@OreoCookie@AgingCannon Although WTB does make a selection of 650x47 tires, I would not say they are anything like the Rene Herse tires. The WTB Horizon (file tread) that I had was not supple. I have had more supple MTB Tires than that. The file tread was fine on my local gravel, but that is very regional.
I have the Rene Herse Juniper Ridge and Hurricane Ridge, both in the endurance casing. They are fast and supple. When on the road I can barely tell that I am on knobby tires. When I do some light XC MTB in my gravel bike, I really appreciate the knobs.
I would go for the Herse tires every time over the WTB. The endurance casings are supposed to be as fast as the standard ones, but more durable. I have no reason to think these tires are fragile, given that I have used them to MTB. The only downside is cost.
I have personal experience with neither, and I trust your recommendation. In fact, I haven’t heard of Rene Herse tires before. I just mentioned the WTBs because they seem to be popular and their tread profile is quite interesting. But I do have experience with different tires and know what difference the casing can make. And I’ll make a mental note of Rene Herse tires.
Cannondale Supersix EVO w/ 28mm tires (Rene Herse).
Reasons: basically all the ones mentioned above about bigger tires on an otherwise “race” bike. Bike fit and tire size are king when it comes to comfort. So just pick a race bike that has some clearance. If you prefer a slacker “endurance” angle, don’t ride that because it’s marketed as more comfort. Ride it because it’s what feels right.
Plenty of one day races have been won on Roubaixs and Domanes. They’re race bikes too.
I plan to ride about 160km tomorrow. I will be plenty comfortable.
Officially Canyon will say 30mm but I fit 35mm Panaracer Gravel Kings (measured width was same as tire printed width on the stock i20 rim). The front had good clearance with the 35s, the back cleared 35s but it was pretty tight down around the BB-chainstay area. It probably would have been ok but I would pick 32-33s if using a gravel tire to provide a bit more frame clearance.
Anyone here have or had a Venge and have opinions on the comfort? I’m used to a Teammachine SLR02 but some of the review sites have dsecribed the Venge as “relatively” comfy which is a bit vague…
From everything I’ve seen the venge is not considered comfortable but can be good enough for some. Look at the reviews of the sl7 as the sl7 is the replacement to the venge so there has been some comparison there
Nice thoughts!
In fact I have a Domane AL5 (and might buy a Caad Optimo 1 this week?) and I wonder if I upgrade the wheels to the ZIPP 303s (and keep the alu and sell the Domane and buy a used SL5. The good old alu versus carbon debate…
For some reason I still like alu (rim brake) bikes.