Review: Cadex Classics Tire

In the spirit of the spring Monuments season, testing out the Cadex Classics 28mm tire was a match made in surfaces. After several hundred miles of this hookless tubeless tire, we’ve managed to convert our notes into a review before the road racing season commences. For reference, we set these tires to 60 psi/ 4 bar. 

Cadex, a subsidiary of Giant, knows a thing or two about mixed surface riding. The company produces high end hookless wheels, cockpits, saddles, and tires. Cadex offers independent lines of road and gravel products. 

Over the past few years, Cadex products have been tested on both our road and gravel bikes, but the product tested most from the brand are the tires. At the late stages of winter, eager cyclists looking to settle for outdoor rides in suboptimal conditions will mount tires ready for the shoulder season experience. With spring classic rides upcoming on our own calendar, Cadex Classics tires, rubber meant for the cobbles, was clearly the tread of choice.

Our area had a frigid winter. There were sparse snow storms, but the threat of them was ever present. This means public works crews frequently salted and cindered roads in preparation for storms that fizzled. Meanwhile scrabble hung out in the road, ready to test any road tire. The last thing any winter cyclist wants to do is repair a flat.Yet the Cadex Classics performed well, having been armed with Race Shield + puncture protection. It should be noted the tires were fresh at the end of winter, increasing the chances of successful passes around local roads. Having them set up tubeless increased the confidence that punctures were unlikely.

Regarding grip, the Classics’ breaking point was never really found. Out of consideration of not knowing where ice patches were, turns were taken cautiously. As winter receded, the same turns were taken harder. Meanwhile the RR-S AR compound grabbed hold of the road in both dry and wet conditions. Each turn on the Classics were confidence boosting as the season progressed, a helpful training tool.

With eagerness, the Cadex Classics were truly tested at the local spring classic, The Hell of Hunterdon. The event features over a dozen unpaved roads connected by standard roads. The event totaled eighty miles this year. What better place to get answers on Cadex Classics’ performance? 

The most important part of our review is the presence of the ‘squish factor’ experienced by the Classics on gravel roads. This impressive attribute is often found in cyclocross tire set up. The bouncy nature of the tire allows for maximum grip and comfort. On almost every gravel sector, the Classics could be felt working. The back tire would flex to select the optimal line and traction while the sidewalls absorbed the vibrations. The front tire reacted to the road out front. Once the squish started, we wished for more and more gravel sectors.

Having selected the 28mm tire, the Classics provided a comfortable ride, smoothing out the quarry stone sectors as well as the loose and deep gravel. Meanwhile on the paved roads, the Classics acted like clouds without compromising speed. These are the must-have tires of the spring rider.

In a few weeks’ time, we will take our show northward to an original unpaved race in northern New York. Similar to the Hell of Hunterdon, the Battenkill Race features unpaved roads connected by smooth roadways. It would be a folly to select any other tire for this event. The trust is deep with the Cadex Classics tires that we pin our hopes to them. 

A word of caution regarding hookless rims/ tires. We mention this in each hookless article, check with Cadex/ Giant for compatibility to hookless systems. The tires perform best on the following hookless wheels: Cadex/ Giant, ENVE, and Zipp. We have confidence in having mounted our Cadex Classics to Giant hookless wheel sets. 

In the olden days, riders would cut up old treads and stuff them inside tire casings for winter reliance. Cadex Classics shows those days are long gone. With puncture protection, a supple casing for comfort, and low rolling resistance on both paved and unpaved roads, these tubeless tires are the right choice for the classics season.