nightfly

Been running Panaracer Pasela Messenger tires (basically all black Pasela Tourguards) in 28s for awhile and am pretty happy with them. Just curious about some tires like the Grand Bois that emphasize feel and subtleness over durability. The Paselas feel like a good compromise but I'm intrigued. Anyone ride them? Others that are similar?

Oops shoud be "tried" no "tired". No way to edit topic...

Spoonrobot 

What size are you considering?

The Grand Bois or Compass tires are generally going to feel (and arguably will be) faster and more compliant ("suppleness") than the tires you are on now. This is a combination of the tire weight, casing design and lack of puncture belt.

nightfly

Probably the same- 700 x 28c seems like a good compromise width and fits my Soma Rush frame with little room to spare. Since it's basically a fun/commuter sort of bike, no need to go narrower and don't think 32s would fit.

So either the Grand Bois Cerfs Green or the Chinook Pass if I really want to spend a fortune to get black sidewalls and the ultimate feel.

Pacific

I've had sets in 28, 32, and 38. The 28s were the best. Unbelievable difference compared to, say, Gatorskins. The 28s and 38s were with the extra light casings, which are noticeably more supple than the standard casings. The Clement Stradas are almost as good, IMO.

Aubergine 

They are the best clincher tires I have ever used. Period. They match the feel of the best tubulars I have been able to find.

tashi

I've had 28c Grand Bois' and Vittoria Open Corsa's, they both ride amazingly smoothly on nice pavement and I think they smooth out rough surfaces better than stiffer tires as well. They both feel just as fast as 23's, and possibly faster due to their increased dampening effect vs. 23's. They feel like suspension on certain surfaces.

I bang them around on dirt roads and smooth trails as well and not flatted. I check my tire pressure every ride with high-performance tires like this. I had a reoccurring problem with flats on one Grand Bois, I believe there was a defect in the casing. Three other GB's have been flawless, as have the Vittorias. The GB's did daily mixed-surface winter commuting as well as fast road/gravel rides, the Vittorias have only been subjected to fair weather road (& gravel obviously ) bikin' so far.

tashi

Also: I've used a lot of Paselas. LOTS. Zero problems, they're my go-to tire for urban bikes. I don't bother with the TG version as I haven't had problems with flats (proper tire pressure is an amazing thing!) so I go for the better feel and lower price. I figure that they're good enough for everything up to the bike that I want to be as fast and smooth as possible, then I splurge for the Vittoria's.

pacificaslim

I've ridden the 28 paselas and liked them but now I am really liking the Challenge Strada Bianca (30mm). They also make a 27mm called Paris Roubaix if 30 is too wide for your bike.

jtbadge

I have been running these on my Space Horse for a few months. Really fast and smooth. Highest quality tire I've laid hands on.

Robofunc

I've been running Grand Bois Cyprčs 700x32s for a little over a year on my main bike (80s sport touring converted to fixed). I love them.

max-a-mill

just an idea; splurge for a nice front tire and keep a beefier harder wearing one on the back.

A nice supple 28 up front does wonders for smoothing out the ride.

the back tire is usually where all the abuse happens so i opt for something cheaper and more durable back there. if your light you may be can probably do OK with a supple high end tire in back but IMHO if you're big like me those tires with paper thin casings are just gonna leave you stranded with a ripped sidewall eventually if you are riding places where the asphalt isn't perfect.

AlmostTrick

I'm running the Compass Stampede Pass 32's on two bikes. They measured more like 29mm when first installed, so I see no reason to go any narrower. (have "grown" a bit by now, I'm sure) By far my favorite tires ever. Fast and comfy.

Robofunc

I weigh about 150 and ride on a mix of paved city roads and crappy brick city roads. My secret to supple tire longevity is brakes.

nightfly

Think I'll splurge on a pair of Chinook Passes in the spring or when my Paselas get a little more worn out. Thanks for the feedback. Besides the price, they sound great.

pyze-guy

100% agree. I love mine.