Looking for big 650b Road Plus rubber? Donnelly just rolled out its range which includes two 650b x 50mm tires, their popular X’PLOR MSO and the new Strada USH…
First up, the Strada USH. Donnelly touts this tire as an adventure, all-commuter, and equally adept gravel tire. The Strada USH is a blend of the popular road Strada LGG and the X’PLOR series commuter. It is available in 650b x 42mm, and in 60 tpi wire or folding bead, both tubeless ready. The Strada USH combines a fast rolling center track and scaled up herringbone tread for traction in the turns. The 650b x 42 retails for $67.00 and is equivalent to a 700c x 23 in diameter. Alongside the release of the 650b x 42 is the more interesting Strada USH 650b x 50, which Donnelly positions as a mixed terrain bikepacking tire.
Also ready to roll is the X’PLOR MSO 650b x 50mm, the new tire in lineup that piqued my interest. Formerly the Clement X’PLOR MSO, this tire has been a popular choice amongst the gravel community for some time. It’s known for a combination of grippy and shock absorbing soft rubber tread, tightly spaced center knobs for speed, and more aggressive side knobs to provide control in the corners. In addition, the MSO casing is tough and has been reported to weather thousands of miles with little wear. All of these factors add up to it being a good tire candidate for dirt-road touring, gravel bikepacking, or ultra-racing. I’ve used the 700c x 50mm version on a couple different bikes and have been impressed, so far. The 650b lineup includes 36 and 50mm width, both tubeless ready. The 650b x 50mm a tire that is equivalent to a 700c x 32 tire in diameter. Both of these models retail for $67.00.
Donnelly tires are available in the U.S. through the Independent Bicycle Dealer channel. For more information visit www.donnellycycling.com.
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