sahy-kloh-kraws tyrz
noun
Specialized tires designed for the sport of cyclocross
Example usage: 'I need some new cyclocross tyres for the next race.'
Most used in: Europe, North America, and Australia.
Most used by: Cyclocross racers and enthusiasts.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 4/10
Also see: Clincher CX Tyres, Tubular CX Tyres, Folding CX Tyres, Tubeless CX Tyres,
What are Cyclocross Tyres?
Cyclocross tyres are a type of tyre specifically designed for cyclocross racing. They are designed to provide riders with a combination of grip, speed, and low rolling resistance. Cyclocross tyres usually have smaller knobs and a tread pattern that is designed to provide a good balance of grip on a variety of surfaces, including dirt, mud, grass, and asphalt.
Cyclocross tyres are typically narrower than regular mountain bike tyres, ranging from 28mm to 35mm in width. This narrower width helps to reduce rolling resistance and improve overall speed. Cyclocross tyres are also designed to be tubeless compatible, allowing riders to reduce the amount of weight they are carrying and improve their overall performance.
The popularity of cyclocross racing has grown significantly over the past decade. In the United States, cyclocross racing has seen a 30% increase in participation from 2015 to 2019. This growth has been driven by the increasing popularity of gravel riding and cyclocross racing as a fun and challenging way to stay fit and enjoy the outdoors.
Cyclocross tyres provide riders with a great combination of speed, grip, and low rolling resistance, making them ideal for cyclocross racing. With their tubeless compatibility, they are also a great choice for gravel riding and other off-road adventures.
The Origins of Cyclocross Tyres
Cyclocross tyres have been around for a long time, with the first use of the term dating all the way back to the 1920s in Europe. The sport of cyclocross, which combines elements of both road cycling and mountain biking, originated in France and Belgium and was designed to provide an off-road experience for cyclists in the winter months when racing on the roads was not possible.
The tyres used in cyclocross were designed to provide a good balance between grip and speed on a variety of terrains, including mud, grass, sand, and rocks. They have a relatively low profile, with small knobs on the tread to provide grip, and are usually wider than regular road tyres. This combination of features makes them ideal for navigating the varied terrain of a cyclocross course.
Today, cyclocross tyres are widely used by cyclists of all types, from those competing in professional races to those riding for leisure. They are an essential part of the cyclocross setup, and have become an integral part of the sport.