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Trying to get my head round CRC's varied and incorrect product descriptions, I now have a set of 35mm Cyclo-X Kings in the non-black chilli compound.
Disappointing as I remember being really impressed with Black Chilli when I used it on my MTB tyres years ago.
Buuuut.... It seems the black chilli version is only available in 32mm.
Since I'm new to CX, and still over 80kg, I kind of feel the extra volume of a 35mm might be more useful than the extra stickiness of a 32mm.
Anyone else with any experience of these tyres?
Ta
I would assume that the Black chilli compound is gor their performance tyre which means it's aimed at cx racers and so can be a maximum of 33mm. In the cx races I do their is an official at the start line checking tyre widths.
Never had my tyres checked at a regional level. I guess they do at national level?
I rode with those tyres last season. I found them a good tyre. It wasn't that muddy for me but I don't run full mud tyres anyway.
I doubt you'll notice, I certainly don't on the mtb versions. Tyre pressure makes more of a difference which is why people ride tubs still. If it is dry then you'll be running them firm and have good grip anyway. When it is wet and sloppy it is more about the tread design than the material in my opinion. The 35mm will allow you to run slightly lower pressure and therefore get more grip than the 33. Compensating for the compound.
Also if you are new to CX racing then you need to realise grip is relative, when you are riding an off camber wet clay slope a 35mm tyre is never going to offer you the grip of a 2.4" mtb tyre.
Haha, yeah good advice, I'd come round to a similar conclusion actually, what I'm enjoying most of my 'training' is the constant sideways action!
I'll not be troubling the sharp end of the field on my 29er with a 38t ring so think I'll stick with the 35s...
If you find you aren't getting grip then look at a different tyre. Tubs and tubeless offer lower pressure and better grip. I'm switching to Clement PDX this year for racing and using my old cyclo-x kings for general riding.