Schwalbe
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I'm using this on my cross/gravel/touring bike as a road set. I went with 34 wide and had challenges getting them to set on HED Ardennes + rim brake rims with an internal width of 21. Wound up putting a tube in them for a couple days to stretch them out so they would be closer to the rim and that did the trick. Compressor and surge pump w/ soap initially didn't do the trick. Worked great on a century yesterday until I picked up some items to weigh down my pannies and the rear tire got a little squishy at max inflation. Not gonna fault them for this though but worth mentioning if you're considering the same. Look and roll great and I continue to be impressed with Schwable tires.
I only have a few miles on them, but will forget if I don't do a preliminary review. Schwalbe recommends a 40km break-in on blacktop before putting them to work.
Although it is supposed to snow for a week, it was balmy in the 40s today, which melted all the ice. I could only find a little snowpack next to a parking lot to ride through. I had excellent traction, though ruts were a bit of a challenge. On dry pavement, the tires make a sizzling sound. I did not find it annoying. The front tire is not quite so confident as an unstudded tire, but not a problem.
These neighborhood streets needed a chip-seal a decade ago, and are covered with loose aggregate. Where the material is thicker, the front tire gets quite squirrely. The material is something to avoid, if possible.
I was looking for a hybrid type semi-aggressive tread for year-round use. I was sold on the GT 365 until I saw pictures of the lugs tearing the outer layer of tread, exposing the puncture protection. I had actually considered that because you cannot vulcanize rubber to dissimilar materials. It is my belief it is the Achilles heel of puncture resistant tires. The moderate lugs of the Winter tire should prevent that problem through much less leverage of the lugs.
I used to live in a warmer climate, and no mitigation, however extreme, could allow me to skip airing up the tires daily. Goatheads profoundly affect choices in some regions. We may have 6 or 7 months of winter, here, but goatheads cannot survive.
I have had 2 flats in 20 years. I have the luxury of using ordinary tires, and did not value the puncture resistance of these tires.
What I considered:
Adequate tread for commuting and recreational riding on light snow, glare ice, black ice, and 2 track roads/trails. Lower psi range for comfortable riding. Reflective strip is a plus. Though only 1 in a thousand want one, I usually only consider tires with a dynamo track. These Winter tires have an almost vestigial mini dynamo track composed of tiny ribs inside a slightly proud border. One thumb up, one down. Fortunately, my bottle dynamos employ rubber rollers, which seems adequate. The real test will require rain. Any dynamo track is better than nothing. Not a deal breaker, not even for a dynamo light freak.
I am unable to test for the actual raison d'etre of these tires for a day or 2, but am confident they will prevent spills and wipeouts if I am cautious. At my age, it is cheap insurance. 2 weeks ago, I barely prevented a slide into oncoming. Naturally, the oncoming car was doing about 40 in a 30 on glare ice. The Winter tires are much like my heavy but beloved 10 year old all terrain tires, but with magnificent sharp studs. If not for the extreme price differential, I would have chosen the fully studded model. I thinker younger and more energetic riders should consider choosing the Winter Plus, but this tire will get the job done. I believe this tire is a good value. I could have avoided 2 spills and scared witless if I had bought them last fall. Buy a set, and buy right here at BTD.
Like any other thing in life you buy, you get what you pay for. These are the top of the line, premium tubeless road tire and what you will get is a smooth, controlled ride with excellent puncture protection. Orange Seal Endurance sealant is what I use and I have nothing but a good experience with the combination. Be aware, it might take a little time for the casing to really seal up good upon initial installation, but once it seals pressure loss is minimal between weekly rides.
We have been using these tires set up tubeless for several years now with overall great results. A few times, due to lack of availability, we had to use other brands (Goodyear and Pirelli) which were both not good experiences for many reasons. These tires set up easily, offer good grip year round, and last have routinely lasted several months at a time with mileage ranging between 3-5K per year. Barring the rare significant cuts caused by larger road debris, durability has been wonderful. Even all but one of those larger holes were remedied by a tire plug or sealant only and lasted in normal use just fine.