willbuyone

Ok I want to upgrade the tires on my FX2 Disk to something a little better for dirt roads maybe a few short stretches of gravel, but still be good street tires. I am an older guy and will not be riding aggressively. Would be nice if they were a little difficult to puncture. It currently has Bontrager H2 700x35c on it. Any suggestions\ advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank You .

AU Tiger

Sounds like you'd be happy with a cyclocross tire. I ran 35mm Schwalbe CX Comp on my previous bike (Fuji Absolute) and really liked them. The gravel bike I purchased this summer (Fuji Jari) came with 35mm Clement X'Plor USH, and they seem every bit as good. The Schwalbes ran a little lower PSI, but I really haven't noticed the ride on the Clements being harsh. Both of these (and probably any cyclocross tire) run well on the road because of the center and on mild off-road trails because of the side grip.

Mtl01

I have the same tires (700x35c) on my FX2.

I often do gravel stretches on my ride and those tires work great.

Have you had issues with them?

willbuyone

Today I tried riding in some dirt and grass with gofer mounds mixed in with ok results, but I tried steering into some loose gravel on the side of the road and almost lost control . I don’t think all gravel is created equal the stuff I rode into was deep and loosely packed . I think if it were more tightly packed like on a road bed it would be ok .
That being said I am obsessed with the new bike and looking for any reason to upgrade something $$$

Mtl01

The gravel I was riding on was tightly packed, so no problem with that.

I got my FX in the spring and have been very happy with it. Great bike.

My only upgrade was to put on a Bontrager DuoTrap S Digital Sensor and Bontrager Trip 300 to track my mileage, speed, etc. Works perfect for what I wanted.

willbuyone

I think you are right the cyclocross tires are probably just what I am looking for . I watched a video earlier about cyclocross looks like the type of riding I would like to do, but casually . Thanks for the advise .

willbuyone

Yes I love this bike even the seat !

stuman74

On my 2020 FX 3 disc that I bought a few weeks ago, I transferred my H5 Ultimate 700x38 tires to it. Rides great on paved and packed gravel trails with that little bit wider and extra grip.

Mtl01

How are you liking the new 2 x 9 drive train?

Rick53

To bad you live in California : I have a pair of Bontrager H5 700 x 35 Perfect for what you describe : With Inner Tubes : That don't have 50 Miles of use : Sadly they aren't a folding tire : So I don't know how I'd ship them :

stuman74

I like it. I never used the smallest ring on my crank before on my 2015 FX anyway. I had to get used to a few of the gear combos for equivalency compared to the old, but used to the new now.

ceelint

Panaracer Gravel Kings are good tires

Mtl01

I was curious. I never use the smallest ring either. Seems more bikes are headed in that direction.

Bothrops

Willbuyone, I have a FX3 and experienced the same thing you described while riding on crushed limestone. I swapped out the stock H2’s for Schwalbe G-One All Around 700x35. They are pretty smooth on pavement but much more sure footed on the loose stuff.

willbuyone

Thanks for the info I may try them as my next set of tires .

rumrunn6

a cpl thoughts ...having gone thru experimentation with changing tires to suit ever challenging terrain, I discovered that I will always push the envelope to the limits of my tires. meaning, maybe you should stick to trails & surfaces suited for what you're riding? because regardless of your tire upgrade, you may again encounter a trail or surface beyond the limit of your new tires. anyway that's what happened to me. I finally got a 29er style mountain bike. it helped me torch all the old trails I was riding & introduced me to even more challenging ones. but again, I reached the limits of 2.25 tires. at some point, I have to back off & stick with what I've got

crazyravr

I just got Panaracers Gravelking SK for my in 35mm which fit more like a 38. Great upgrade me thinks.

bikehoco

I have to replace one tire. Would it be weird to have 700x35 in the back and 700x38 in the front (or vice versa)?

hokiefyd 

"Weird" is subjective. I can't stand having two mis-matched tire brands and models, let alone tire size!

Mechanically, a 35mm and 38mm pairing will work just fine.