GSAstuto
Maximum Pace
- Oct 11, 2009
- 974
- 253
I've been testing the Soyo (Daiwabo) lineup for 2013 and especially the new seamless road tubulars. SOYO is the only tire allowed for Japanese Keirin and has a unique, seamless construction where the carcass is woven as a 'tube' , rather than as a flat piece of cloth and then sewn together (sew up).
Their road line up consists of 3 new tires - CR, 160hr, and Upstream. The CR and 160 are at the top scale clocking in at over 25,000 yen ea. , and the Upstream is about 12,000 yen . These are not cheap tires. (more on that later).
I mounted them up to several different rims using Miyata tape so I can remove easily if required. I was almost afraid to ride them, actually, fearing a punc on a 25,000 tire is serious pressure. But, all fears aside - we rode them.
At first roll, the difference is obvious. These are like night and day compared to any other tire. Just touch the pedal and the power is instantly put to the road. Smooth and supple are the definition. If you ever wonder what 'supple' really means - then ride these tires and you'll know. It's a subtle feeling of smooth transition without any loss in friction or compliance. The tire is completely neutral and responsive under any load.
Compared to other top end tubulars like Vittoria , Veloflex and Dugast, these stand out as being even more responsive and agile. The harder you push them, the better they work. Vittoria CX feel like common trainers by comparison and the Veloflex and Dugast come quite close, but can't capture the nuance of smoothness these tires impart.
I swapped wheels back and forth also using the SOYO 'Spurt Racer' Green - which is the favorite of Keirin 'long ride' trainers. This is a very economical (under 3000 yen) tire. Going from the Spurt to the CR is like going from a mamchari to your roadbike. The Spurt is a great tire - but feels rough , harsh and sluggish on the road. Alot like a Vittoria Rubino, CS or Ralley. Of if you ride Conti's , like the Gator or 4000 4 season. But it is very predictable and overall a perfect training tire for getting the miles in. When you transfer to the CR, you know you are strapped in for real.
Currently I'm favoring the Upstream as my favorite 'do all' event tire. It has a butyl tube, decent price and good weight. It feels very close to the CR.
If you ride tubs and are looking for a decent MIJ selection - check out SOYO. I'll probably be mounting up some of the 160's for Kusatsu. There is simply no better tire for this type of event.
Their road line up consists of 3 new tires - CR, 160hr, and Upstream. The CR and 160 are at the top scale clocking in at over 25,000 yen ea. , and the Upstream is about 12,000 yen . These are not cheap tires. (more on that later).
I mounted them up to several different rims using Miyata tape so I can remove easily if required. I was almost afraid to ride them, actually, fearing a punc on a 25,000 tire is serious pressure. But, all fears aside - we rode them.
At first roll, the difference is obvious. These are like night and day compared to any other tire. Just touch the pedal and the power is instantly put to the road. Smooth and supple are the definition. If you ever wonder what 'supple' really means - then ride these tires and you'll know. It's a subtle feeling of smooth transition without any loss in friction or compliance. The tire is completely neutral and responsive under any load.
Compared to other top end tubulars like Vittoria , Veloflex and Dugast, these stand out as being even more responsive and agile. The harder you push them, the better they work. Vittoria CX feel like common trainers by comparison and the Veloflex and Dugast come quite close, but can't capture the nuance of smoothness these tires impart.
I swapped wheels back and forth also using the SOYO 'Spurt Racer' Green - which is the favorite of Keirin 'long ride' trainers. This is a very economical (under 3000 yen) tire. Going from the Spurt to the CR is like going from a mamchari to your roadbike. The Spurt is a great tire - but feels rough , harsh and sluggish on the road. Alot like a Vittoria Rubino, CS or Ralley. Of if you ride Conti's , like the Gator or 4000 4 season. But it is very predictable and overall a perfect training tire for getting the miles in. When you transfer to the CR, you know you are strapped in for real.
Currently I'm favoring the Upstream as my favorite 'do all' event tire. It has a butyl tube, decent price and good weight. It feels very close to the CR.
If you ride tubs and are looking for a decent MIJ selection - check out SOYO. I'll probably be mounting up some of the 160's for Kusatsu. There is simply no better tire for this type of event.