardpack (allowing me to effectively put the power down)