CST Cheng Shin Tires for Fixed Gear and Urban Riding

Many people think of Chen Shin Tire (CST) as a company that makes low-priced budget tires for cyclists who don't require or want to pay for performance tires for their recreational and commuter bicycles. But CST also manufactures tires for Maxxis. And as you probably know, Maxxis is about performance and ride quality.

CST manufactured tires, and other tire companies brand these CST tires with their own logos. But after talking with Trey in the CST booth at Interbike, it is clear that CST is making an effort to promote their own CST brand of bicycle tires.

Trey showed me the CST Czars when I asked about a decent tire at a decent price for the fixed gear riders who are constantly needing to replace their rear tires. According to Trey, he had decent reviews of the tire features from Faster Mustache, who describe themselves on their site as "a diverse group of Atlanta residents with one thing in common: riding bicycles," gave away CST Czar tires as prize items in their annual 24-hour, 13,050-mile urban bike relay, "FM.24.07". And Trey said that they really liked the price and quality of the CST tires.

At the Wheelgirl shop, we sell a bunch of tires.  And I, as well as many customers, have had good experiences with the various models of urban / training / racing tires that CST has manufactured and branded with their own name, as well as the tires that CST manufactures for Maxxis. I like expensive road tires, but you can't spend $100 or more for a set of tires for your urban ride. So, CST (and Maxxis) offer good alternatives for the urban rider who needs a reasonable price point and a decent set of tires. (Jump for post edit details.)

 

First photo of CST tires taken by Wheelgirl at Interbike Vegas 2007.  Faster Mustache FM.24.07 poster

This post used to contain references to bike courier companies, Godspeed and Cycle Hawk, liking these tires. In fact, I received an email from Trey from CST today (about a year later) who explained that representatives from both companies "seemed to  like what they saw," but did not formally review the tires. So, I've now updated the post, as of 10/2/08 by removing any references to either courier company. If you read a post that is has factual issues, please make sure to comment.

Comments

[jdmckay]

Hi:

I had a set of CZARs on my roadbike, purchased from CST EBAY dealer. I ride +/- 275 miles p/wk. in Albuquerque. I ride KHS Ultegra equipped steel frame w/nice strong ROLF VECTOR wheels. Tires are 23c.

The CZARs were awful in every respect... fell apart @ +/- 2700 miles: tread peeled off. Pictures here (Photobucket):

http://snipurl.com/1vp53
http://snipurl.com/1vp54
http://snipurl.com/1vp55

Very stiff ride, w/none of puncture proof characteristics of other name brand Kevlar tires. I ran SPECIALIZED ARMADILLO for about 1k miles: about same ride as CZARs, ARMADILLOs had much better puncture protection. We have fall "GOATHEAD" throrns here... really puts puncture resistance to the test.

I got about 4500 miles each from 2 sets of inexpensive MAXXIS XEPHYRs. They ran pretty smooth, hugged road pretty well, held up great. One set of PANARACER STRADIUS: *very* smooth ride, but fell apart less than 2k miles.

Currently running MAXXIS FUSE (about 1k miles): ride/traction similar to XEPHYR, no signs of any wear or failure as yet. Whether these are simply MAXXIS branded CSTs, or manufactured by CST to a MAXXIS spec... I don't know. However, MAXXIS responded to my emails w/very specific details I wanted in order to decide if tires were worth their salt.

I'm very happy w/MAXXIS. I would never by CZARs again... junk AFAIC.

Problem w/CST branded tires: none of important tech specs are available... for CZARs or any of their remaining line. They're all advertised as "Low Rolling
Resistance", "All weather compound", "ISO", etc. etc... every single model has the same description.

I want to see lining/layer density and material, compounds and all that. That I've found CST doesn't make this available publicly.

[jared]

I have to disagree with the other person who commented.

I think the CST Czars amazing.

Do they perform like top-of-the-line racing tires? Uh, no.

Are you able to pick these tires up for like $10-13? Yes!

I mean, you have to remember what you're buying. That's like saying a Hyundai is worthless because it broke down during the Indy 500. Not really what it's built for.

The Czars are awesome for riding around the city.

Just my 2 cents.

[Andrew]

Maxxis tires are made by Cheng Shin Tire, aka CST.

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