I'm converting my cross racing bike over to a gravel grinder for this summer. I'm looking for a good gravel worthy tire to go along with it. Issues I'm running into is that... 1) the bike will only hold a 32 or 33 tire 2) want it to be tubeless ready or at least able to set up that way 3) looking for some added sidewall/flat protection as I don't mind the weight but hate flats
Having trouble finding something that seems to work on all fronts. If it helps I'll be doing the Dirty Kanza this summer as an example of what I'm gearing up the bike for...
Specialized also offers a 33c Trigger in a tubeless version. Maybe a bit too big depending on the wheel though. The 38c version of this tire was developed a few years back for a multiple time DK winner.
Thanks those are all in the right line of thinking. - With the Trigger I saw that only the 38 has the extra protection against flats. Wonder how sturdy the trigger side wall is? - Someone told me that the Clements are a great tire but they worried that tire has a thin side wall?
asjeffrey wrote:Update - I just found out that the Clement MSO is only tubeless in a 36 and not the 32. That's disappointing.
Right now it looks like the Trigger is winning...
The Trigger isn't a bad option and you certainly have thought about the ramifications of less sidewall protection. They do roll nice though. The Bontrager CXO could be on your list. 33mm, tubeless ready and they aren't built super thin to appease the weight weenies. The review seems to praise them for durability and versatility. A Kenda Happy Medium with the KSCT in a 32 is true (enough) to size and the sidewall is fairly thick....but Kenda has notoriously slow rolling rubber. The time saved in rolling resistance over a few hours would easily offset a tire repair. Continental's Black Chili version of the 32mm CycloXKing worked fine tubeless at gravel pressures, but burpy at lower CX pressures. That's also fast rubber and they have lots of grip. It's all a tradeoff!
asjeffrey wrote:Update - I just found out that the Clement MSO is only tubeless in a 36 and not the 32. That's disappointing.
Right now it looks like the Trigger is winning...
Ahhh, good catch. I read that before but it slipped my mind when I posted yesterday.
Also true about the Trigger 32 being less puncture proof than the 38. I raced the 33 Trigger in a bunch of early season 'cross races here in the Seattle area and it held up fine. Of course we don't have the Flint Hills flint to deal with!
Clement makes the USH in a tubeless 32. Can't comment on the sturdiness on Midwest gravel but a friend has had good success w/his on SoCal trails and dirt.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions - final update. I've decided to go with the Clement in a 36. I know I originally said only a max of 32.
I should note, that the reason I can't fit any more than that is due to my Canti brakes only open up about 32mm because they hit the fork/frame and leave that amount of space.
I've been convinced that since I don't take my wheel on and off much and (this is a big hope) if I can remember to not pump up the tire all the way before I fix a flat I have plenty of frame clearance otherwise on the bike.
