Vredestein Campo Tire

Price Paid:  $30.00 at nashbar

Favorite Ride:
On a cold, wet day - away from traffic

Bike Setup:
Specialized Allez

Summary:
Now out of production, the Campo (came in 28 and 32 sizes) was a great old-school cyclocross tire (and has now been replaced by the wider 700x30/34 Premiato). With its narrower width, the campo was a traditional cyclocross tire reminding us that Cyclocross was invented by roadies. When I bought these from Nashbar they were filed under the Road tire category rather than the cross tire category. It is one of the best all-around tires that I have ever used. It has performed well for me in the snow, ice (!), sleet, rain, sun and mud. My commute includes stream crossings, mud, sand, beaten up pavement and road - the campos took the abuse of all of it and went over 2000 miles without a single flat. They handle well in corners and are the most reliable tire I have ever used. Since these are technically 'Cross tires, the tread wears down very quickly if you use these for commuting as well as cyclocross. They are also fairly quick for a cross tire. A great tire all the way around.

Strengths:
Incredible flat resistance. Superb handling in all conditions. 700x28 clincher sizing.

Weaknesses:
They are no longer in production. They have been replaced by the wider Premiato, which at 700x30 is still one of the narrowest Cross clincher tires on the market.

Similar Products Used:
Ritchey speedmax, Continental Gator skins, specialized roubaix

Price Paid:  $45.00 at biketiresdirect.com

Favorite Ride:
CCCP (CX Coyote Point)

Bike Setup:
1)Steelman Eurocross, Alpha-Q fork, FSA megaEXO, Paul NR/Touring
2)Richard Sachs CX, FSA megaEXO, Old school deore XT2

STI, Time ATAC

Summary:
I'm using the 32C version and this tire feels fast despite it's weight. It has a supple feel similar to TUFO T-C Elites, but with more sidewall durability and a better tread IMHO. This is a great all around CX tire though it is outperformed in real mud by the Ritchy Excavader and/or the Michelin Mud, which both feel slower overall. The durability of the Campo is excellent with good tread milage and puncture resistence. I've only punctured this once: a pinch flat when I hit a buried rock on a fast descent while training. It runs loose conditions well at about 50 psi, and hardpack at 70. I've even done a road ride with this tire at max 110 PSI and it feels like a heavy road tire with only a slight buzz.

Strengths:
Excellent all around CX tire. Supple casing for good feel and handling. Excellent tread and durability.

Weaknesses:
Could be about 50 grams lighter (as someone else posted), though this might sacrafice the durability and milage.

Similar Products Used:
Michelin Jet, Mud; Ritchey Excavader, Speedmax; Panaracer Crossblaster; TUFO T/C Elite, T/C D-28; Conti Country grip

Price Paid:  $39.00 at local shop

Favorite Ride:
ham lake cx

Bike Setup:
Cannondale cyclocross 800

Summary:
Immediately noticed the very supple casing which allowed me to run a higher pressure without compromising traction.

Strengths:
Conforms to the ground; great all-round cyclocross tire. Tire is the best cyclocross clincher I've used.

Weaknesses:
None discovered.

Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson, Ritchey, Specialized

Price Paid:  $33.00

Bike Setup:
K2 Enemy

Summary:
This is One Great Tire.

I use both the 28 and 32 sizes. I can run them at or over 100 psi on pavement and they act like regular road tires except for a low tread whine at higher speed, but it's not annoying. They hang in the turns well even with the side knobs, and they feel good enough to be sew-up's.

By the same token, they can be down to low pressures off-road and the grip is fantastic with no pinchers. In fact, I've worn out both pair over the past year and I'm now on my 3rd & 4th pair, and I've yet to have a puncture flat or pinch flat. I'm dead serious- not one flat on any surface. Sure, some of that's luck, but I'd say most is due to the tires.

The Campos do nothing wrong in my book. I am completely happy with them.

Strengths:
-They measure their actual stated width of 28 and 32 millimeters, imagine that! Unlike some other brands that are either narrower or wider than specced so you never know what real width you're getting.

Weaknesses:
-None. But when the tread is nearly worn out the sidewall threads start to fray a bit. By then you need a new set anyway!

Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, Michelin, Vittoria, Panaracer, Kenda, Geax

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
moulden cross, dura ace, yada yada yada

Summary:
nice compound, grip, ride, and rolling resistance, but could be about 50g lighter to be great.

Strengths:
supple casing, low rolling resistance, great traction, high quality but cheaper than most cross tires

Weaknesses:
a bit heavy

Similar Products Used:
ritchey