Donnelly PDX WC World Cup Tubeless-Ready Cyclocross Tire
Couldn't load pickup availability
With the introduction of the PDX WC, tubeless tire technology for cyclocross has arrived in a big way. This is, no question, the finest race-ready tubeless tire for serious cyclocross racing available today.
Proven PDX tread pattern in a new, World Cup casing
The PDX WC uses the proven PDX tread pattern with tall, widely-spaced knobs that provide grip and clear mud. In the middle the knobs are setup in a pattern to roll fast. A soft rubber compound gives extra comfort through shock absorption and superior grip.
UCI Cyclocross maximum tire width compliant
PDX WC meets the UCI tire width limit of 33mm which means it can be used at the highest level of the sport, as well as for crushing your local series.
Made in Europe
For production of the PDX WC, Donnelly went to the Czech Republic. There are many excellent Asian-made cyclcross tires on the market, however, Donnelly wanted to bring specific manufacturing resources to these tires and therefore moved production to Europe. This tire uses the highest quality nylon casing, 240 TPI construction for a supple feel, and tips the scales at only 366 grams - this tire will save you a critical 2oz compared with the plain "classic" PDX tubeless tire.
- 700x33
- 366 grams
- Tubeless-ready clincher (can also be used on traditional clincher rims with an inner tube)
- 240 TPI
- Folding Aramid bead
What is the maximum tire width for cyclocross?
At the casual/amateur level, generally, there isn't one. Probably the most common question asked by riders new to cyclocross is: "Can I use a mountain bike? Isn't it over the maximum tire width?" At local, casual, amateur races, the answer is almost always "yes" - bring whatever bike you have, come out, have fun, no worries about the size of your tires.
As your abilities and skills rises, however, you'll need to comply with maximum tire width rules. For the most part, this means that amateur racers never have to worry about the tire width rule - only elite riders who race at UCI-sanctioned events do. EXCEPT for national championships events. At national championships specifically, the rule can be enforced different (or not at all) depending on your race category!
THREE-TIERED SYSTEM
There are essentially three tiers - first, the "UCI" tier which applies to Elite, U23, and Junior 17-18 riders (max 33mm), "UCI Light" (35mm), for Masters categories, and "USAC" Juniors under 16 - for which there is no width restriction at all.
SHORT SUMMARY OF TIRE RULES FOR THE CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
- Juniors under 16, no tire with restrictions
- Elite, U23, and Junior 17-18, max 33mm
- Masters, max 35mm
In case you were wondering - no studded tires are allowed, regardless of category. So if the race happens to be on snow, leave the spiked/studded ice tires at home.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Tires are often wider than their label, and might violate the tire width rules despite their published width. So just having a tire labeled "33" or "35" isn't a guarantee of safety. This is most common when mounting tubeless tires to extra-wide rims, which can push the width of the tire slightly out of compliance. The Donnelly PDX WC tubeless is specifically designed to be compliant on modern tubeless rims.
- Tubular tires marked 33mm or less, which should include every common tubular tire designed for cyclocross racing from Donnelly, Challenge, Vittoria and so on should be safe for the "UCI" tier (Elites, U23, Juniors) as well as the "UCI Light" tier (Masters)
- Tubeless tires specifically designed to be UCI 33mm compliant, like the Donnelly PDX WC from this page. Gage Hecht recently rode these to 2nd at the UCI PanAm champs, so we know they're in spec and should be safe for both the "UCI" (33mm) and "UCI Light" (35mm) tiers.
- Tubeless tires marked 33mm for the Masters / UCI Light category, are likely to be OK - even if they inflate slightly larger than 33mm, they'll still be under the 35mm limit for Masters.
- Any tire marked 36mm, 38mm, 42mm, or more. For the most part these are clinchers used for gravel cycling, it's unlikely such tires will be given a pass at a national championship event. Fine for training but don't expect to be permitted to race on them.
- Tires that are obviously way outside the rules, like any mountain bike tire in the "UCI / 33mm" or "UCI Light 35mm" tiers.
-
Tubeless tires marked 33mm, especially if you've mounted them to modern, disc-only, wide tubeless rims that are common today but weren't 5 years ago, may not make the cut in the "UCI / 33mm" tier. Such rims change the shape of the tire, making it wider, violating the 33mm rule. They might also be just fine, but measure in advance to be sure.
The gauge itself is simple - a "U" shaped wooden or plastic block with a 33mm or 35mm wide slot in the starting grid. That's easy to approximate at home, before you choose equipment and travel.
Check out the Cyclocross equipment FAQ at USA Cycling for the actual text of the rules surrounding maximum tire width.
Shipping
Shipping
Free shipping on orders over $50 with delivery to the 48 continental United States. More shipping methods and rates.
Return Policy
Return Policy
Return any new and unused item for a full refund (less shipping charges) within 30 days of your purchase. See full return policy.
Expert Guidance
Expert Guidance
Call or text (909) 283-3391 for questions or help, anytime.
