cyclocross vs touring tires for GAP and road use

[timothywayne46]

Hello, I am a new forum member, have been cycling for only a few years and have never gone on a tour yet, but that is going to change in Sept with a maiden voyage solo on the GAP.  After a couple years riding a run-of-the-mill aluminum road bike, I am the proud new owner of a Surly Cross Check. It is truly a dream bike for where I live and ride, which involves various types of roads, trails and surfaces, and my hope and belief is that it will tour really well, too.  My question is related to tires.  I bought the bike used, and it has 700 x 35 cyclocross tires on it now, but they are worn and I am going to need something new before I head for the GAP.  I have found that I really like riding on the cyclocross tires, they are awesome on the trails and unpaved roads,  and I don't mind them on the road at all, the bike still rolls just fine and its not like I am trying to keep up with carbon-fiber bikes on any group rides or anything.  Because most of my riding will be of this sort, and the GAP itself is unpaved, I am inclined just to invest in a new set of cyclocross tires.  However, I have never ridden on a set of touring tires, and I was wondering if anyone who has a more wide range of experience than me could give me some advice or guidance on the pros and cons of cyclocross vs touring tires?  As far as riding style, I am old but I like to ride fast...   Thanks!

[John Nelson]

If you use and enjoy cross tires, then I'd say you should stick with them. One potential difference is that some touring tires may have tougher sidewalls to handle the extra weight, but my guess is that your cross tires will do fine at that.

[Pat Lamb]

My first inclination is like John's: if you like what you've got, get more of them.

The exception might be if the tires you have started off with monster knobs, and the "worn out" part you refer to is the knobs have worn down to small nubs.  In that case, you might want less aggressive tread/knobs.

Aside from the tread, there's not a whole lot of difference between "cross" and "touring" tires.  Pick something in the range of 700Cx35 to x40 that looks about right and go ride!

[staehpj1]

The exception might be if the tires you have started off with monster knobs, and the "worn out" part you refer to is the knobs have worn down to small nubs.  In that case, you might want less aggressive tread/knobs.

Or just use the old worn ones without changing them.  The GAP is a pretty short ride as far as tire wear goes.  If there is still rounded tread left then I'd keep using them.  If not, it sounds like you pretty much answered your own question since it seems you really like the tires you have been using.

[timothywayne46]

Thanks everyone, I just wanted to know if there was something magical about touring tires that I was missing, and you have answered that for me.  Much appreciated.