Over the summer and fall I racked up a couple hundred miles on Clement's Strada LGG tyres in the 25mm guise. Those miles saw close to equal time split between pavement and gravel, and even some paths on occasion.
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The LGG part of the name comes from the airport code for Liege, Belgium, home of a little race named Liège–Bastogne–Liège, a place where they know a thing or two about tough conditions and tougher tyres.
I mounted them on 18mm wide DT Swiss rims and they measured an impressive 26.5mm at 110psi. They weighed 260g for 25mm width tyres.
Clement Strada LGG specs
- 23, 25, 28 and 32mm widths
- 120 TPI version is dual compound tread: 70a in centre, softer 60a on sides
- 60 TPI is single compound tread
- Slightly textured centre-tread with traditional Clement chevron side-tread pattern provides excellent grip in wet or dry conditions
- Integrated puncture-protection belt
- Open tread and lightweight construction
- Tan sidewalls available in 25, 28 and 32mm in 60 TPI only
- Clincher: folding bead, models range from 220-335 grams
- Tubular: 25mm only, tubeless construction, 265 grams
Puncture proof
While not exactly puncture proof, the Strada LGGs were exceptionally puncture resistant thanks to the belt under the tread, which dutifully defended the delicate tube inside. I've literally owned wheels less reliable than these tyres.
I even ran them with lower pressures than advertised. The sidewall states 105–125psi for the range, but I typically cruised around with 85psi up front and 95psi in the rear.
Clement Strada LGG on the road
While the Strada LGGs certainly impressed on dirt roads, on actual paved roads they held their own too. They definitely didn't have the magical, floating sensation that some high-end rubber can evoke, but in my mind it's worth the trade off.
In the bends, they held my chosen line well. Again, not as rock-solid and confidence inspiring as some super-soft racing tyres, but far from unpredictable and even farther from unacceptable.
Clement Strada LGG on gravel
While the acceleration and all-out speed wasn't as prolific as a pure road tyre, it was acceptable. Beyond acceptable was the Strada's ability to conquer dirt roads. I took it on all sorts of gravel; from the rock-free, hard as a cement, mid-summer kind where it's practically as fast as pavement to freshly graded roads loaded with rocky gravel everywhere and all sorts in between.
Even huge gravel road descents where the road surface is entirely washboard, the Strada LGGs rolled on and actually encouraged uncoiling my death grip on the brakes and letting my bike run, which on washboards tends to smooth the bumps out.
If your current road bike's tyres, and fear of punctures, are keeping you from venturing off the tarmac, the Clement Strada LGG is luckily available in four widths. I recommend choosing the widest ones that'll fit your frame and fork, and leaving the pavement behind.