Normally The Keepers reserve our Reverence articles for products we’ve used for years, or with new stuff that has had at least six months of duty. Riding the cobbles of Belgium and Northern France can put most gear (and bodies) through six months of abuse in just a few weeks, so in this case the work these tyres have been put through there and in the months since qualifies them for a deserved earlier dose of Reverence.
Selecting what gear to run for the Cobbled Classics Keepers Tour wasn’t too hard a task; there are some things which just go with cobbles bikes like double wrapped bartape, alloy steerer fork and of course box section rims laced 3 cross. Tubular or clincher was about the only tough decision I had to make. I managed to find a cheap pair of Ambrosio tub rims, but as they were 36 hole it proved impossible to find a cassette hub in time for the tour. How bad could clinchers be? After all, Freddy Guesdon won Roubaix on clinchers in 97, and the Pavé boys would have spare wheels if something went terribly awry. It wasn’t the cobbles that would claim my clinchers, but the ham-fisted rock apes generously referred to by airlines as baggage handlers.
Choosing a tyre to run was probably the easiest task. It had to be Vittoria’s Open Pavé CG‘s, based on what I’d seen gracing Pro’s bikes in just about every edition of the Spring Classics I’d witnessed. The distinctive green herringbone tread stripe is as synonymous with these races as are crazed fans, beer and frites en mayo. Unfortunately the ‘Open Tubular’ doesn’t come in the 28mm width of it’s tubular brethren, but a 24mm version only. That extra mm wasn’t a lot but it was something. The real benefit of the tyres though is the 320TPI casing, yeilding a super smooth ride on any surface. Coupled with Vittoria’s Latex inner tubes, the feel of cushioning under the bike is definitely noticeable. Over all of the 21 secteurs we rode on the way to Roubaix, then another 15 of the worst a few days later, topped with a full complement of Flandrian roads, I only once feared I might hear the dreaded hiss from my tyres. Nailing an edge of a nasty cobble hard enough to feel the rock hitting the rim, the tyre bounced off and the slippery latex tube stayed intact. On return to NZ, I inspected the tyres for damage and was surprised and delighted to find nary a nick or any signs of wear.
I’ve been riding the Pavés ever since the Tour, and don’t want to swap them out at least until the Kiwi winter is over. The ride continues to impress with their sheer suppleness (dare I say souplesse?) over rough surfaces. They aren’t the lightest or fastest rolling, but neither am I. For summer I think I’ll try the lighter Corsa Evo SC‘s, which look just as cool with their tan sidewalls and are another Pro favourite. And if you’re worried about a green stripe clashing with your bike’s paint job, I think there should be a Rule #8 ammendment that the only coloured tyre allowed on any bike, due to it’s unrivalled heritage, is the venerable and now ReVered Open Pavé CG.
Thanks to Graeme at Cycle Sport NZ for his generosity in supplying the tyres and tubes.
[dmalbum path=”/velominati.com/content/Photo Galleries/brettok@velominati.com/Open Pav/”/]
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Whoah, format control on a coffee break.....
@the Engine Yes to both your back complaint and, more importantly, to the risk of high-speed Pyrenean blowouts!
There recall reading of quite a few tests where a they found that while a tyre at 160psi doesn't offer lower rolling-resistance (nevermind cornering traction), it feels faster since we associate bumpiness with speed.
I had a go last month at a 404 Firecrest, instead of my usual PRO RC50. The difference was far, far too big to call a placebo effect - it was as big as the difference between box-sections and the RC50. Worth keeping an eye on a set of ENVE Smarts or the new Bontragers, too. Wide aero rims are absolutely real.
I wonder one thing about air-loss in latex tubes: With my butyls, the ones with sealant lose practically nothing. My rear #1 hasn't been pumped in at least two months and still feels as solid as when I pumped to 105psi. The front, without sealant, needs a pumping every few days. I guess latex tubes respond the same way - but will they lose their ride-quality as a result?
@Oli
@Oli - if that's your opinion then I will take it very seriously
@snoov Higher thread count also makes tires more flat susceptible. So while Open Corsa will be a smoother tire, it is also more flat prone. I have a friend who rides Vittoria Diamante (1 step below the OC, 1 above Rubino). We ride the same roads, same trashy shoulders, etc. and he flats more often than I do. My son started out riding really crappy CSTs with 25 TPI, he never flatted under conditions when I would. Luck of the draw, random chance, maybe. I think you choose tires based on application and look to split the difference between performance and durability. For racing application, look at performance and training rides looking for durability. For you guys looking at the 200 on 100, its about the trade off and what you are willing to give up in performance to keep rolling and finish the ride.
@Gotta Ride Today
Thanks GRT, I think I'll stick with the Rubinos, haven't had a puncture yet.
I have a theory about punctures, some riders get way more than others on similar equipment, how can that be?
While out on a run a month or so ago we met this guy on his own and I asked him if he'd like to join us. He'd never ridden with anyone and I suggested he get on a wheel at the back to experience the buzz of drafting, needless to say he loved it and to his credit wanted to take a turn in the wind. He'd said that he gets a lot of punctures and when I got behind him I knew why. He seemed to roll straight over every bit of road I'd avoid without a care in the world. I didn't mention it to him as I felt it'd be rude on the first meeting. It's maybe because I'm an extreem sports veteran because on BMXs and Skateboards I'd always be looking for either a fun lip to pop off or a little stone that might stop me dead or give me a puncture. If there's a coin on the street I expect to see it if I might not pick it up.
Another guy on the club run was in front of me when the shout came "car on" and he was pretty much riding on the white line in the middle of the road. I thought he'd move over but he didn't then as the car nearly hit him he looked back at me with a smile and said, "That was much closer than I thought it was gonna be." And he rolled over so many potholes ignoring hand signals from in front that I decided to be very wary of him, in fact I avoid his wheel if I can.
I'm not saying folks around here who puncture often are similar to these two guys it's maybe I'm just lucky that the roads around here are pretty good, plenty of chip seal though.
@snoov
It makes no sense but I wonder if there is an equipment aspect too. I may jinx myself by saying this, but I have never had a flat on my #2 and it has 15-20 k on it, with a variety of wheelsets and tires. It's also aluminum, so it's not like the frame has any give. On my #1 I've had maybe 1/2 dozen flats; it probably has 8k on it. Probably it's just random chance, but I occasionally wonder about it.
@frank
I had no argument with you on the Anti-V moment -- I was more interested in geeking out about Vaughters' wine collection. Speaking of wine, you might need more than one drink to wait for me to come around on tire pressure.
@frank
That is an OUTRAGE!!!!!!! It's called a mangina. And eventually you will stop riding your f'ing bikes at 120psi. FFS. And then the teary apologies to Nate and me. It may not be this season or this century, but it will be sweet.
@the Engine
"Could it be related to the tyre pressure/rough road combo with the new Carbone?"
Hell yes, your back is being vibrated, go down to 110psi and see how it feels. Better yet, your next set of tyres should be 25mm, ride 'em at 100psi or less. Then, my friend, you will be singing Danny Boy. Once you go 25, you will never have sex with white women again, or something like that.