Cyclocross tires need to accommodate a wide range of conditions from pavement to pure mud, and in a single race the tread pattern has to be especially capable, but that's why we're turning to the Grifo 33 Cross Tire. It delivers that capability and then some. Ultimately, it all comes down to the tread pattern. At first glance, it appears low in profile. It doesn't require the extra weight of bulky, tall knobs, but instead provides ample grip in terrible conditions while minimizing the associated rolling-resistance over harder stuff. Regardless of if the tread orientation is facing backward or forward, we're rolling fast.