Compass 38mm vs. 42mm comparisons?

[Lee Chae]

Hey folks. Has anyone compared the new 38mm Compass tire to the 42mm version and the Hetre? I'm thinking about a new commuter and I'm thinking it will most likely be a fixed-gear. I've ridden Hetres fixed before, and while that was okay, I was wondering if the new 38mm Compass tires would provide just as much comfort and support for moderate loads.

Thanks,
Lee

[Dave Johnston]

I haven't ridden these two but I've ridden Hetres and other 38mm tires like the Pari-Moto and I would say if your frame can fit them go with the 42mm. You can run a slightly lower pressure for more cush at near the same rolling resistance. If you only ride nice pavement and weigh less than 150lbs then maybe go with a lower volume lighter tire.

-Dave

[Ryan Watson]

What Dave said! I always go with the widest tire that will fit. I'm looking forward to trying the new Compass Baby Shoes, though I'm sure the 38s are nice too. 

The only advantage I've ever found for narrower tires is that they're less flat-prone but I don't think you'd see much difference between otherwise similar 38 and 42mm tires.

Ryan

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[Lee Chae]

Thanks fellas. I have a lot of experience with Hetres, Lierres, B-lines, Col de la Vies, and Nifty-Swiftys (plus a little stash of Trimlines!). I'm thinking about having a bike built and if the Compass 38s are very near the Hetres/Compass 42s in comfort and rolling resistance, I think I'd opt for the 38s. The basic application is a fixed-gear commuter with medium-light loads (<15 pounds easy) on the nicely crummy Streets of San Francisco(TM).

So, I'm seeking feedback specifically on the Compass 38s...though I guess I could always buy a pair and try them out on my Kogs, which right now is wearing Hetres...

Thanks!
Lee

[Jan Heine]

The only difference between the various Compass tires is the width. Same tread pattern and thickness, same casings, etc.

Jan Heine
Compass Bicycles Ltd.

[lungimsam]

Outside of the Compass tires, I think the Hetre has a thicker tread by a coupla mm's. Jan could confirm.

Any better chances at avoiding flats with the thicker tread? 

[Jason Hansen]

Jan,

Are the extralight Compass tires using a different casing than the tan sidewall Grand Bois?

I have the black Babyshoe extralight and the sidewalls have none of the fly away threading that I saw on the extra leger set of Hetre I had last spring.  I rode the EL through a brevet series and a handful of summer permanents before finding this tear in the front tire.  https://www.flickr.com/photos/49638525@N02/10626587763/

I've heard that the all black casing was something panaracer had previous to developing the EL for grand bois.

I love the new tire because, for me, it rides like the EL and I have confidence in them that I only had with the standard Hetre.