If you race cyclocross in the dry, desert-like parts of the country, on hardpack dirt or rock, you know that speed is paramount. At the same time, that speed must be carried through corners, on loose material and over a fly-over, so grip and control are critical to both staying on the course, and driving to the podium. Cross riders with a long history will recognize the essentials of the tread design found on the LAS Tubular Tire, but the podium is in the details and innovative new tubular design allow you to completely exploit the LAS for the wholly capable tire it is.

LAS is the code for Las Vegas's McCarron Airport, and any rider who has flown in for the annual CrossVegas cyclocross race knows how this exciting, early season race under the lights is won- with speed, reliable equipment, some serious nerve and the kind of fitness you develop during the road season. A crucial element for such a race is tire reliability. With the lowest pressures riders can manage putting tubular tires to extreme tests, with many a supple nylon/cotton casing sidewall destroyed in a single race, Donnelly has developed a perfectly round tubular model that has no traditional casing or inner tube, but a fully sealed rubber carcass/tire that is much more durable, abrasion resistant, and holds air and sealant more effectively than a traditional tubular. The proprietary rubber and construction does not require external sealing of the sidewall (at the factory or at home), won't allow water penetration or air loss unless truly punctured, and is completely compatible with internal, ammonia-free tire sealant like that from Stan's NoTubes to quickly seal up small punctures, such as those from thorns.

At 700x33mm the LAS Tubular meets the UCI requirement for width. Granted, rim bed width, pressure selection, and rider weight are also factors in being in compliance for sanctioned events. The advantage of running a low pressure-capable tubular is that the softer tire creates a large contact patch, allowing the tread pattern to spread out and stay on the ground regardless of most rim angles. The suppleness required for this is significant, and the full rubber design holds its own with the nylon-cotton casing tubulars. The max pressure of the LAS is 65psi, but there is not rated minimum, leaving the proper pressure to rider preference and course requirements. At a listed 378 grams for the tire, and a little sealant, you have a fully modern and competitive cross tubular.

The tread of the LAS would easily be the true genius element of the tire, except for the new all rubber construction. A quick look and you think "okay, file tread center with side knobs, great!", and you will have the basics, but the file tread concept is much more intricate than one would expect. This is a nail file tread with triangular design and points. It is progressive design, so the center treads are shorter and smaller. As you move away from the center, the treads get larger and taller until they meet the edge knobs on the shoulder. The progressive nail file tread ensures a consistent feel and control while cornering, and penetrates softer material or even dust to get to the harder ground below, for essential grip. This creates predictable performance, which is crucial to rider confidence and expectation, especially at speed. The spaced, mirrored pair longer, taller knobs of the edge are the same design that Donnelly uses for it's PDX mud tire, which may seem strange, but what these knobs offer is the traction required to rip through sand and other softer terrain, as well as a readily identifiable limit when cornering. Surprisingly for some, the LAS is also great on grass courses for the same reason. The grip and traction provided far exceeds preliminary expectations and at low pressures opens up new limits for you as a rider.