Kris Fleming's Page

Hi Kris:  Did you read the online cxmagazine interbike article about the ChrisCross?  It was designed as a system with the CrossWolf tire using one of the UST standards.  They wanted to be standards driven.  I was surprised that the tire bead is not squared-it actually looks kinda normal-and the rim sidewall is a bit tall.  Regardless it took a bit to seal at the bead, which also surprised me for an designed-from-the-ground system, but it has been totally reliable since.  

The CrossWolf is mixed conditions with good mud performance.  I say mixed since the center knobs are staggered, but lined up so it rolls well on hard surfaces and the other knobs are spaced well for mud and loose surfaces.  I think it's a great all around tread, with enough aggressive traction.  

I can't say enough about the Vittoria Cross XL 33.  The tight square bead seals up on anything, including road tubeless rims, even without sealant. Production tires coming out this month!  THat'll work on the chrisCross for sure.  Andrew has endorsed the new Hutchinson tubeless and likes the big volume.  That should be an alternative for the CrisCross too.  

I have the most experience with Stan's, as I was an early adopter for 'cross and that was the only real choice with the 355 29er. I was hoping the CrissCross was the replacement for that but I have to try other tires first to say if it is.  I'll slap a different tire on today maybe and report back.

 

Stan's Alpha 340/400 were designed for road tubeless and are less reliable for CX UNLESS you use the rimstrip.   IronCross and Crest are the best Stan's choices for CX with just the yellow tape.   I mention the Crest because you can fudge it to run with rim brakes.  Kenda conversions and SCT work easily and reliable, as does Specialized 2Bliss (Captians have great volume and tread but no longer made and supply is dwindling!) Non-2Bliss is neither easy to seal, nor reliable.  Panaracer (that incluedes the IRD Crossfire) and Michelin are great conversions, but just know conversions need more time to set up since you have to seal the sidewalls.  Those are my "plug and play" choices.  

Did you read the upgrade article in Issue 22?  That covers important points about tubeless.  

That's more than you asked for, but I'm happy to share my experiences.

I'm free to chat sometime on Thursday 1/30

Oops. Ship to :

Revolution Glass

C/O Josh Gelfand

108 Arena St.

El Segundo, CA 90245

It's a commercial business 

Thanks and please keep me posted on shipping details.

Carpooling is an option then haha. Are you interested in those training rides in rutgers?

Larchmont, you self?

Sounds great. 773-818-4908 is my cell, and my address is 647 W 207th (corner of Seaman). What's the cargo space situation? Bike only? Room for a trainer? Either is fine by me.

See you Sunday!

Chris

Kris,

No offers from others. Still interested in picking me up? I can meet you at the bridge if that would be easier. Your call.

Much thanks,
Chris

773-818-4908

Sounds good. i'll send you an update on Friday.

Much thanks,
C