Tires for cyclocross bike

Asked by: Robert Hill

How do I choose a cyclocross tire?

Quote from video: But the cyclocross. Guys people are just fanatic about choosing the right tire. And the right tread to go along with it and the right you know for all the the conditions the soil conditions.

Can you put road tires on a cyclocross bike?

In all seriousness though, it’s perfectly acceptable to ride your cyclocross bike as a road bike and just use a spare set of wheels with narrower road tires.

What is a cyclocross tire?

What is a cyclocross tire? Cyclocross tires are very similar to road tires, but a little wider (never exceeding 33 millimeters). These can be almost flat (with a small pattern, similar to those on the road) or have small studs to give a better grip on muddy surfaces (most common).

What size are cyclocross tyres?

Cyclo-cross tyres are typically 28-35 mm wide, compared to the 23-28 mm width of road tyres. For UCI sanctioned events the maximum width allowed is 33 mm. However, at your local cross race, you can certainly go wider than this.

How many psi should a cyclocross tire be?

For clinchers, you’ll be looking at the 40-50 psi range. Tubeless will be down in the 30-40 range, and tubulars are often below or around 30 psi. Theses are just reference points, of course, as pressures depend on the course conditions, the rider’s weight and riding style, and the tires themselves.

What PSI should cyclocross tires be?

Start with a pressure range of 25 to 40psi (pounds per square inch). Lighter riders can err on the low side to start, and heavier riders to the higher side. Write down your starting pressure. Remember to be careful when you detach the pump from the valve so as to not inadvertently let out extra pressure.

Is a cyclocross bike as fast as a road bike?

On flat surfaces, a road bike is faster than a cyclocross bike. You can hit speeds of around 55 kph on average while riding a road bike whereas a cyclo-cross bike mostly stays in the range of 48-50 kph. However, of course terrain will have a big impact on the speeds of the two types of bike.

Can you ride gravel on a cyclocross bike?

The short answer is, yes, you can. Cyclists regularly bring out their cyclocross bike for their favorite gravel road ride, and, in a pinch, a gravel bike will work decently enough on the cyclocross course to get you to the finish line.

What’s the difference between a gravel bike and a cyclocross?

Most gravel bikes feature a more relaxed geometry than cyclocross bikes, designed for days of riding rather than an hour or so, and for tackling rougher trails. This enhanced emphasis on comfort tends to give a shorter reach and more upright body position.

How wide can cyclocross tires be?

Competitors in UCI races and US national championships are limited to a maximum 33mm tire width—this includes any portion of the tread too. That’s also the width we’d recommend for pretty much any race.

Are wider tires better?

There’s a reason why the majority of cars have wide rather than narrow tires. Overall, wider tires are better for dry surfaces and for high-performance vehicles. Greater surface area allows for better day-to-day traction and durability.

When should I replace my cyclocross tires?

3: Tread Wear



An easy way to figure out if tires need to be replaced is based on the way the tread looks. For knobby MTB, cyclocross, or gravel tires, you can tell that the tires are worn when the knobs on the centerline are filed down to the point that they no longer provide traction.

Should you fill tires to max PSI?

Your tires’ max PSI almost always exceeds the recommended pressure. It isn’t advisable to fill your tire to this pressure for everyday driving. At max PSI, your car does not handle as well, braking is impaired, and you could risk dangerous blowouts.

Can you put mountain bike tires on a road bike?

The 26-inch wheels on most mountain bikes are not compatible with road bike frames. However, the introduction of 29-inch mountain bike wheels, which are the same diameter as the road bike’s 700c wheels, means there is potential for interchangeability.

What PSI should my bike tires be at?

80 to 130 psi

Proper tire pressure lets your bike roll quickly, ride smoothly, and avoid flats. Narrow tires need more air pressure than wide ones: Road tires typically require 80 to 130 psi (pounds per square inch); mountain bike tires, 25 to 35 psi; and hybrid tires, 40 to 70 psi.

How wide can cyclocross tires be?

Competitors in UCI races and US national championships are limited to a maximum 33mm tire width—this includes any portion of the tread too. That’s also the width we’d recommend for pretty much any race.

Can I put cyclocross tires on a mountain bike?

So yes, you can buy cyclocross wheels and run them on your mountain bike as long as they are for disc brakes.

What’s the difference between gravel and cyclocross bikes?

Most gravel bikes feature a more relaxed geometry than cyclocross bikes, designed for days of riding rather than an hour or so, and for tackling rougher trails. This enhanced emphasis on comfort tends to give a shorter reach and more upright body position.

What are file tread tires?

File-tread tires:



File tread tires are great for dry grass courses and dry dirt. Many file tread tires feature a small shoulder with knobs which assist in cornering traction, have low rolling resistance and work great… until they don’t.

When should I replace my cyclocross tires?

3: Tread Wear



An easy way to figure out if tires need to be replaced is based on the way the tread looks. For knobby MTB, cyclocross, or gravel tires, you can tell that the tires are worn when the knobs on the centerline are filed down to the point that they no longer provide traction.

What tires should I put on my gravel bike?

Mountain bike tire



Some gravel bikes are capable of fitting 650b or 29” mountain bike tires. These are good for the roughest roads and trails possible on a gravel bike, or riders who simply want the extra comfort and traction of higher volume tires. Fast-rolling XC mountain bike tires are the best choice.