From the outset, I was surprised by their low rolling resistance. They accelerate much faster than a 715g tyre might imply. They’re similarly easy to keep on the boil. I’ve typically found myself going a sprocket up, in comparable contexts and maintained a 1.5-2mph higher average speed throughout. On longer, 50-mile outings, I’ve felt noticeably fresher compared with similar distances with the bikes 850g defaults. Qualities that are appreciated in any context, but bode well for day rides, or weekend touring.

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Run at 65psi, I was surprised to discover a more direct feel than I’ve come to expect from rubber of this size. 65psi didn’t result in any skittishness, or uncertainty, especially when cornering and/or descending at pace. 

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Even at this pressure, no more caution than usual was needed when tackling railway crossings and other raised ironworks. However, tackling metalled roads, 50-60psi seemed best across the board. With temperatures dropping to freezing and at 55psi they still delivered decent traction when climbing and provided I hadn’t got complacent, same story on the descent.

 

Ride quality over rougher, pock marked backroads and battle-scarred town centres is supple and compliant, due in part to the big sections. Rumble strips and other traffic calming measures were passed with similar finesse, although these obviously scrubbed off a few mph. 

 

That confirmed; I’ve pushed them to 30mph on greasy descents without them missing a beat and there’s ample feedback, so black ice or similar hazard aside, it could be attributable to rider error. Acceleration is swift, meaning it's easy to recoup momentum on a sudden sharp climb, or when negotiating stop-start traffic.

 

Again, their sprightly persona meant they could be flicked around holes and other hazards with surprising ease-even at the end of the day when mental tiredness has begun creeping in. Off road prowess is best kept to dry/dirt roads but I was similarly impressed by their speed and compliance when tackling unmade roads, the sort dressed in fine stones/chippings- great for exploring, or short cuts.

 

The tread pattern supplying reassuringly good traction, without being overly prone to collecting stones, flints and other sharps. Much the same story along dry bridlepath and singletrack. Tackle softer, silty tracks and they’ll fill quickly, becoming slicks quicker than a gravel specific tyre, such as the CST Pika. However, in common with the Pika, they will also shed these quite efficiently, given a couple of miles on metalled roads.