Tyres to cope with North Downs sand!

Xmore
Xmore Posts: 7
edited August 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi everyone. I bought a Rockhopper Disc recently and, whilst a good bike, the Specialized Fast Trak LK tyres can't cope with the sandy soil on my local patch in Surrey's North Downs. Any tips on some good replacement tyres that would also cope with the UK's year-round mud? I'm thinking of a Continental Mountain King 2.2" for the rear tyre but not sure about the front. Suggestions gratefully received!

Comments

  • dombo6
    dombo6 Posts: 582
    I ride there a lot and use 2.1 inch Panaracer Fire XC Pros all year round. As for riding in sand, stick to the edge where the sand is often held together by grass, spin a low gear and try to float the front wheel to stop it digging in and throwing you off.
  • batch78
    batch78 Posts: 1,320
    Fire XC Pro on front, Conti Speedking in the dry Mountainking in the wet on back. Unless your talking about the bits where extra sand has been artificially added, best bet there is to get off and walk whilst formulating plans to torture all the cockeye landowners in the area. :twisted:


    I in no way condone torture by the way and usually get over it once I'm peddaling again! :D

    p.s Whereabouts on the Downs you two from? I'm just south of Guildford
  • Surf-Matt
    Surf-Matt Posts: 5,952
    Batch - whereabouts?

    I'm originally from West Horsley just East of Guildford - went to school at the RGS.
  • batch78
    batch78 Posts: 1,320
    Technically Farncombe, but its not as nice as once was so don't tell everyone! :wink:

    Am at the Guildford end of village so 2mins and I'm up the hill at Littleton, down onto the river or over onto the disused railway line.

    Tend not to head much further east than Blackheath, Albury, St Marthas really so don't know much of your old neck of the woods.


    Oops sorry guys thread successfully hijacked!!
  • dombo6
    dombo6 Posts: 582
    East of Dorking, usually drive to Westcott and start from there.
  • S_J_P
    S_J_P Posts: 908
    How about a Panaracer Cinder 2.25"? In my opinion a vastly underrated tyre, which is superior to the ubiquitous Fire XC Pro in every way. It's big-block tread should help in soft sand, but rolling resistance is reasonable too.

    Folding versions are around the same price as the Fire, but wire-beads can be had for silly sums.
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  • Xmore
    Xmore Posts: 7
    Thanks for the suggestions guys. I thought about the Cinder but thought it would be a bit slow-rolling. Will consider all those suggestions though - cheers. BTW, you're right about the hijack - nice one! I'm in East Molesey (Hampton Court) so I use Oxshott Heath as a training ground and ride the North and South Downs.
  • Xmore
    Xmore Posts: 7
    Thanks for the suggestions guys. I thought about the Cinder but thought it would be a bit slow-rolling. Will consider all those suggestions though - cheers. BTW, you're right about the hijack - nice one! I'm in East Molesey (Hampton Court) so I use Oxshott Heath as a training ground and ride the North and South Downs.

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