A few months ago I bought a new Felt F65X Cyclocross bike and it came stock with Vittoria Cross XG Pro 700×32 tires (150tpi). Those tires looked like they would shed mud extremely well, but I was concerned about how well they would handle glass and road debris (I live in the Chicago area and broken glass is everywhere). After looking at several cyclocross tires I finally settled on a new set of Bontrager LT2 700C Hardcase Plus Tires.
Bontrager LT2 700C Hardcase Plus Tires
The Bontrager LT2 700C Hardcase Plus Tire is lightweight and has “triple flat protection.” Since I live in an area with a lot of broken glass on the roads I used to get a lot of flat tires, but that problem has almost entirely ceased since I put Bontrager Hardcase tires on several of my bikes. This tire is intended for use on paved streets and packed light trails. While not a true cyclocross tire, it does shed mud fairly well. Bontrager claims that the tread on this tire will last 50% longer than standard tire treads—I have put over 1,000 miles on this tires and they still look like brand new!
Bontrager LT2 700C Hardcase Plus Tires
The recommended tire pressure for the 700x35c tire is between 60 and 80psi. I am a larger rider so I keep the tires at 80psi when I’m on the road and 75psi when I’m on the trails. I am sure there are other tires on the market that would work just as well as these, but I have to tell you that I love these tires! One of my favorite off-road rides is a 60-mile route on the Des Plaines River Trail in Lake County, Illinois. The trail follows the Des Plaines River and is mainly crushed limestone—but when it rains it gets pretty muddy. In the past few months I’ve set several new personal time records on this trail and I think the Bontrager tires are part of the reason (the new Felt F65X didn’t hurt either).
The Bontrager LT2 700C Hardcase Plus Tire retails for around $45 and is covered by Bontrager’s unconditional 30-day performance guarantee (you’ll be satisfied, or they’ll take it back).
echo
September 9, 2013 at 12:27 AM
I ride on that path too, I think…I haven’t gotten to the part where it turns into limestone, but I’m pretty sure that’s the same one. Goes all the way up to Wisconsin?
All Seasons Cyclist
September 10, 2013 at 11:49 AM
The Des Plaines River Trail runs from the state line at Russell, Illinois down through Gurnee, Libertyville, and finishing up just south of Lincolnshire — and it is crushed limestone the entire way. You might be thinking of the McClory Bike Trail — it runs from the state line at Winthrop Harbor, down through Zion, Waukegan, North Chicago, past the Great Lakes Naval Base and then down through Lake Bluff and further south — this trail is crushed limestone from the state line to North Chicago (well, crushed limestone and broken glass), and it is paved from Great Lakes south. If you ever want to ride the Des Plaines River Trail drop me a note!
christov10
September 11, 2013 at 6:18 AM
I ride my road bikes on gravel and dirt where the roads end, from time to time, and think a cyclocross bike might make a good urban adventure/exploration machine. Just got to justify the expense…
Been using non-folding Continental Gatorskins for a couple of years in all temps Middle Tennessee has produced during that time, plus triple digits in Indiana summer before last on chip-and-seal. Great tires.
All Seasons Cyclist
September 11, 2013 at 10:18 PM
The folks at the bike shop told me that a lot of commuters use cyclocross bikes for their rides since they often have to ride on both paved streets and gravel trails.
Glad you like the GatorSkins as well!