Tires, how skinny?

aidso

Not a "What tyre" question but more what size do you normally go for and why?

I've heard people saying that if they were riding a real muddy track they wouldn't go under 2.0" while others would say lower to 1.8" for less rolling resistance. Is there a rule of thumb?

supersonic

Thinner is usually lighter and can be inflated higher. That is about the only general trend there is.

sharky1029

Mountain bike I have maxxis 2.35 which are closer to 2.1's so I am tempted to go for a different brand 2.35. Wider provides more grip especially in the wet and muddy.
Road bike has 700x23c as thats the size the tires were when I bought the bike.

cooldad

Depends on the mud. Thin can cut through thin mud to hard ground beneath, fat can 'float' over the top of thick stuff.

As a rule though, mud is sh1t

warpcow

Depends on the kind of mud too

Thick, deep mud = skinny

Slippy, surface mud = fat

Tbh, full-on mud-tyres are probably a little too specialised for most people. The amount of grip they offer is incredible in mud, but they have to be babied a little more on most other surfaces, especially rocks and roots imo.

2.1 Trailrakers, which are skinny for their size, are my go to tyre for winter. They're good in snow too.

Edit: too slow.

bentes

Funny how the last two posts contradicted each other perfectly.

As they say in my LBS, tires are a very personal choice. Two riders riding exactly the same trail and bike may prefer diferent tires.

Just like technique for riding sandy trails. Some may prefer goind fast and stomp through, some prefer sit down and spin their way out.

There is only one way, and it's trial and error. Try a few a see wich ones suit you best.

tofu21

I didn't do a huge amount of riding this winter but when I did I never once reached for the Mud-X tyres. The Nobby Nics and Spesh Captains did a grand job.

The Mud-X tyres do have more grip in the mud than the Nics and Captains and if it was properly muddy woods and natural trails that's what I'd go for. They do have their moments on rocks and roots and drag on roads. But all in all they do their job. If I was in a trail centre or somewhere rocky I'd sick with normal tyres.

When things are really bad, I've got some Conti 1.5 mud tyres which are bloody great in the mud and in a straight line. In anything else they are mental! One did a lap of FTD in cannock on them and I was the most scared I've been on a bike.....

cooldad

bentes wrote:

Funny how the last two posts contradicted each other perfectly.

I almost started doubting myself.