-
This year I'm going to run two wheelsets - a tubeless set which will normally have intermediate tyres for the drier races, then a tubular set with mud tyres for lower-pressure, muddier days. I can then use the other wheelset as a backup in the pits, should I puncture.
Some people have entire libraries of wheels and tyre choices at home with something for every condition, others rely on one tyre for the entire season. If I was doing the latter I think I would select a mud tyre with a fast-running strip down the middle, such as the frequently mentioned Vittoria XL.
Cross season is less than a week away now! Here are September's races reasonably local to London:
3rd September: London League, Stanmer Park, Brighton
10th September: Eastern League, Chelmsford OR East Kent League, Sandwich
16th September: Eastern League, Langdon Hills, Near Basildon
17th September: London League, Herne Hill
23rd September: Central League, Welwyn Garden City
24th September: London League, Penshurst OR Eastern League, Northlands, near Basildon OR Three Peaks
30th September: Central League, Milton Keynes
1st October: London League, Stanmer Park OR Eastern League, Colchester
You are reading a single comment by @Jon. and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
Jon.
andyp
I think I learned a bit of a lesson at tonight's race... So far all the races I've done have been in the dry but today was a slick mud bath. The only upgrades are likely to make a meaningful difference to my speed are a decent set of grippy tyres, a big improvement in handling ability, and some bigger balls.
I think I'll follow @fredtc's advice and just swap to a more cross oriented gearing and invest in some proper tyres for now - that will be the cheapest option. Then I'll maybe think about a dedicated CX bike if something cheap crops up.
I think I've just been dazzled by all the posh bikes at the front and a longing for some shiny new kit.
So, recommend me some nice grippy tyres. Do most people usually have several sets of tyres that they select on the day based on the conditions?