As the Onset of the Wet Winter is upon us in Oregon, and in the interest to ride outdoors in the muck, mud, soft surfaces, grit, grime, and general dirty riding of winter off of paved surfaces. (Other option is riding rollers on our covered deck, I don't do stationary bike's)
I grabbed a set of Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite 40-622 on casing, 700×38 on cartons. Mounted on a set of Shimano C46 Carbon "105" wheels, 21mm internal, and on a Ritchey Swiss Cross. They measured to 40.1 with cheap micrometers. Run at 2bars +/- 150 pound rider.
Out we went in the dark, wet for from multiple days of rain, but dry skies. Surfaces from paved sections to gravel, to lack of gravel, dirt, soggy, big puddles, heavy leafs, lots of soft carve a line through the soil sections. Up Steep firelanes of compact dirt with soft spots, and down wetter soft lanes of mixed gravel and soft muddy slipery soil. Not caky mud, more of a fine gritty soft soil mud that easily clears from tyres.
Opinions after 40k. 1. Didn't notice any dragginess on the pavement. maybe I'm not in-tune enough with my surroundings or others are taking out their exit holes… 2. riding corners in the dark at 18-21 mph, on rain soaked surface, they never once felt sliddy. (My Gk SK's in comparison would have been slippery in the same circumstance, as experienced last week, and in the past) 3. Uphill climbing out of the saddle, very impressed with traction, even without shifting weight to rear. 4. Seated climbing, like glue, even on some wet roots. 5. held up really well through deep soft spots both descending and on level surface. Keeping in mind this was a night ride, using two 350lm Knog Ploggers handlebar mount… Not crazy fast descending, that will have to follow on a daylight ride.
Overall I'm rather impressed. Would I race Cross on them on a mud day? No, probably note, as I have Limus's for racing days. Would I ride them for any and all mixed rides, Kermesse, Wet wintery rides on multiple surfaces. Yes, Yes I would.
Good luck with finding what works for you, as Opinions Vary, different Pilots have different skills, For me, these will be the lead tyre for the wintery wonders of a wet, wet Portland Oregon days, on soft soils….
by derhoemasterofNOT