Cyclocross tires for grass?
I see a lot of opinions and advice for tires to use for varying course conditions, in particular muddy and slow or hardpacked, dry and fast. However, I never see anything about grass, which comprises the bulk for ‘cross courses in Minnesota. Anyone have advice or can point me to advice about tires for grassy courses?
-Steven
December 18th, 2009 at 1:39 am
I have had really good luck with Hutchinson Bulldogs. I’ve been running them with tubes between 30 and 35 psi, although many run them tubeless. Very happy with traction on grass. Under hard cornering you can actually hear them ripping the grass.
December 18th, 2009 at 3:49 am
I used Challenge Grifo Tubulars for 80% of the MN races and Dugast Rhinos for the muddy days.
December 19th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I’ve had the best success on grass with tires that have a file tread in the center and a slightly aggressive shoulder.
The Ritchey Speedmax does well in this capacity.
Also, though not marketed as a CX tire, the Michelin Transworld Sprints work great on grass, and have a reflective sidewall which looks pretty cool in night race photos…
December 21st, 2009 at 1:28 am
I use the Ritchey Speedmax normally already. I was wondering if a traditional file tread would be good for grass; it would seem to be, but I’ve never heard that specifically recommended. Like a Grifo XS or similar. Or maybe even a Michelin Jet.
December 21st, 2009 at 3:58 am
Steven, I ran victtoria file treads on grass and LOVED them. They were fast on grass, not great in mud and wet grass.
FPA
December 22nd, 2009 at 3:50 am
Challenge Grifo Tubulars worked great for me. Just go a slow as you can on the psi.
January 5th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
hutchinson pirannas all the way!