Cyclo-cross tire history information solicitation

[Dan Werle]

I'm writing an article for a U.S.-based periodical called Cyclocross Magazine discussing the history of cyclo-cross tires. There are several, pre-1980 manufacturers that I've found some interesting, yet very limited information on. These companies are: Dourdoigne, Constrictor, D'Alessandro, Bourotte, Jenatzy, Barreau, Canetti, and Kowalit. If you've got any information on these or other manufacturers of this era, could you contact me? The story of cyclo-cross tires is actually very interesting, and I'm really enjoying learning more about these countries. Of course, any photos are encouraged as well.

Meanwhile, I'll do a search on this forum for other threads and images that may provide some direction.

Thank you.

Dan Werle
Portland, OR
USA

 

[orbeas]

cyclo cross tyres

in the 70's the most popular ones were
Barum which we used to buy from the Czech riders as this was the only way they could get 'outside currancies' when they rode outside Czech.
Wolber - Clement Grifos - Vittoria
and if you could buy them Continental.
I remember Kowalit and D'allassandro
they were all tubulars as there were no 700c clinchers.

 

[Toff]

Technically, they were all "singles" as there were no "high pressures". The terms "tubular" and "clincher" post date these tyres.

 

[orbeas]

Cyclo cross tyres

In the 50's and after everybody rode 'tubs' 'tubulars' for racing or training

 

[orbeas]

Cyclo cross tyres

if I remember Dourdorgne tubs are now Dugast or is it FMB ??

 

[Old Ned]

As far as I recall, the term 'singles' for tubulars was never used in the UK. It's only very recently that I've become aware of the term. Perhaps it's only an Australian term as in the US of A the term 'sew ups' is used - isn't it?.

Orbeas is right (as he should be given his CX history!). 'Clincher' CX tyres only became available in the 80's when 700C tyres appeared and became popular.

Early CX tubulars from Clement, D'Alessandro etc. tended to have only a deep file type tread. See the model 802 in the advert below.

'Knobblies' appeared when the East European tyres became available but the treads were nowhere near as sophisticated as they are now. The Kowalit ones had 'T' shapes very widely spaced with a lot of smooth 'slick' rubber between!

 

[fiks]

Technically, they were all "singles" as there were no "high pressures". The terms "tubular" and "clincher" post date these tyres.

That might be the case in Australia, but "tubular" is not a recent term in other places. In the UK, "clincher" is a recent American import, they were called wired-on tyres, high pressures, HPs.

Some other old names include Dunlop and Pirelli. In any case I'm not sure there's anything particular about cyclo-cross tyre that you could write about that doesn't also apply to tubulars in general. Err...they have a thicker and more heavily patterned tread...that's about it. OK you could write about the various models but the manufacturers are the same for tubulars in general.

 

[Old Ned]

Some more ads featuring CX tubulars from the 60's.

Note that the Milremo and Vittoria versions have very similar tread. Perhaps the Milremo one was manufactured by Vittoria but used a heavier casing.

The Kowalit tyres are more specialised but tread pattern is very basic with a lot of bare rubber!

D'Alessandro also a bit basic with a file centre and a few rounded 'bumps' on the side.

I rode with only a heavy file tread in the few CX's I did in the 60's and remember that there wasn't an awful amount of grip available!

 

[orbeas]

cyclo cross tubs

thanks for the memories Old Ned
All the Milremo tubs were made by Vittoria in Italy before it was moved to Asia
The Milremo Normal Cross and the Vittoria Super Cross were the same tread but there was a 3 ounce difference so you used the Vittoria's for racing and the Milremo for training.Those were the days of walking round Ron Kitching's warehouse with a set of scales and getting the lightest of everything.
Neither made a nobbly rear tyre so I had to use either Barums or Wolber ones
The Vittoria Super Cross were idea front and back for the West Riding Grass track league at Roundhay Park in Leeds, but I had to wear a plain jersey and when I won a race the announcer would say ' the race was won by number 7 a professional rider' !!!!

 

[orbeas]

cyclo cross tyres

Technically, they were all "singles" as there were no "high pressures". The terms "tubular" and "clincher" post date these tyres.

today is the first time have ever heard the term 'singles' when applied to 'tubs'.