Race king 2.2 SS or.....?

mozzy10
mozzy10 Posts: 179
edited September 2009 in MTB buying advice
I need a new rear tyre for my hardtail bike. I'm currently riding with a conti vapor 2.1 wire, but its wearing out and i'd like to try something lighter. I'll be installing the new tyre ghetto tubless too. My local riding is either woods with peaty soil or the south downs (chalk). So I thinking about the Race King 2.2, but which model?

I like the standard folding version because it's light, and relatively cheap (£19). But I can't find it anywhere in stock and i've heard the compound isn't as good as the super sonic. Then I'm not sure if the supersonic will seal with ghetto tubeless (mavic xc717 rims). Then obviously the protection version is heavier and more expensive.

Any advice on where to find the standard version in stock, or advice from someone who has mounted the supersonic on mavic rims using the ghetto technique would be helpful.
It\'s not your aptitude but your attitude that determins your altitude

Comments

  • RealMan
    RealMan Posts: 2,166
    I think the supersonic, although not being a fully tubeless tyre, is tubeless compatible (whatever that means - ask conti..)
  • BlackSpur
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    it means you need to use it with sealant (i think) which most people do anyway with tubeless setups
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • mozzy10
    mozzy10 Posts: 179
    where did you hear that the supersonic is tubeless ready? I thought (just from what i've read) that its just a normal tyre, but u can bodge it tubeless using the ghetto method. Do conti describe the supersonic as tubeless ready themselves?
    It\'s not your aptitude but your attitude that determins your altitude
  • nferrar
    nferrar Posts: 2,511
    The supersonic Conti's are about the worst choice of tyre to run tubeless, they have tissue-thin sidewalls and are prone to burping (as well as being a pain to get sealed initially). I also can't see a Race King being much good in peaty soil, the tread is very shallow.
  • mozzy10
    mozzy10 Posts: 179
    mmm, thats what i thought about the race kings SS sealing, although some people on other forums seem to think with some perserverance (sp?) they seal ok.

    I see what you're saying about grip, but I'm quite keen on a light tyre, and its hard to find that with deep tread and also rolling resistance is a consideration. I think the race standard folding 2.2 would be the ideal tyre for me, but it doesn't have the special 'black chilli' compound which some say is the source of their grip.

    Has anyone used the race king 2.2 folding and the race king 2.2 SS and has an opinion on how the grip on each compares?
    It\'s not your aptitude but your attitude that determins your altitude

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