'Race use only' Tyres on ToughRoad SLR1?

[tgdavies]

The 2016 ToughRoad comes with Maxxis Maxxlite 29x2.0" -- on Maxxis's site it says "Race use only" (http://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-274-maxxlite" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) -- what does that mean?

[RonK]

It means that when used as originally intended on mountain bikes, its lightweight construction is not suitable for general MTB use.

These are not the typical surfaces where you would take a Toughroad. Should be a good choice actually - lightweight, but grippy on gravel roads.

[tgdavies]

350 grams -- very light. Not a good choice if I was to use the bike as a commuter, bearing in mind punctures and knobbiness?

[RonK]

350 grams -- very light. Not a good choice if I was to use the bike as a commuter, bearing in mind punctures and knobbiness?

Up to you - my choice would always be for light weight at the risk of the odd puncture, but these may not roll as well with the knobs.

[tgdavies]

I was thinking that the knobs would reduce grip on wet concrete, rather than thinking about rolling resistance.

[RonK]

Perhaps, but as race tyres I'd expect a grippy compound is used.

I don't imagine they would last long for commuting.

[Duck!]

Soft compound or not, knobs aren't great on hard surfaces.

[tgdavies]

On reflection it's probably silly to think that a 'Maxxlite' on the Maxxis website is the same as the OEM tyre on a particular Giant, even though it says 'Maxxlite' on the side...