RAGBRAI 2023 Tire Suggestions

5 replies · 413 views

TimmyR
147 posts
#1Feb 24, 2023, 1:51 PM
Hi all,

I am riding RAGBRAI this year on my Diverge. I currently live in NH and run 40c Pirelli Cinturato M (tubeless) tires almost everywhere. I am thinking I'd like to save a few watts across 500 miles but be prepared for the optional gravel day(s). I've been looking around at BicycleRollingResistance.com and figured I'd see what suggestions come up here. I have a few ideas in mind, but really no experience in long-distance riding like this across 7-days.

Thanks for any and all ideas.

Cheers,

Timmy
0
GuitarTed
25 posts
#2Feb 24, 2023, 7:39 PM
If you like Pirelli's go with the Cinturato H. Iowa secondary roads can be pretty rough, and our gravel here will suit the H model well. I use them here and they work really nicely. Additionally, you'll have a burly tire that should not flat. Unless you plan on racing in pace lines, (not recommended, this is a FUN ride, not about going 'fast'), then the security of having a tire that can tame gravel and be flat resistant while being easy to maintain along a week long tour is best, in my estimation.

But as these types of threads go, the suggestions will pile up with religious fervor. So, use whatever you feel good about. There really are not many "bad" choices. Typical Iowa gravel scene for reference.
1
TimmyR
147 posts
#3Feb 24, 2023, 8:27 PM
Thanks @GuitarTed I was ready to buy the Cinturato H tires and ran across a rash of puncture complaints. I’m happy to hear a positive review of them from you.
Cheers,

Timmy
0
Pipeliner
129 posts
#4Jun 1, 2023, 1:05 PM
GuitarTed wrote:If you like Pirelli's go with the Cinturato H. Iowa secondary roads can be pretty rough, and our gravel here will suit the H model well. I use them here and they work really nicely. Additionally, you'll have a burly tire that should not flat. Unless you plan on racing in pace lines, (not recommended, this is a FUN ride, not about going 'fast'), then the security of having a tire that can tame gravel and be flat resistant while being easy to maintain along a week long tour is best, in my estimation.

But as these types of threads go, the suggestions will pile up with religious fervor. So, use whatever you feel good about. There really are not many "bad" choices. Typical Iowa gravel scene for reference.
Man, you ripped a mean cookie with your bike there.
0
stu
646 posts
#5Jun 1, 2023, 1:50 PM
TimmyR wrote:
Thanks @GuitarTed I was ready to buy the Cinturato H tires and ran across a rash of puncture complaints. I’m happy to hear a positive review of them from you.
Cheers,

Timmy
I've had too many punctures with the Cinturato H but those were all from glass on pavement. The Cinturato H might have good puncture resistance on gravel, which is not that sharp.
0
TimmyR
147 posts
#6Jun 1, 2023, 1:57 PM
Thanks! I ultimately landed on GravelKing SS (38). They are going on the bike next week.

I appreciate the feedback.
0

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