Cyclocross bike tires

[firenze11]

Today when I was ceremoniously taking my bike off the trainer, I decided to try my first attempt at changing a tire. I have a Kona Jake and have the knobby Maxxis Locust tires that came with it and a smooth tire for the trainer. Lo and behold I could not find my rear tire. I have no clue where I put it when I brought it home and have looked everywhere .

So it looks like I'm in the market for a new set of tires. What would you recommend? If they have a Maxxis at the shop I may just end up getting one again. But I was wondering if there are any other tires that I should look into.

I mainly use the bike on dirt roads with some loose gravel, a stone chip and oil road, and hopefully some nice smooth asphalt when I move. So I need something pretty tough. What would you recommend?

Thanks!

[KnottedYet]

I have Vittoria Randonneurs on both my cyclocross bikes. But I ride mostly on asphalt. They've done fine on gravel and dirt (and even grass). I've only ridden on fresh chip seal a couple times... and I don't know if *any* tire would have made me feel better there!

If you are moving to where you'll be on asphalt more, you might want to consider these tires for that environment.

[firenze11]

Thanks Knot!

I think those look pretty good. I'll go look at the options a the bike shop tomorrow, but I think I would like the smoothness of the Vittorias.

I doubt anything short of a pair wings would make chip seal feel comfortable to ride on. To get to any decent road now I have to ride on it for 6 or so miles. That's why I just opt for the dirt road for now.