The perfect cross tyre is just as capable on hard surfaces as it is on loose forest soil, in deep mud holes and on gravel. It rolls easily and comfortably on any surface, repels punctures of all kinds - and of course doesn't wear out. Unfortunately, there is no such miracle tyre yet - the demands on rolling rubber are too complex for it to be possible in the foreseeable future to reconcile sometimes contradictory properties such as the best possible traction and grip, minimal rolling resistance, high puncture protection and a long service life. Therefore, every tyre is inevitably a compromise in which certain qualities dominate and others have to take a back seat. This applies even more to cross-country tyres than to road tyres due to the constantly changing terrain. Cross-country racers at least know a way out of this dilemma: they explore the course before each race and then choose the tyre that is best suited to the respective ground conditions. Hobby crossers, on the other hand, who usually only have one set of wheels, need all-rounders instead of specialists: tyres with the widest possible range of uses. For the test, we asked the manufacturers to send us the tyres with the best all-round properties from their range.
SHORT & SHORT
All twelve tyres are proven cross-country specialists, and none of them really disappointed. But there are clear differences: some are more in their element on dry, fast courses, while others are stronger on deep ground. The test letters reveal which tyre is the right one for your needs.
You can find these cross tyres in the PDF download:
- Folding tyre:
Challenge Grifo 32
Continental Cyclocross Race
Hutchinson Bulldog CX 700x34c
Michelin Cyclocross Mud2 700x30c
Schwalbe Racing Ralph
Vittoria Cross XG Pro
Vredestein Premiato
- Tubular tyres:
Challenge Grifo 32 Tubular
Continental Cyclocross World Cup
Schwalbe Racing Ralph Tubular
Tufo Flexus Primus 34
Vittoria Cross Evo XG
Downloads:
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