by Clifford Lee
Thirteen months ago we brought you the first-ever images of the new Clement MXP cyclocross tire tread, and at Interbike 2012, Clement showed off the long-awaited tire for all to touch, smell, and for a few strange tire connoisseurs, taste. We didn’t go that far, but we did capture some tasty pictures of the new cyclocross tire for you.
Clement's new MXP cyclocross tread is the company's latest tread designed to be your do-it-all option if you have to choose just one tire. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Clement introduced the MXP to complement the mud-oriented PDX tread and semi-slick LAS cyclocross tread. MXP stands for Milan Malpensa, continuing the airport monikers theme for the model names. Donn Kellogg of Clement says the tire is designed for conditions just like those of the UCI Cyclocross World Cup in Milan — “not too wet, and not too dry”.
The Clement MXP cyclocross tire boasts a bigger and more aggressive side knob compared to the Grifo or Typhoon. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Clement developed the Grifo tread decades ago [See our extensive “History of Cyclocross Tires” piece in Issue 13] and revived it with modifications as their new MXP. Kellogg detailed the changes, and explained that the central chevrons have ‘cuts’ to allow the tread to flex better and the side knobs were modified to a shape inspired by a soccer cleat. The side knobs remind us of the early 80’s Specialized Tricross clincher and the newer Challenge Limus tire.
Just like with Tufo tubular tires, Clement’s tubulars are truly tubeless tires, constructed in an airtight casing without an innertube. The benefits of such a design are easier puncture repair and prevention with sealant (Clement recommends the Tufo sealant), and improved resistance to pinch flats.
The new MXP mixed-conditions cyclocross tire from Clement, available in clincher and tubular. ©Cyclocross Magazine
No protective belt is used in these Clement cyclocross tires to keep the casing supple even under the tread. The clincher will be available two weeks after Interbike 2012, with a 127 tpi casing in a 33c width, and the tubular will land in stores quickly after. The tire is so new that Kellogg did not know the final exact weight, but the price will be the same as the the other Clement cyclocross tires, $45 USD for the clinchers and $129 for the tubular tires.
The Raleigh-Clement team and Ryan Trebon will be racing all season on the Clement tubulars. Stay tuned as we give the new tires a full review.
Clement's three main cyclocross tread options: The PDX, LAS, and MPX tires. ©Cyclocross Magazine
Don’t miss our endless stream of new cyclocross products and bikes from Interbike 2012.
