New variations of ULTRADYNAMICO have arrived!
New variations from ULTRADYNAMICO have arrived! This time, we’ve stocked the Cava Robusto in 700x33c.
Out of the ULTRADYNAMICO casing lineup, we primarily stock the RACE and JFF casings at Circles, but as this is a new size variation in the ROBUSTO line, I felt a strong instinctual urge to pick them up.
ULTRADYNAMICO Cava Robusto 700×33.??
Price: 11,000 yen (tax included)
Yes, this is exactly the feel I was imagining. It’s the perfect size for rim-brake road bikes or fast-style disc road bikes. When you start looking for tires that don't sacrifice everything for lightness but still offer durability against things like sidewall cuts, you realize there aren't actually many great options out there right now.
In fact, while we haven't fully introduced them on the blog, the ULTRADYNAMICO size lineup has been steadily increasing little by little.
I’d like to take this opportunity to recap the characteristics of their casings and tread patterns, and offer some size recommendations based on the type of bike.
Understanding ULTRADYNAMICO by Casing
◯RACE◯
With no puncture protection on the sidewalls, RACE is designed purely for those who seek low rolling resistance and prioritize the suppleness of the tire. It is the lightest casing in the ULTRADYNAMICO lineup, prioritizing performance over durability.
The compound is also the softest in the series, which contributes to improved grip. The supple ride quality is like riding on a magic carpet.
Of course, the trade-off is reduced durability, but I highly recommend RACE for those seeking the absolute best performance.
△JFF△
Standing for "Just For Fun," JFF shares the same protection-free construction as the RACE grade, but with a thicker casing for added durability. It sits right between the aforementioned RACE and the ROBUSTO casing.
The compound features a carbon additive for longer life on paved roads, providing a balance of ride quality and peace of mind.
Personally, if you’re new to ULTRADYNAMICO tires, I recommend starting here.
◇ROBUSTO◇
ROBUSTO is the most durable casing in the series. Featuring sidewall protection, it is recommended for riders who want to hit everything from touring to gravel hard. If you are worried about punctures or sidewall cuts, this is the casing for you.
It uses a carbon-brevet compound optimized for durability. However, even with its high durability, the protection is limited to the sidewalls and not the tread, keeping the weight lower than comparable tires from other brands while maintaining flexibility—a testament to the high quality of ULTRADYNAMICO.
Circles recommends RACE and JFF.
As I mentioned, we mainly stock the RACE and JFF versions at Circles.
The tires created from Ron and Patrick’s obsessive dedication (you might even call it love) are characterized, above all, by their lightness and suppleness. I believe they are the perfect way to experience "a high-quality tire experience that is a cut above the rest."
Understanding ULTRADYNAMICO by Pattern
Rose
The original pattern that first brought ULTRADYNAMICO to the world, this is a versatile choice for enjoying both on-road and off-road riding.
The unique ▲delta-shaped▲ knobs are effectively arranged; the center knobs are placed neither too far apart nor too close, providing excellent rolling on pavement while maintaining solid traction off-road.
Between us, it even has a built-in "aging" feature: as you ride, the center knobs wear down, making them roll even better over time.
Cava
The most minimal pattern in the series, offering the smoothest ride. However, ULTRADYNAMICO isn't just about standard slick tires.
Except for the thinnest 700x33.??c version, the fine diamond-shaped tread provides 20-30% more traction than a pure slick. By adjusting the air pressure, these diamond treads provide just the right amount of grip, working effectively on rough pavement and muddy corners.
Mars
The newest pattern, MARS, is an all-terrain design that, as the name suggests, could take you to Mars. The continuously varying center delta pattern ensures quick rotation for speed and confident braking traction when slowing down.
The side knobs grip securely even on loose or dry terrain. The widely spaced knobs clear mud well and leave artistic tire tracks behind. Due to the nature of the tire, it is only available in 2.2??” width.
My personal pick! Which tire for which bike?
With so many variations possible by combining casings and patterns, it can be hard to choose.
So, based on my own judgment, I've put together some recommendations for which tire fits which bike! I hope this helps if you’ve been thinking about trying out ULTRADYNAMICO tires.
Starting from the thinnest tires.
Cava 700×33.??mm
The thinnest in the lineup, the Cava 700x33.??mm, is perfect for a SURLY / Steamroller. It’s also the perfect size for that SYCIP track bike that arrived the other day (we're currently getting it ready for sale!).
It’s also a great fit for "All Road" style bikes—the kind you ride mostly on pavement, but take on the occasional gravel path.
Personally, this is my number one choice to put on a CIELO Sportif / Sportif Classic.
Cava 700×39.??mm
The slightly wider Cava 700x39.??mm is perfect for a MASH / Steel. It’s primarily for pavement, but if you feel like hitting the dirt, this volume provides plenty of confidence against city bumps.
Rose 700×42.??mm & 700×45.?mm
The Rose 700c lineup is also steadily expanding into wider sizes. The 700x42.??mm & 700x45.?mm range is perfect for fast gravel bikes like the WILDE / Rambler SL or the SKLAR / Super Something Titanium.
By the way, Patrick mentioned that due to the popularity of gravel racing in the US, 700x45-50mm wide tires are becoming standard for gravel bikes, which is why these sizes are so popular for ULTRADYNAMICO.
Mars & Cava 26×2.2??”
The 26x2.2??” size available for both Mars and Cava is a perfect fit for the S / M sizes of the BASSI / Hog’s Back. They're also great for the vintage MTB rebuilds that our sister shop, Culture Club, specializes in.
I recommend choosing the pattern based on your usage: Cava for daily use, or Mars if you're building an ATB-style bike and want to hit unpaved roads. A "pro" move is to mix and match with a Mars up front and a Cava in the rear.
Mars & Cava 27.5×2.2??”
The 27.5x2.2??” version of the Mars & Cava is recommended for those building up a WILDE / Rambler or SKLAR / Super Something with 650B wheels for a more dirt-focused ride.
Yoshi from Circles Tokyo has been absolutely crushing gravel with these on his SKLAR / Super Something.
Mars 29×2.2??”
The Mars 29x2.2??” is the only 29-inch option in the lineup and is the best fit for the WILDE / Supertramp. This tire pattern is perfect for the ultimate modern ATB. The SKLAR / PBJ, which is arriving soon, is also designed for 29x2.4-2.6”, but this tire is a great option if you prefer to build it up with slightly thinner tires.
Tire Pressure Journal
By the way, ULTRADYNAMICO has been switching to box-style packaging since around last year. Initially, the goal was to use paper-based headers for environmental reasons, but many of their tires are quite large, and there were cases where the paper headers would tear, leading to the update to box-style packaging.
There’s also a clever feature on the back of these boxes.
It’s called the "Tire Pressure Journal." The message from Ron and Patrick is: "Try out different air pressures and find the sweet spot for yourself." Isn't that a lovely sentiment?
If your current tires are starting to wear thin and you’re thinking it’s about time for a change, definitely give these a try—they offer a high-quality experience like no other.
