Soma Shikoro 700 x 48

[Jay Connolly]

I had Compass Snoqualmie Pass ELs on my Joe, but I wanted something with a little more width and some more puncture protection. I tried the Schwalbe Almotion 700 x 50, but both tires wobbled (one badly) and the road feel was a little dead. I also briefly fitted some Continental Race Kings (29 x 2.2), and while they fit just fine, an MTB tire wasn't really what I was after.

I didn't find a lot of reviews of the Shikoro, but someone on this board referenced their durability, so I decided to take a chance. I mounted the tires last night and thought I'd register my first impression and the measured width for anyone who may be considering them.

The tires roll well. I was surprised not to notice a huge difference between the Compass treads and the Shikoros. They are a stiffer tire and twice the weight, but a short ride on familiar terrain tells me I'm going to like them a lot. No noticeable extra resistance climbing, and swift, smooth roll down the hills. On gravel, a nice cushion and good grip (for a "treadles" tire).

The rear tire measurres 47.32mm on a Mavic A719 at 50lbs. The front measures 46mm on the same rim at 40lbs. For reference, the Compass 700 x 44s--after a couple of months--measure about 41mm on DT Swiss TK540s, front and rear. Lighter riders will run these at lower pressures, so 45-46mm inflated width is about what you should expect.

I've always favoured all-black tires, but I really like the look of these.

Jay

[Jay Connolly]

To clarify: There IS a difference between the Compass tires and the Shikoros, but it's not nearly as dramatic as I expected. I love the ride of the Compass tires and run them on my Sam. The switch gives me a backup set for that bike. The Shikoros don't have the incredible road feel of the Compass tires, but I didn't expect them to. At first blush, however, they seem to be a fast-rolling tire that will suit my needs on this bike very well.

Jay

[Kieran J]

Nice! I ordered a set of the Supple Vitesse EX 48s in terra cotta to try on my monstercross. Should arrive soon.

KJ

[William!]

I have the 42mm version of these and I’ll buy a set of 48mm’s when they wear out. Wonderful tires, great value too.

[dougP]

Jay:

Thanks for the info.  I'm about due for treads on my Atlantis, and those are on the short list.  Like you, I'd prefer an all black tire but performance trumps looks. 

dougP

[Chris Birkenmaier]

Well this was timely as I planned on ordering Compass tires (48) for my new Mountain Mixte.  I will look into these.  I do love the ride of the Compass tires and am getting pretty set on them but am open to others.  Thanks for the information.

[Chris Lampe 2]

Another good option is the Maxxis Torch 29.   It's basically a sized-up BMX tire and I'm very pleased with them so far.  And they have black sidewalls.  

[J Imler]

I think a tire ~50mm is the way to go on a Joe. Do you agree?

[Tim O. (Portland, OR)]

Hey, Jay

I'm so glad you posted this! I've been thinking about those tires for my Proto-Joe and almost started a thread the other day to learn more about them. These seem like a great balance of ride quality/protection. You'll have to report back on their durability after you've put some miles on them.

I like that dark tan sidewall, but I know it will start looking gnarly quick in the winter riding here in Portland.

Also, I'm glad to see someone else putting stickers on their Riv!

Thanks!
Tim
Portland, OR

[William Henderson]

They wear quite well, just like to Jack Browns blues. I bought my Shikoros in December 2015 and according to Ride Report I have about 3.5k miles on them, mostly on pavement and some dirt. I expect I'll get over 5k before they are done.

Best,

William

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[dougP]

Well this got me onto the Soma site & they have more options (almost too many). 

The 42 mm Cazadero is now listed as being available in blackwall, and there is also a 50 mm Cazadero in black.  Both price mid-$70s, a bit above the $60ish of other chubby 700c options.  The 50 mm Caz has a listed weight of 570 gr vs 670 for the 48 mm Shikaro. 

dougP

On Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at 7:14:40 AM UTC-7, Jay Connolly wrote:

[William Henderson]

Try Universal Cycles too. They are closer to $50 and you can usually get another 10% off via their email list.

Best,

William

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[Kieran J]

I bought mine from Bike Tires Direct. On sale for $49 with free shipping.

You'll get a 10% off your next purchase coupon as well.

KJ

[Jay Connolly]

Tim, this bike is the hauler I'm going to leave on an island where we just bought a place. We went over on our bikes a couple of weeks ago, and my shiny, pristine Riv looked WAAAYYYY out-of-place among the commenters and tourers. Stickers will bring it in line with the local approach. Don't think I'll ever drop a sticker on my Sam, though.

Jay