Looks like Zipp just introduced the perfect set of tires to wrap around your Zipp gravel wheels… if you’re into 700c x 40mm that is. Jumping into the gravel tire market, Zipp is now offering the Tangente Course G40. (Update: Read our long term review here)
Currently offered in only one option, the Tangente Course G40 is tubeless ready, but also tube compatible (as most tubeless ready tires are). Available in tan wall only, the tires feature an aramid puncture protection strip that runs from bead to bead. Those tan side walls aren’t just for looks either – the material is said to increase resistance to sidewall cuts.
The 127 tpi casing measures true to size, coming in very close to 40mm wide (one of these days we’ll get Tyler to replace the battery in his calipers!). The tires have a maximum pressure of 65psi, but you shouldn’t be riding more than that anyways…
When it comes to the tread pattern itself, the G40 uses a densely packed center section with chevron patterns for speed on pavement and hard pack. The tread opens up on the transitions knobs and finishes with some cornering knobs that look like they’d have some bite. From appearances, this seems to be a tire that will excel in dry to damp conditions, with speed a high priority.
On the scale, two of the same tires came in at slightly different weights which is common due to manufacturing tolerances. One weighed 475g while the other was 487g.
Available now, the tires check in at $65 a piece.
Still rolling tubes or want to carry a light weight back up? Zipp is also introducing a Tangente SL Butyl tube meant for 700c x 35 – 42mm tires. The tube has an aluminum presta valve that measures 37mm long and is compatible with the Tangente valve extenders. The price? $19 per tube.
Looks darn close to a Donnelly X’Plor MSO.
That is exactly what I thought, and if so…..good!
Yeah, but with better looking side knobs which is a weakness of the MSO.
What’s with the old logo?
Is there such thing as tubeless ready that doesn’t work tubed?
Some tubeless casings have a bit of a rough inside to enhance sealant performance, and can rub holes in tubes. I can’t think of an example myself, but have read about other folks experiencing it.
So many good options in the gravel world now. Nice to see.
Who mounted those tires? The hot patch is so close, yet so far away from being lined up nicely with the valve
Depends on what part of the hot patch you’re trying to line up. I look at that and see the last two parallelograms perfectly lined up with the 303 on the rim. Then the start of the Tangente parallelogram makes a perfect line to the end of the white Zipp logo on the rim. Or it could just be installed crooked. 🙂
or they wanted to line it up with the pertinent info like tire pressure?
FYI – That battery Tyler needs is an LR44. It also reminds me I need to replace mine!