road tyres

Onza is a Swiss brand producing tyres mainly for commuters, BMX and mountain bikes, plus a few road options, including this Lavin folding clincher. Although billed on the Onza website as a 'Fixie tyre', the packaging indicates it's a 'Road/Fixie tyre', and a test pair fitted to a (geared) training bike turned out to be ideal for spring conditions on a wide range of road surfaces.

If I was only allowed one tyre for year round use Specialized’s all condition Armadillo Elite would be top of my list for year-round training/spirited road duties thanks to its enviable blend of minimal rolling resistance, durability and puncture protection. However, the ride’s a little harsh and there’s a definite knack to getting them on board-especially if blistered thumbs and broken tyre levers are to be avoided.

As a new addition to Continental's popular Grand Prix series of tyres, the Grand Prix 24mm is all about about, you guessed it, being 24mm wide, a miniscule increase over the girth of the common 700x23mm tyre but supposedly offering an increase in comfort and speed.

Tubeless MTB tyres have been around for a while and while they're still niche there's plenty of people who swear by them. I suspect road tubeless will go the same way: the hassle of fitting them will put many people off but those who do try these Fusion 2 tubeless tyres will be rewarded with excellent feel and low rolling resistance.

Named for their road holding prowess and serpentine tread pattern, Kenda’s Konstrictors have been among the most rewarding mid price 23mm road tyres I’ve used though they're a pig to mount when new, even aboard very traditional rims. Incorporating the brands “Iron Curtain” technology not only safeguards against punctures but forms part of the wall structure, combining speed, handling prowess and durability in a lightweight package.

The Geax (Pronounced Gee-Axe) Roadster would be a dependable choice for commuters and tourists seeking a mile munching, durable and above all fast rolling tyre. Made from an Aramid three polymer compound designed for high mileage and puncture resistance, the Roadster look wider than their 40mm profile suggests but they’re the proverbial wolf in sheep’s clothing, with good rolling and grip characteristics.

Kenda's C2C is a proven performer over long distances, scoring a third place in the Race Across America (RAAM), and it's a good performer over here too, though it fares best on smoother tarmac