2017 Buyer’s guide: Road tires
Find a tire for any occasion with our top 5 road cycling tire picks in our 2017 Buyer's Guide.
A. Maxxis Ravager $90
The Ravager is Maxxis’ most aggressive gravel tire. The tread takes its cues from the company’s mountain bike models with square centre knobs and large cornering knobs. Combine that pattern with the 40c width, and you have great traction as you take your drop-bar bike on bumpy adventures. The 120 t.p.i. model weighs 485 g. Its dual-compound rubber has the company’s eXO protection at the sidewalls to keep cuts at bay.
RELATED: 2017 buyer’s guide: Rain jackets
B. Schwalbe One $96
For roughly two years, Schwalbe’s flagship road tire has been One. For 2017, the tire gets a new tread design. Also, the OneStar triple compound has been improved. It features a fast rolling rubber in the centre, a grippier compound at the sides and a base layer that keeps things rolling smoothly. Schwalbe’s V-Guard puncture-resistant material sits between the rubber and the casing. V-Guard strikes a good balance between weight and durability. The 25c model comes in black or with blue, red or white stripes.
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C. Continental Gator Hardshell $85
Continental Gator Hardshell is a classic that blends durability with road racing performance. A polyester fibre called PolyX Breaker sits under the rubber along the centre of the tire to add puncture resistance. A polyamide fabric, DuraSkin, bolsters the sidewalls. The Gator’s sizes range from 23c to 32c. The 25c foldable model weighs 270 g.
D. IRC Aspite Pro $90
IrC’s Aspite Pro tire, 26c, boasts added grip and lower rolling resistance with its new compound. On top of the 180 t.p.i. casing is the X-Guard belt, which runs from bead to bead to improve cut resistance. The tire also has aero fins that smooth the transition from sidewall to wheel rim to decrease air turbulence for better aerodynamics.
E. Kenda Valkyrie Pro $95
The Valkyrie Pro is an ultra-light, fast roller with Kenda’s r3C compound adding grip in the wet and a low overall rolling resistance. Puncture protection comes from a K-Armor belt just under the tread. The Valkyrie Pro available in widths ranging from 23c to 30c.
