\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:
Has anyone run the 44 mm Thunderos on a 2022 Áspero?
What did they actually measure on a 25 mm internal rim?
How much clearance did you have at the chainstays and seatstays?
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.
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.
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.
That should be plenty of clearance. Even when it’s very wet, Overland (and most of Vermont) will tend towards knee-smashing slick rocks and drivetrain-chewing grit rather than sticky peanut butter type mud. You’re definitely on the right track going for the widest tire you can fit because the Class IV sections can be very chunky and unforgiving.
It’s genuinely a super fun race. Really varied terrain, lots of rolling hills, great views, some technical stuff in the Class IV. It’s also super well run. Aid stations are really well stocked and in good locations. Plus a really fun vibe the whole way around.
Only note I’d add is about the first part of the race: if you have a time goal, it’s worth burning a few matches in the beginning before you hit the first Class IV section to stay ahead of the main pack. It just takes a few people picking bad lines to cause a major traffic jam, then you’re stuck in a crowd pushing your bike up a hill or two.
