Bike Setup: Softride Powerwing 700 & ICE carbon frame
Summary: I bought a pair of these tires in the summer of 2003 and used them on by secondary bike (ICE). They were a huge improvement from my really old, really stock tires from a cheap Trek bike (I have no idea what they were). The Maxxis look good, rolled nice, and are great for cornering. Just lean into a corner a little and they grab and pull you right around. However, after about 300 miles I got a 1/4" gash through the meaty part of the tire, right on top. I haveno idea what I hit. I was on a smooth paved path, but obviously there was something. The tire cut, but then a wire or something from the tire itself (like the ply or tpi threads or something) poked down and popped my tube. And I can't find any way to repair the tire since it's an internal problem and not embedded debris. I won't be buying any more Maxxis.
Strengths: Excellent grip on cornering, roll nicely, 130 psi, cheap
Weaknesses: Puncture through the top part, causing internal damage
Similar Products Used: Michelin Pro Race
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Summary: I have been quite impressed with these tires especially their puncture resistance. The first flat on the front tire was after 1600 km and the rear only after 2800 km !!
I often ride around the Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) where unfortunately there is a lot of beer bottle glass and have yet to have a puncture due to glass with these tires.
Although the stated max pressure on the tire is 130 psi, I run typically 105-110 psi but top off my tire pressure every couple of days of riding.
They grip well in sharp turns but I have yet to ride them in the rain.
Strengths: Good puncture resistance. Grip well. Inexpensive. Look good.
Weaknesses: Some cracking of the sidewall rubber after 3 months of 1000 km /month use but this is more aesthetic.
Similar Products Used: Michelin, Hutchinson
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Bike Setup: Ridgeback Genesis Day 02, standard with FPD C13B clipless pedals.
Summary: Good tyres, plenty of grip, even in the wet. Stable. Lightweight and foldable. Rolling resistance feels very low.
Good looks (I used the black centre tread/grey side tread/black sidewall type). Also nice bright logos on the sidewall.
My rear tyre ended up with a massive piece of glass in it, which meant I had to bin the tyre. I wouldn't have expected any 700x23 tyre to resist that bit of glass though, as it left a one centimetre hole.
There were several other small pieces of debris in the tyre that had failed to penetrate and cause a puncture, so I guess puncture resistance is fairly good.
The tyre can feel pretty harsh when you approach 120psi.
Only problem is, I can't find Xenith tyres anywhere in the UK.
Strengths: Grip, light weight, good looks.
Weaknesses: Can't find any replacements in the uk....
Similar Products Used: Panaracer Stradius Pro
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