components: 45NRTH Xerxes 27tpi 700x30c – Convincing smooth running

Test: The small American company 45NRTH has specialized in products that are intended to make everyday winter cycling easier. From overshoes to pedals to studded tires, everything is included. With the 45NRTH Xerxes 27tpi we took a look at the road tire from the Minnesota manufacturer.

The profile

When we first reach for the tire, we immediately notice: Man, it's light! The Xerxes weighs in at an almost sensationally light 530g for a studded tire, which is a little more than half that of many competitors. The low weight of the tire comes at the price of a noticeably thinner carcass than other studded tires and a relatively narrow width of just 30mm. It remains to be seen to what extent these two points play a role in practice. The profile itself looks well thought out: almost continuous, narrow central lugs are combined with high side lugs that are quite far apart from each other. The 140 spikes are located on the outer edge of the side lugs - what is positively noticeable here is that the metal rivets are already worked much deeper into the tires when delivered than in the competition. This should prevent ripping spikes.

The practice – asphalt

We inflate the tire to the maximum permitted 5 bar for our dry test on asphalt. The very small width of the Xerxes also catches the eye on the rim - the tire should therefore probably not be for comfort lovers. The first attempt causes the tester to look in disbelief – is that really a spiked tyre? The approximately 400g weight saving compared to the competition is particularly noticeable when accelerating and you are quickly up to speed. The rolling resistance is also exceptionally low. We've been on non-studded trekking tires that didn't roll that well. Thumbs up!

The practice – ice cream

In all honors, low rolling resistance - but how does the 45NRTH Xerxes fare in its actual area of ​​application? We reduce the pressure to 3,5 bar and venture onto the ice. The spikes grip immediately, the bike remains stable even with a closed ice cover. A little caution is required when cornering, here we have to record one or the other slide. The brake grip is also not quite optimal: the tire tends to break out when you brake hard. Nevertheless, one has to say: If you drive appropriately for the road conditions, the Xerxes has no problems on ice.

The practice – snow

Next it was off into the cool white. The first thing we liked here was the excellent self-cleaning of the tire: Even on long rides through snow cover, it didn't get stuck in the tire profile. When we increased the speed a little, we felt the rather shallow tread depth in the middle of the tire and skidded a bit a few times. But if you do without fast cornering or acrobatics on the bike, the Xerxes always remains good-natured in the snow and offers enough grip in most cases.

<< Back to leaderboard