Clement X'Plor USH

The Clement X'Plor USH tyre is defined as an adventure tyre and is, in my view, an excellent choice for those of us who run their 'crossers all year round. Gravel bikers – or indeed adventurous lightweight tourists – wanting the best of both worlds without the hassle of swapping tyres should also take a closer look.

True, there are some elements of compromise. On paved roads they've lacked the outright pace of a comparable-section slick, such as Vittoria's Voyager Hyper, or the bite of pure-bred cyclo-cross rubber through the gloop. Nonetheless, traction is better than I expected, and they offer a magic carpet ride over poorly surfaced dirt roads and moderate forest trails.

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The X'Plors are folders, which scores a 10 on the convenience front, and come in two versions, 120 and 60tpi (threads per inch). Which you choose will depend on which order you place rolling resistance and durability; 60tpi is my personal default for this sort of duty, but I've equally good things to say about its more feathery counterpart over the past few weeks.

The tread follows the traditional diamond shaped knobbles/firm centre-strip narrative. This pattern got an undeservedly bad reputation courtesy of the cheap dual-purpose models that burst onto the late 80s mountain bike scene.

Easy fit

Being a wider section, the supple casings make fitting onto most standard/deep-section rims very straightforward. I mounted ours effortlessly, using only my thumbs, and they'll slip free using a single tyre lever. Those looking towards some more adventurous lightweight/weekend touring shouldn't rule them out either, although I'd look towards their 60tpi siblings for that.

While most modern 'cross builds, especially those with discs, will have sufficient clearance for the USH's 35mm width, you might need to check if you run mudguards; things proved a few millimetres too tight at my 'cross-inspired fixer's rear triangle.

Plush pressures

Operating pressures, though lofty (at their lowest) by tubeless standards, range between 55 and 90psi, which covers most bases. Run between 80 and 90psi for the first week or so, they're swifter than their pattern and moderate weight might suggest – much faster than a 'cross tyre, but without disconcerting squirm. Even when pushed hard at 32mph along wet 1-in-7 descents, there was ample warning before things threatened to turn remotely sketchy on metalled roads.

At these pressures the ride never felt unduly harsh, although 70psi seemed optimal, delivering a plush, magic carpet ride across lumpy lanes and battle scarred town centres. Hitting fire roads and moist woodland trails, the compliant theme continued; here, 55-60psi was about right, although at a more competitive pace some drift – albeit predictable – was apparent over looser surfaces. When things turn really boggy they can't shed the mud, so turn slick faster than a true knobbly.

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Despite a heady diet of flints, shards of glass/sharps, not to mention a rut or two, the casings remain in rude health and I'm yet to succumb to the dreaded hiss 400 miles in.

Purists will rightly point out that if you want a tarmac tyre, buy one; ditto 'cross. But if, like me, you like to make the most of your 'crosser's versatility year-round, or are more adventurous in your commute/weekend tours, there's a lot to like here.

Verdict

Impressive best-of-both-worlds tyres for 'cross-biased builds and more adventurous tourists