Lets see some Urban G/S's...

efficiency said:

I used to think dirt tires are dangerous on asphalt. Mfrs have managed to make high traction knobby tires that are perfectly safe and stable on any surface. I'm still using the factory Karoo 3 that came on the bike. No chicken strips on them at all. The only possible downside is longevity.

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ridercam said:

glad you like your karoos 80/20 tires. There is a difference between safe for the road and making choices of better grip for road performance (which is most of our miles we all do). I am not concerned so much for longevity either but like to drill down on greater road contact and stopping power. A great compound 95/5 tire will nearly always be superior in cold, wet and oily surfaces. I don't know what the operating temps of the karoo tires are but know even modern knobbies by physical default takes longer to warm up - significant for cold morning starts and wet mountain road riding. Knobbies also reduce gas mileage and are noisier making droning rides home a little less comfortable. More over in a simple gas equation and concern for the planet - getting 8 percent better fuel efficiency over a 6000 miles between tire changes adds up to real savings plus reduces the environmental waste that knobbies put out over street tires (something that most people say they care about but don't really).

I recognize why you would be drawn to use the knobbies and it is a major PITA the have two sets of rims. I also know i can't change your mind with two posts - but in my own experience I am riding for safety with cages who are not paying attention and MC squids hot around me. Having a 10 percent better performance and better breaking power where i ride the most is important to me.

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