Even at the highest pressures, the CST Pika proved more compliant than I was expecting and they’re no slouches either. Given the tread pattern, I wasn’t surprised by some gentle whirring, especially on longer, faster descents but less intrusive than some cross tyres and insignificant compared with a small block mtb knobbly in comparable conditions. These things out of the way, I've ridden the Pika for 50 odd miles plus, solely along metalled roads. 

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Their blend of speed, compliance and reliable handling have induced some big grins. Gearing in the mid 70s, I could cruise along at a steady 85rpm and average 19mph without undue effort.  Qualities lending the Pika to general riding and mean they needn’t be switched if your gravel biased build must earn its keep during the week. Given their price point, it’s unlikely many riders would, but I’ve run ours with TPU tubes, which are much lighter than butyl - just to see if there was any tangible improvement in acceleration and climbing prowess. Short answer is yes, and they made an already fun tyre more engaging.

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Regardless of tube, the tread pattern means climbing was a little noisier, palpably so compared with CST’s Czar, or the 32mm Bontrager AW3 Hardcase Lite. No major hardship and again, no loss of traction in slippery conditions. Town centres are always a good test of any tyre and the Pika’s qualities came alive here too, offering some comfort over lumpy bumpy stuff- the inevitable little nicks and pockmarks. 

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Not quite a magic carpet ride and some caution’s still called fort when tackling wet ironworks- at railways crossings, inspection covers, that kind of jazz. They corner and accelerate well-say away from the lights, finding a break in the traffic etc and the dual compound hasn’t shown any obvious weaknesses when exposed to shards of broken glass, metal and other random stuff. Similar story along canal towpaths and other less trafficked sections too. Good news for more adventurous tourists, too. 

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Lanes strewn with slippery agricultural slurry and bovine dung were perfect testing conditions and true to claims, the U pattern tread bit deep, inspiring confidence in the corners. I have dropped the pressure to around 55-60 psi, when the mercury dropped overnight, and hard frosts formed. Though more tempered in my own enthusiasm, the Pika never lost traction or my faith in them.

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Sans asphalt, tackling loose surfaces, this pressure seemed optimal, although the ride a little direct, which I attributed to the narrower sections, although conversely, this seemed to help when carving through more technical terrain. Dropping the bike’s gearing to 63 inches, I’ve tackled unmade roads and farm tracks at a decent lick and the narrower diameters kept them very nimble, meaning I could weave nimbly around unexpected rocks, holes, and other hazards.