A Blog about Tires.

Dear Readers,

I recognize that I have a tire problem. I like tires. I like to see the different treads, and I like finding ones that work really well for me. I have to admit one of my favorite things about cross is the geekiness that goes into what tires to run during a race, and when to change during a race.

I'll admit that to some extent I have transferred this to my mountainbikes. My bike came with a set of  specialized tires. They rolled well, especially once I had a chance to break them in, but I never could get the to corner they way I wanted. Todd (El Presidente) has said many times, the most important thing is to trust your tires. I never had that relationship with theses Specialized tires... (FTR I love my Specialized bike...)

Over the years I have developed some goto mountainbike tires. My favorite all around tire, and when conditions require a little more traction is the Maxxis Ignitor. My favorite "fast" tire, or what I usually run day to day here in the mecca of Newark is the Hutchinson Python. Yeah, it's an old tread, but it works really well. Rolls fast, and you can really lean on it in the corners. Hutchinson didn't bring this over to 29er right away, but let me tell you I was at the shop to pick up a set the day I saw them! I'll admit this last couple of years I have been a huge fan of the Geax AKA- large volume, fast rolling and I've enjoyed really leaning on them.

Last weekend, I knew I would be racing soon, and wanted to get the specialized tires off my bike. At the end of the ride when I tore the sidewall, it cemented the deal. I debated a bit about what I wanted to run for this spring season. Again, leaning back to cross the Clement tires have quickly become my favorites. I found myself gravitating to the PDX and MXP. They are  hands down the best cross tires I have used. They held up well, rolled fast and... they just worked. When I saw that Clement was doing a mtb tire, I'll admit I was skeptical...

I read that the tire has the PDX side knob, and a fast rolling newly developed center tread. I told myself to walk away, but I couldn't, my newly developed Clement obsession was too strong, and I found myself hitting "BUY NOW"...

Damn, lack of self control.

Mounted up the Clement LXV last night... Will likely bomb it around some fire-roads tonight, and with any luck put it through it's paces at the 4hrs of Patapsco this weekend.

Anyway, after reading that you probably need a second cup of coffee, because you know this is a blog about tires... I am giddy to try some new treads...

thanks for reading

respect
Vanderbacon..