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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View Comments
@scaler911
Thanks Scaler.80 PSI sounds good for a beach cruiser.
The reason Contis don't feel the same is because all their tubulars use butyl inner tubes.Only Conti tubulars for Pro Racing Teams use latex.Use 15-20 PSI less in them comparing to Vittorias for more comfort.
I have to say though for daily riding they're good and durable.For example I have Continental Sprinter Gatorskin mounted at the moment and the rear tub is worn out,white threads are visible all over and no puncture.I run the rear at 120 PSI and the front at 110 PSI.Perfect outcome for a tubular-glue it well,wear it out without puncture,take it off and glue the new one.
@the Engine
If you use clinchers then 150 PSI is too much.
@TommyTubolare
Agreed - my back has begun to heal with the lower pressures.
Broke a spoke 5kms in to my evening ride today and I suspect that had something to do with previously overpressuring my tyres too.
I live and learn, hat angles, tyre pressures and bar tape cleaning methods all in one day...
@Nate
Loved the observation that a puncture-prone rider hits ever pothole in his path. I've had only 2 punctures in 10 years, perhaps I'm due a load but consider this. 1) Even on 28mm tyres (Gatorskins mainly), I check the pressure on nearly every ride. 2) I used to be a motorcyclist/courier and learned to scan the road or expect death.
After moving to Texas, I had a flat (thorn) within 4 days. The roads are harsh and the cycle trails are harsher. Asking a local how often he had flats, and being told around 200 miles, I was shocked. However, apart from my early thorn incident, pumping up for every ride and taking care seems to be working at 1000 miles here.
For comfort, I aim for 88 rear, 84 front on 28mm and weigh 195 lbs.
Final update on my Rubino Pro Techs. Great on smooth roads but cut much too easily on chip seal and small debris. Generated too much doubt to continue with them. Trying the Veloflex Corsa 23s that I had waiting in the wings. Right thumb blistered from putting these on the rims. Tighter fit than new Contis.
Need a little PSI advice from the more experienced cyclists. I don't trust the online calculators and 15% gobbledygook charts. What say you brotheren?
Me w/kit + Bike = 74kg.
PSI for Open Corsa 23's w/latex on dry days?
PSI for Open Pave 24's w/latex on dry days?
I've been running the Corsa's at 90F/95R and I don't pinch flat. I ride in mountainous terrain on well kept Japanese roads.
@bugleboy21
A bit late, but just saw this. I'm about your size and ride 100/100 in the corsa SC. The SC is so good, you don't need to have pave AND the corsa. The SC covers it all. I don't like a mushy feeling in the front tire when climbing or sprinting, so I keep it pretty high.
Say it ain't so, I'm hearing the pave tub and open pave are discontinued? Any word? Some suggest the new Corsa is its replacement, but I'm intrigued if it has exactly the same puncture protection or not?
@Beers
First off, this is bad news if true.
Secondly, if true, it sounds like we need to all go in on a group purchase on FMB's in order to get a discount!!! I'm sure that Frahnk can arrange it for us!
I was thinking the Corsa+ 28 was the replacement for the Paves, and I was lamenting the disappearance of the distinctive and hallowed green stripes. But it seems all is not yet final per the recent spotting some Vittoria prototypes.
I'm thinking the Veloflex Vlaanderen may be a good option for those of us who are tan sidewall tifosi and don't really need an uberfat tub. I will also watch to see how the new Corsas come to market.