Cervelo aspero 2022 tire chang for Vermont overland?

Equipment
,
1

\Has anyone mounted a Tufo Thundero 44 on a 2022 Cervélo Áspero with Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels, and what did it actually measure after a few days?

Looking for some real-world experience before I mount a new set of tires.

Bike

  • 2022 Cervélo Áspero (size 54, if it matters)
  • Zipp 303 Firecrest wheels (25 mm internal width)

Current setup

  • Zipp Tangente 40 mm tires
  • They fit well with what I’d consider acceptable clearance.

New tires

  • Tufo Thundero 44 mm (non-HD)

My concern isn’t whether they’ll mount—it’s whether they’ll end up too large after they’ve stretched and been ridden for a few days on the 303 Firecrests.

I’ve seen conflicting information online. Some people say Tufos measure small, while others say they grow after a few rides.

Questions:

  1. Has anyone run the 44 mm Thunderos on a 2022 Áspero?
  2. What did they actually measure on a 25 mm internal rim?
  3. How much clearance did you have at the chainstays and seatstays?
  4. If they were too tight, would you instead recommend:
    • Tufo Thundero 40
    • Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 40
    • Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 45 (front only)
    • Another option for rough events like Vermont Overland?

I’m trying to avoid buying and mounting multiple sets of tires, so any measurements or photos would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!

2

I haven’t run the Thunderos, did run the Cinturato H in 45mm on same Aspero as yours and regretted it - looked to be reasonable clearance for dry conditions (was never planning to run them in the mud) but must have been enough wheel flex under load to cause enough rub to take top layer of paint off the seat stays after a few rides. Front is fine. I also had a pair of 42mm Pathfinder Pros sitting around so swapped out the rear for one of those to run a reverse mullet and it’s worked well.

I don’t know the Vermont Overland course at all but the Cinturato H is a much more similar tyre to the Thunderos than the M. The Thunderos and the H are fast rolling, great on tarmac and hard packed sections, not so great if it’s gets loose, muddy or technical. I use the Ms as well, they roll a little slower but give you more grip and control. So if it’s “rough” I would think the 40mm Ms are a better choice than either the Hs or the Thunderos.

3

You’ll be able to handle a 45 on the front no problem but on the rear it will be tight. If there is a hint of mud you’ll be in a world of hurt and even if it’s dry a 45 will probably rub when you stand up and really apply some torque.

I’d pick 45 on the front and 40 on the back. Don’t reach for a few mm and lock yourself in to a miserable day of tire clearance issues. The advantages of a few extra mm of tire width aren’t worth it on a risk-adjusted basis.