Pimp My Sirrus - What tyres/brakes/guards etc

[StaffCycler]

Recently, I realised that I had made some bad buying decisions on bikes (that's now been rectified) and have pared my collection down to just one: my barely used Sirrus. The reason it is barely used, despite owning it for a couple of years, is because I couldn't use it anywhere other than smooth roads. (And I got injured and lazy for a while) Now, I want to it use it for general commuting/adventure riding on road, canal path, dirt, and gravel tracks. I thought I should make the most of this bike as it fits well and is 90% there rather than splashing out and getting another bike.

So, I'd like to replace the current road slicks with something more versatile. I am assuming a pair of cyclocross tyres would be the right choice here? What would you guys suggest? The current tyres are 700x32 and I'd like to go up to 35's. I'm not fussed about all-out speed. Comfort and ability/puncture resistance are far more important.

I'd also like to fit front and rear mud guards: the bike has the attachments but I don't know really what I'm looking for here.

For brakes, the bike came with basic V-brakes and I'm not convinced about the cheap pads. Can anyone recommend a good quality set that will be good for varying conditions?

Finally, I'd like to add some more riding positions to the flat bar for when I do longer rides. Are bar ends what most people use? If so, are there particular kinds that are popular/proven?

Thanks! Any help much appreciated.

 

[vickster]

Ergon GP3 grips with bar ends rock

M+ or Durano + tyres

SKS Chromoplastic guards (get the LBS to fit those and the tyres)!

Never had to replace brake pads, but the Koolstop salmon options seem popular

Fit a topeak rack and slidy bag for commuting

 

[Nibor]

I use Scwalbe Landcruiser 2016 in 35 mm on my hybrid and they are an excellent compromise for low rolling resistance on the raod and being grippy on dirt they have excellent P******* resistance too. They can also be inflated to 80 PSI which is a big plus if you are going to be on tarmac all day.

 

[vickster]

Another thing on the brakes. Keep the rims really clean, babywipes are excellent for the job, Pampers sensitive ones from Poundland work a treat!

 

[MichaelW2]

CX knobbly tyres will wear down rapidly on the road. Standard Marathon tyres in 35mm can cope with most off-road.
SKS chromoplastic 'guards.
You can fit bar ends, ergons, or replace the flats with trekking/butterfly style.

 

[StaffCycler]

Thanks for the suggestions, everyone.

I think M+ and Land Cruiser look more suitable for me. The Durano's look more slick than the Nimbus tyres currently fitted. I see that there's a Marathon Tour tyre -- that might be even better for me with the various surfaces I'll be riding on.

Ergon's look great -- I'll add those to my shopping list

On the mudguards, when choosing a size, is it correct to buy the size larger than the tyre? For example, if I'm using 700x35 tyres, I should order the 700x45 guard?

 

[Supersuperleeds]

I use Marathon Plus 28s on my Sirrus, ride over everything and anything on them.

 

[Drago]

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Agree with @vickster regarding the pads, koolstops are great pads.

Re riding position, I'm thinking of putting some bar ends on my Sirrus, but haven't got round to looking at anything yet

 

[outlash]

If it's 'light' off road trails you're planning on doing, perhaps a set of semi-slicks may be good for you. I've used Schwalbe Sammy slicks and CX pro tyres for this and they both work fine.

 

[raleighnut]

View attachment 136377

I want some of those for my Trike.

 

[Diggs]

I picked up a set of Continental TourRide for my Tricross when I did a mixed surface ride earlier this year, as the slicks I was usuing were a bit skitish off tarmac.
They did ok I guess very similar to the Land Cruiser.

 

[MarkF]

Ergon GP3 grips with bar ends rock

M+ or Durano + tyres

SKS Chromoplastic guards (get the LBS to fit those and the tyres)!

Never had to replace brake pads, but the Koolstop salmon options seem popular

Fit a topeak rack and slidy bag for commuting

Like all that.

I've used M+'s on all my hybrids since 2007, 32/'s & 35's and not suffered one puncture, I haven't carried repair kit in years.

I picked up a set of Continental TourRide for my Tricross when I did a mixed surface ride earlier this year, as the slicks I was usuing were a bit skitish off tarmac.
They did ok I guess very similar to the Land Cruiser.

Can't remember if I bought hybrid with those or the Tour Plus, but they wore quick, that's another thing, the first hybrid I shod with M+'s, still has the same original pair on, nearly a decade later and after many, many 1000's of miles. Lately I have been considering swapping the more worn back tyre to the front...........

 

[raleighnut]

Like all that.

I've used M+'s on all my hybrids since 2007, 32/'s & 35's and not suffered one puncture, I haven't carried repair kit in years.



Lately I have been considering swapping the more worn back tyre to the front...........

Bad idea swapping tyres 'front to back' just about anyone can ride out a catastrophic rear tyre failure but a front tyre going Most riders will be 'kissing' the tarmac even in a straight line.

 

[Booyaa]

Ergon GP3 grips with bar ends rock

M+ or Durano + tyres

SKS Chromoplastic guards (get the LBS to fit those and the tyres)!

Never had to replace brake pads, but the Koolstop salmon options seem popular

Fit a topeak rack and slidy bag for commuting

Did those on my bike, great choices.