Another tyre tread... ahem, thread.

easyg

You bet me to it GT Destroyer but I didn't want to hijack your thread.

Anyway I am unsure on whether to get 2.1 or 2.35 Maxxis Swamp Things for aggressive XC riding on my new custom build Marin hardtail. I will be riding on the new tyres for the remainder of the winter months, in fact at least until it is baking and the ground is cracking anyway. I love the look of these tyres, and the reviews are naturally very good but I don't want to be 'dragging' their ars3s up hills if they are heavy, and also loosing my tail on harder surfaces when the typical UK weather system feels like it.

Any opinions/ experience of Swamp Things much appreciated, and on the ideal width for aggressive XC/ ride anyway anytime riding...

Cheers.

WILSTOKES

Didn't think you could get Swampthings in 2.1 size? I've used the 2.35 single ply supertackys and they are grippy as hell - even on hard surfaces due to the soft compound. They are very draggy on the climbs and flat though.

If you want the confidence on the front front but less drag on the back, then pairing them with a High Roller on the back would be a good way to go.

Splasher

You can get Swampthings in 2.1 but they're called Medusas. Anyway, I wouldn't run a dedicated mud tyre unless you live somewhere where it is always muddy as they drag. Running an open tread general purpose tread is much more sensible.#

Look at High Rollers and Ignitors. They're OK in mud, but so much better than Swampthings in the damp and the dry.

easyg

You can get Swamp Things in 2.1, I'm looking at a pair on eBay! Unless he is playing silly buggers!

Anyway, thanks for that - I think Wharncliffe Woods, and Dalby forest, maybe the welsh trails are what we will be riding, and obviously they can be as muddy as the weather makes them but this drag issue is a concern as it ain't going to be knee high all the time.

Not sure, I mean really even if they do drag its not the end of the world - jesus I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference knowing me! But then again, if I can that would be beating from the bread knife for spending £40 and then having to replace them...

Anyone else got any feeling on this?

PS Thanks for your comments guys, you have definately made me less sure of them which is good as I want to unleash the beast with all the correct bits on and tyres are really important I'm told

easyg

** duplicated ** - stupid work computer!

shin0r

I'd get a set of 2.35 High Rollers instead. These will be more suitable 90% of the time.

Splasher

Don't think mud tyres are magic either, they still don't grip that well in mud, they're still just a knobbly.

Personally, I would rather sacrifice a little grip in the mud (where there's not much fun anyway) to keep high speed confidence on the hardpack and the rocks.

papasmurf.

and some people say that good mud tyres need to be thin..Like splasher says, don't bother with them get some all rounds like cinders, fire pros or high rollers especially for places like wales where the water drains away pretty quickly

Steve_b77

I've just put a pair of High rollers super tacky on in 2.35 and had my first ride round delamere forest, they grip like poo to a blanket but you can;t half hear the stickyness on anythign remotley smooth.

Kinda like rolling upto the staging lights on a drag strip

Splasher

If you're going to go High Rollers, put a 60a on the rear to limit the drag.

Morty_Oxon

I had the same decision to make for my Marin and went with 2.3 Continental Vert Pros. Only get mildly fazed by really claggy mud, aside from that, they've been superb - loads of grip with not much drag, but it's the tough sidewalls you'll be truly grateful for on those rocky descents in Wales.

Come summertime I'll have a rethink but will be def be 2.3 front, 2.1 rear. Possibly Ralphs and Nobby Nics...