Inexpensive “Good” Road Tire

CST Recourse
CST Recourse

I have searched for some time now for an inexpensive training tire that had a high TPI count (threads per inch) with a dual compound. CST, a major OEM tire manufacturer (reportedly, one of the biggest in the world), introduced a foldable model called the Recourse C1808. The folding model is only available as a 700 x 25mm tire (ETRO 25-622), which is my preferred size anyway. It has a 120 TPI casing with their so-called EPS puncture protection. Most tires in this price range have a 30 or 60 thread count. Recently, while on a very rainy ride, I had a huge thorn (goathead) stick in this tire. I removed it and just kept on riding without a puncture! The listed weight is 205 grams. After installing onto my DT Swiss 1450 rims, it actually measured slightly larger volume than the Continental 4000 S 25mm tire. (Some other 25mm CST tires, like their popular Czar, measured in much smaller than the Recourse). Please note that this tire is also available with a single compound with a wire bead for much less.

August 2016 update: My daughter had a side-wall gash when using the above tire, after low mileage. Hmmm. Another option, in this same price range, is the CST Conquistare tire with a folding bead. It is only 60 TPI though which is great for commuting, but for those looking for a high thread-count performance tire, it may not cut it.

The list price on these CST tires is around $38, about half of a Continental 4000 S II, which is my “go to” tire for events. The CST tires are made in China and is available through my site eoGEAR as a special order item.

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Author: Rando Richard

I’m an old guy (age 69 in 2023) who enjoys aerobic, endurance sports. I call myself a cardio-junkie. Perhaps the more appropriate term would be “ultra” endurance sports. Since I was a teenager I have always enjoyed “slow twitch” outdoor sports like backpacking, ice climbing, running, mountaineering, hiking, alpine skiing and randonnée skiing (alpine touring, backcountry skiing or skimo). In 2005 I starting running with more regularity — except this time it was not for the intent of getting ready for a mountaineering trip, but as an end to itself. From 2005 to 2007 I managed to eek out two seasons of ultramarathons — that is competitive trail runs up to 50 or 100 miles. Due to a nagging ankle injury from the 80s (an accident while ice climbing in the 1980s where my lower tib and fib were badly broken), I had to cease that grueling, but rewarding activity. I then migrated into ultra distance road cycling or randonneuring. The rides are called brevets (pronounced bruh-VAY, it’s French) and are minimally supported — they are similar to ultrarunning and backpacking where one must be self reliant. Although brevets are non-competitive, they do have have cut off times to qualify as a finisher. They are usually are done in groups, which can have a competitive slant to them. Today, I continue to participate in long distance cycling including some ultra-racing, randonnée skiing (a blend of cross country and downhill disciplines) and still get out on an occasional mountaineering trip. Since 1996 I have been designing, manufacturing and selling camera bags. That is Kinesis Photo Gear (kgear.com). In 2005 I started selling cycling bags under the Kinesis label and eventually expanded it to including other sports like SUP (stand-up paddle boarding and some skimo). Consequently, it become eoGEAR — the “eo” stands for endurance outdoor. My wife and I are empty-nesters now and we live and work out in the boondocks of central Utah, half way between Salt Lake City (great powder) and Moab (great red rocks). Well, I guess that is all for now. Safe travels mate! Perhaps I’ll see you on the road or trail. — Richard Stum

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