I was lucky enough to test out some of these tires via Bens Cycle and Fyxation. A few others tested them out and we all had pretty much the same things to say about them...
People are pretty opinionated about their tire of choice. Some swear by Gatorskins, others are lifelong Vittoria Rando supporters and yet, there are still multiple companies making new tires all the time. No one seems to be addressing the "trick" market though. Right now I'm pretty stoked on these for one simple reason; traction that wraps the sidewalls.
Ever ride home in the rain to be alarmed by something and when you whip into a hockey stop, your bike kicks out from under you, landing you on your ass and your bike in the street? Well, I've done it a few times and it's no fun. I've ridden in the rain multiple times on my commute on the Session tires and because of the directional tread that wraps the sidewall, it has great traction.
They also don't wear down from daily skid use. Their high TPI (120TPI) and Kevlar-enforced,beefy sidewalls ensures you won't get any pinch flats as well. Not to mention, compared to other urban tires, they're pretty light.
Right now they come in a 28c, which is more like a 32c and hopefully a 38c or a 40c to follow. The pricepoint is right up there with other premium tires, which is to be expected. I can be honest though, they have lasted weeks longer than other tires I've ridden recently. They don't loosen up or weaken after weeks of riding like others do. I went through 2 Randos in the time a Sessions tire lasted on the rear wheel.
Keep watch on the Bens Blog for more updates!
Comments (12)
Damn, those look pretty sick. I checked on ben's and it said that "This is not a 'skidding' tire. The tread compound in this tire is designed for traction and control." how is the skidding? is it skid-able? I imagine it is if you are able to commute brakeless on it. also, what is the max PSI? it is always nice to have a lot of volume and pressure underneath you.
Posted by lukemc | May 26, 2009 12:25 AM
What they meant is it's a tire 'geared' for traction with tricks. I have it on my Cream City now and I skid on it frequently. I rode it on the rear of my Bruiser for a while too. No issues. I keep it around 100 pst.
Posted by prolly | May 26, 2009 12:30 AM
Reminds me of Panasonic Panaracer Ribmo's, just available in different colors.
Posted by EPD | May 26, 2009 2:19 AM
Ribmos don't have near the same amount of tread, nor does it wrap around the sidewall...
Posted by prolly | May 26, 2009 8:34 AM
dig these....
Posted by scissorneck | May 26, 2009 5:20 PM
i was under the impression that tread does not add effect traction on pavement. it's not like those little knobs are "biting" the pavement or anything. it's the other way around.
Posted by doug | May 26, 2009 5:55 PM
I dunno. I notice a huge difference between the traction of a slick tire [no tread] and one with tread. Not sure what you'd refer to it then?
Some tires skid better than others too. Although I'm sure that has to do with the density of the material.
I'm only stating my experience.
Posted by prolly | May 26, 2009 5:57 PM
Prolly,
I highly doubt that the difference in tread pattern has any effect on wet traction. As always, Sheldon has a good article explaining tire performance on his site.
I'd bet that the performance difference you notice either comes from the compound in the tire, or more likely, the fact that the tires are 28mm wide, where I imagine you probably normally ride skinnier. The completely round cross-section, which makes the tire respond more predictably while cornering, probably helps as well.
Posted by Bob | May 27, 2009 12:48 PM
Bob,
I ride 23c on my Merckx, 28c-32c on my 'steet track' bike and 38c - 40c on my Fixed gear 'trick' bike. I know the limitations of each tire's width and their handling properties. I've never ridden a tire that 'performs' this well.
I've read Sheldon's articles and I'm just doing my best to relate to it. I'm also not the only person to comment on the tire's performance on wet and slippery conditions...
Posted by prolly | May 27, 2009 12:56 PM
havin a hard time finding the session 700 tires for sale. everywhere i've looked is out of stock. any word if fyxation is going to up production, or am i s.o.l for now?
Posted by andy capp | August 6, 2009 4:26 PM
Continuum Cycles has them in stock right now.
Posted by Amanda | November 19, 2009 3:37 PM
Do these tires work good for spinning like keo and big spins? Also what kind of wheels would work well with these tires? Would Halos work well?
Posted by kyle | January 25, 2010 4:15 AM
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