Grand Bois

Comments:

I ride a lot of long distance events and these tires are super fast and comfortable. I'm a stout 6'4", 245 lbs and the tires have been plenty durable, with a few flats that would have flatted my every day tires (Panaracer Paselas). The tires roll well and I can change them without tire levers. My initial set has gotten approximately 1400 miles and both front and rear (I rotate) are pretty bare. I might get another 200 miles out them. Compared to the Paselas (3500 miles before getting bare), they are quite a bit more expensive and last less. But they are fast, comfortable, and fun. And when I'm on a 400k or 600k brevet, that is important.

Comments:

This review is for the Grand Bois Cypres size 32mm tires. I had been using Panaracer Pasella 32mm wire beaded tires (not tour guard) and was curious if the Grand Bois would be a significant improvement. I've read that Grand Bois tires can be difficult to seat on some rims. However, I had no problems mounting them on my Mavic A319 rims. They were tight, as most high end tires are today, but went on ok using a Kool Stop Bead Jack. As far as performance differences when compared to the Pasellas – there did not seem to be a significant difference. The Grand Bois tires have a softer ride, seem stickier and definitely are better on high speed turns. They also seem more responsive, probably because each Grand Bois tire is at least 100 gms. lighter than a Pasella. I didn't notice a significant difference in speed, however, possibly due to the fact that the Grand Bois tires are slightly larger than the Pasellas (width 32mm for Pasellas and 33.5mm for the Grand Bois) essentially raising the gear inches on my bike. Perhaps the higher gearing cancelled out any feeling of increased speed. I hope they wear as well and are as flat-free as the Pasellas. Since there really doesn't seem to be a significant difference between the Grand Bois and Pasella tires for the price difference, I may, eventually, return to using Pasellas again.

Comments:

Tire used was 700X25C. Used in touring on Mercian Vincitore frame in Japan. Front tire had audible slip on even the slowest corners. Emergency braking caused a front tire shudder leading to loss of control/accident. Also, early rear wheel brake away during hard braking. Frame geometry is 73X73 with a 40mm fork offset, 59 cm seat tube, steel. Changed the tires and problems have never reappeared, no matter what tire is used (from silk sewups 22 and 27mm, to regular clinchers in sizes 23 and 25 mm).On the good side, the ride is similar to a silk tubular. Make a delicious hum with extremely low rolling resistance. However, will never buy these tires again. Threw 4 of them away as they were not safe to ride.