Tyres (again)

[Mr Scruff]

Sorry, know this has been done to death but can't find an answer to my query.

I'm currently riding to work on a Orange P7 with no suspension, shod with Vredestein Monte Carlo tyres - essentially slicks - 26x1.35 at about 65psi.

This has been fine up until now, however 2.5 miles of my commute is up a steep bridleway through a wood; this is chalk, covered by rotting wet leaves and I have zero grip.

The rest of the commute, another 2.5 miles, is single-track road so I'm loathed to go to full knobblies.

Any half way houses? Are these any good, I've heard people say they're the worst of both worlds?

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Continental_Trav...

[mr pg]

Anything on wet chalk will struggle, even knobblies. Can't see semi slicks doing much for you. Sorry, can't recommend anything, maybe others can.

[Mr Scruff]

Thanks.

I'm not too preoccupied with the chalk, I can live with that; stuff is a nightmare at the best of times but wet...

I was wondering whether there might be a tyre out there more suited to the mix of surfaces I ride on. Would wider slicks provide any more grip (without sacrificing too much on the road?)

[Parrot of Doom]

This time of year you should change over to knobblies. Its only 2.5 miles on the road which is nothing, so I wouldn't worry about it. You're only looking at another couple of minutes added onto your journey time. You need a tyre that can press through the leaves and get to the grippy stuff underneath. A slick tyre will never do that.

Look at http://www.evanscycles.com/products/maxxis/high-ro...

[Mr Scruff]

Cheers, I run High Rollers on my big bike. You do indeed speak the truth, I guess I was living in the vain hope that there might be a magic tyre which might combine all I need....

...ah well!

Probably doesn't help that I time myself and want to beat my time every day too!