noob tyres question

journey_man_pro

am after some tyres for my giant xtc but being a noob im not sure what im after in terms or wired or not?

whats the pros and cons of each for general xc/trail riding?

cheers

The Rookie

Folding (or Kevlar bead) are lighter than non folding (steel bead), they sometimes use a better compound etc, sometimes not.

For a lighter bike like the XTC it would seem silly to add weight by using wire bead tyres. As for which tyres to get, need to know what useage/surface etc you have.

Simon

journey_man_pro

mainly riding trails, cannock and llandegla usually.

Rushmore

Do u want less rolling resistance? or more grip?

journey_man_pro

well, both to be honest but thats not going to happen. at the minute im using schwalbe racing ralphs in 2.1 and in the wet i cant get near my brothers downhills (though they do have a giant anthem and reign so it will always be a no contest) but im fearful of it washing out.

i was looking at tioga factory xc in 2.2. i feel this would be a good compromise, i dont really want to go 2.3 or bigger unless its really worth it.

Rushmore

keep the racing Ralph and whack a Nobby Nick on the front...

A great combo...

journey_man_pro

any more opinions on this? is it worth upping to 2.2 or 2.3 over my current 2.1? went out at the weekend and really struggled for grip and control in the mud.

looking to resolve fairly soon so any more help would be great.

cooldad

Everyone struggles for grip in mud. Part of the fun.

journey_man_pro

looks like im going for nobby nics then. any better suggestions?

EH_Rob

I have a 2.25 Nic up front and really like it, but tyres are a really subjective thing - lots of different opinions. The only way you'll know is by trying it and see how it goes!