Hutchinson Intensive clincher 700×23/25c £26.99 each

In our First Ride of Hutchinson’s Intensive clincher, we suggested that the 230g tyre might not be a serious option for fast riding on account of its sturdy build and rugged tread compound. The immediate impression was of a stiff-walled, ‘laggy’ ride, but with a little wear it becomes apparent that the Intensive quickens up markedly while remaining quite exceptionally robust.

What this means in practical terms is that not only does the tread last an amazingly long time, but it is almost freakishly resistant to puncture. It is also grippy in the wet and, we now realise, not so slow after all.

In search of a tyre suitable for Juan Christen’s nice, light Cannondale CAAD5, we fitted a pair of 25c Intensives. Previously, Juan was getting through comparable rubber from various competitors at the rate of a rear tyre per 1,000km; some 3,000km later, the rear Intensive had barely lost its moulding flash and had absolutely refused to puncture. This performance mirrored the writer’s onw experience with the model.

It proved a great choice for fast Alpine descending wet or dry on a flying visit to the Tour de France, where Juan showed that downhill mtb skills can translate to the road, and was his tyre of choice for our recent face-off in the Festival RC road bike 10 mile TT, which he took by four seconds.

All is not, however, entirely rosy. This is a tyre that is fairly easy to fit, meaning a slightly loose fit on the rim. At a slimline 100kg, Juan runs his 25s at 110/120psi and, hitting a pothole recently in the dark, he blew the rear tyre off the rim. Lower pressures are fine but a tighter bead would be preferrable.

While not exactly a criticism, it is worth observing that the very robustness of the tyre might tempt the ridert to be less than careful when riding it, for while neither Juan not I have suffered a single penetration flat, he has pinch-flatted several covers and, at £26.99, they are not exactly a budget fitment.

They are, however, a good choice if value for money is a consideration, since 5,000km for a 240g (25c) clincher is good going by any standards.

Also available soon in 25c Tubeless format.