Understanding tyre choice

boac

Having recently bought a new Zaskar Comp I am loving getting back into off road biking. My last ride has convinced me that I need to look at replacing the stock Maxxis Aspens 2.1 that came with the bike. They seemed fine when it was dry but are all over the place on the slippery mud and roots. I'd like something that is as close to an all round tyre, if such a thing exists, rather than a dedicated deep mud tyre. I am riding a mix of general xc, with a good amount of steep, slippery single track thrown in, and am planning a trip to Afan Forest sometime soon. Also, from home I have to ride at least half an hour of tarmac to get to and from the fun bits, so whilst off road performance is definitely more important I don't want it to be so slow running I'm worn out after the first climb.

I've read through quite a few similar threads on here, and whilst there are plenty of useful recommendations, I'd like to understand a bit better where they are coming from so I can find what is best for me. Can someone please explain (or share some useful links maybe):

- the difference between folding and wire bead, is it mostly a question of weight? Will they both fit any rims?
- the thinking behind different tyres front and back, I've seen different models and different widths recommended and would like to undestand why?
- different compounds, what to look for and why
- width, if thin is better through mud, what is the compromise versus fatter tyres?
- any other key factors I've missed?!

So far, I am considering some Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1, Panaracer Trailraker 2.1, Schwalbe Rocket Rons 2.1... any advice or further suggestions appreciated.

1mancity2

Wire has a wire bead and is heavier than folding both fit same size rim,
Front has more grip as were you steer your back end usually follows, bigger tyre front more grip,
Compounds, hard,soft,sticky
width, thinner is better in mud, wider if your heavy/aggresive rider

Maxxis High Roller 2.35 maxxpro 60a a brilliant all rounder, more grip up front Maxxis Minion 2.35 maxxpro 60a

bails87

There will be a million opinions on the 'best' 'all round' tyre.

Personally I like Maxxis Advantages in 2.1" for all round XC and trail type stuff.

A wider tyre will weigh more, but grip more, which also means it'll probably be slower.

Soft compounds (e.g 40a) grip more, but wear quicker and are probably harder work than a hard tyre (e.g. 70a).

cooldad

Round rubbery ones.

cooldad

I haven't said that for a while.

1mancity2

cooldad wrote:

Round rubbery ones.

Trust you!

boac

1mancity2 wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Round rubbery ones.

Trust you!

Indeed, helpful as ever there cooldad.

I realise there isn't one answer to the 'best all-rounder', which is why I am trying to better understand the options so I stand a better chance of picking what will work for me. I'm not looking for someone to tell me exactly which tyre to go and buy, just a little more knowledge. Thanks mancity and bails for your answers.

cooldad

I am a bit hurt that you didn't thank me as well.

ThePriory1978

According to the internets. Find some Schwalbe Hans Dampf and you will have a tyre suitable for every weather ever. You will also be much poorer.

boac

I'm sure you'll get over it.

bluechair84

Are tyres actually round? If you start at a square and keep adding to the number of sides until you have an infinite number, then you get a circle... and the outer most diameter of a knobbly is a fininte number of flat edges! So, I think Cooldad is misleading the newbs and should be strung up by the nosehair. Of course, roadie tyres have no knobbles... so they might be considered round.
But you should thank him for recommending you get some rubber ones.

/\ Always been happy with Highrollers all year round.

cooldad

I've been found out. I'd better stop recommending jetwashers and WD40 as well.
Curses.
I blame Wiggle.

cooldad

At the moment you could string me up by my sodding mo. Less than a week to go.

Northwind

Thing about tyres- and this seems to piss some people off when you say it- is that a lot of it's in your head. You can't ride fast on a tyre you don't trust, even if it ought to be grippy as soon as you lose faith you'll stop committing properly, you'll brake more, you'll not want to push weight into it... And basically, you'll stop it from working.

You'll get better results out of an inferior tyre, as long as you trust it and like it, than you would from the best tyre in the world if you don't.

cooldad

Northwind san speaks zen like truth.

bluechair84

cooldad wrote:

Northwind san speaks zen like truth.

What Cooldad says

Squarepants

bluechair84 wrote:

cooldad wrote:

Northwind san speaks zen like truth.

What Cooldad says

What bluechair said

Northwind

What Squarepants said