700 x 30 CX tires for a gravel event?
02-13-18, 10:59 AM
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700 x 30 CX tires for a gravel event?
I am signed up for a 40 mile race that combines some roads with hardpack gravel trails. I don't have a CX bike so I'm thinking of going with knobby 30c's on my road bike rather than using my fat bike (I don't have a MTB either). The bike has pretty wide clearance but I'm not sure how much wider beyond 30 it would take in a gravel tire.
Any thoughts on how 30s would work on trails?
Any thoughts on how 30s would work on trails?
02-13-18, 11:06 AM
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For a mix of road and hard pack I'd go with a smooth tire. A side benefit will be that you can likely fit a wider smooth tire than knobby which is good because width will help more than tread on the hardpack gravel (assuming it's dry). Look at the Panaracer GravelKing in 32mm. You should definitely know how wide you can fit in your frame though.
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02-17-18, 12:04 PM
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The largest tire you can run so you can drop the tire pressure. If it is hardpack you will be fine with little or no tread. If it gets soft/muddy you will be walking though.
I have rode these things with a road bike and 25c tires before. If the terrain is questionable I would take a mountain bike if you had one.
I have rode these things with a road bike and 25c tires before. If the terrain is questionable I would take a mountain bike if you had one.
02-17-18, 12:36 PM
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For a mix of road and hard pack I'd go with a smooth tire. A side benefit will be that you can likely fit a wider smooth tire than knobby which is good because width will help more than tread on the hardpack gravel (assuming it's dry). Look at the Panaracer GravelKing in 32mm. You should definitely know how wide you can fit in your frame though.
Would also depend on how lucky you're feeling about guessing the weather....and how much you want to hedge against the weather over seriously competing in a race versus just riding to have a good time.
02-19-18, 12:46 PM
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Going to try 32c's (Clements or Kendas). Clearance for 34 according to the bike's website.
Thanks for the responses.
Thanks for the responses.
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