Yes, this has gone OT, but I'm gonna bite anyway!
Well the 1.8" Nobby Nic up front is doing a sterling job. No flats yet.
It's a substantially thicker carcass than the Ron, stiffer and more puncture proof.
Have you actually tried narrow tyres or are you just guessing? I've had everything from 2.3" to 1.8" and am getting on with narrow tyres much better.
Yes thanks, I have some 1.5" Black Shark Muds in my tyre arsenal which are actually good in the mud, also used 1.5" Cross Countries, 1.8" Nics and Sauserwinds.
They roll very well, they cut through mud, they shed dirt quickly and they are very light indeed.
Which are? The Rons have less tread, so you'll cut through the mud (is that really necessary for a summer tyre?) but you won't have the tread to actually get any grip!
The 1.8" Nic is a reasonable choice for a winter tyre if you don't live anywhere too rooty/rocky IMO, the Ron isn't.
Okay but why are others recommending MTB (not cx) tyres without any snidey comments from you or others then?
Because the Ralph, Speed King etc are available in 700c, as is the Ron actually, but the 26×1.85" is not a CX size!