Winter Road Tyres

[smutchin]

Given that it's an alu frame on the CX rather than the steel I'm used to, and that all other components are inferior, I can only assume that it's the beefier 35mm tyres that are conveying this comfort advantage? I guess it might also be in part due to the CX frame being designed to provide more flex for off-road shock absorption whereas the roadie is designed for stiffness and power transfer?

Reviews I've seen of the Team CX suggest exactly the opposite - ie that it's a stiff, aggressive frame. And tbh, this is exactly what you'd expect (hope) from a cross bike, which is (should be) designed for racing on technical courses with lots of tight, fast corners. Cross bikes have more in common with road (racing) bikes than MTBs.

So, yes, the comfort you're experiencing is definitely from the tyres - and if you're used to riding 25mm, it's no surprise that you'll notice a huge difference with 35mm tyres. You should be running them at much lower pressure than a skinny tyre as well - maybe 60psi on the road, lower off road.

32mm is a good size for a road tyre and with the increasing popularity of 'adventure' bikes, there should be a lot more of this kind of tyre available now. The Clement X'Plor USH in 35mm is another that's well worth considering - quite similar to the Marathon Deluxe. http://clementcycling.com/ush

 

[EasyPeez]

Reviews I've seen of the Team CX suggest exactly the opposite - ie that it's a stiff, aggressive frame. And tbh, this is exactly what you'd expect (hope) from a cross bike, which is (should be) designed for racing on technical courses with lots of tight, fast corners. Cross bikes have more in common with road (racing) bikes than MTBs.

So, yes, the comfort you're experiencing is definitely from the tyres - and if you're used to riding 25mm, it's no surprise that you'll notice a huge difference with 35mm tyres. You should be running them at much lower pressure than a skinny tyre as well - maybe 60psi on the road, lower off road.

32mm is a good size for a road tyre and with the increasing popularity of 'adventure' bikes, there should be a lot more of this kind of tyre available now. The Clement X'Plor USH in 35mm is another that's well worth considering - quite similar to the Marathon Deluxe. http://clementcycling.com/ush

Thanks - I am learning so much by using this site and really appreciate people like you taking the time to help relative newcomers to the world of road cycling.
The CX knobblies are currently at 75psi as opposed to 110psi on my roadie.
I think my road bike is especially stiff - certainly it seems to compared to my friend's Synapse that I had a go on; his gave a much softer ride. But yes, I can see how stiffness in a CX frame would make sense, so it's good to know that the comfort in my case is coming from the tyres. It would be interesting sometime to put my 25mm Contis onto the CX actually to see how the frames feel comparatively for stiffness and comfort; I'll have to try that if I get a quiet day some time this decade!

I hear what you're saying about 32mm - that would be my ideal choice I think for speed/comfort/mudguard acceptance and was one of the reasons the Supremes appealed. Sadly the Deluxe only come in 35mm or above but I think overall it sounds like they are going to be better winter tyres than the Supremes.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Thanks - I am learning so much by using this site and really appreciate people like you taking the time to help relative newcomers to the world of road cycling.
The CX knobblies are currently at 75psi as opposed to 110psi on my roadie.
I think my road bike is especially stiff - certainly it seems to compared to my friend's Synapse that I had a go on; his gave a much softer ride. But yes, I can see how stiffness in a CX frame would make sense, so it's good to know that the comfort in my case is coming from the tyres. It would be interesting sometime to put my 25mm Contis onto the CX actually to see how the frames feel comparatively for stiffness and comfort; I'll have to try that if I get a quiet day some time this decade!

I hear what you're saying about 32mm - that would be my ideal choice I think for speed/comfort/mudguard acceptance and was one of the reasons the Supremes appealed. Sadly the Deluxe only come in 35mm or above but I think overall it sounds like they are going to be better winter tyres than the Supremes.

@EasyPeez

My Deluxes do look chunky because of the tread but to hell with that - they do a great job. Maybe I am just insensitive as I don't really notice all the things I am supposed to notice from reading forums re spec' changes. I can detect no difference between the 'speed' of my Supremes vs Deluxes despite the enormous (haha) 3mm difference.

Had a quick ride on a friends Boardman Team Carbon (nice bike at a v.good price) on 23mm Conti's a couple of weeks back and they were a nightmare after having ridden a chubbier tyre for some time - really uncomfortable ride and did not inspire confidence on a downhill gritty bend. They 'hop' about on loose chippings which feels *loody awful.

BTW: I am 13.5 stone and run my Deluxes at 6 Bar rear and 5.5 bar front - nice and smooth ride, don't squirm on bends and loads of grip. On the Schwalbe site there is a calculator that indicates tyre pressure in relation to tyre diameter and rider weight.

Safe riding to you.