Decent 650B tyre which will work in wet conditions?

mark_fogel

I am looking to replace my Conti X Kings with something which will provide more grip. I am aware that there are loads of heavy tyres with aggressive tread but I am not looking for a tractor wheel just something which will be a good balance between grip, weight and rolling resistance. Looking around I can see that choice of 650B tyre size is quite limited when comparing to 26 or 29. So far I have narrowed it down to Schwalbe Nobby Nic and Specialized Purgatory Control, just wondering what are your thoughts on this? Perhaps there are better choices I am not aware of?

Thanks

The Rookie

Both good choices, the Nic has a more open tread which may work better for whatever wet surface you ride on, or may not.

In 26" the Nic is the lighter of the two (lightest of the many versions!).

WindyG

I use a Geax Gato XC on the front in muddy conditions, doesn't give up too much extra weight.

benpinnick

Choice isn't really limited at all... Consider WTB Trail Boss, Maxxis High Roller 2/Ardent combo, Maxxis Minions, Bontrager XR4... tons of options out there. Of all of them the old style Nobby Nic is probably one of the worst IMHO, but the new one _looks_ to be a significant improvement.

Angus Young

benpinnick wrote:

Maxxis High Roller 2/Ardent combo

That's what I'm running. Great combo.

ElliottDavo

I have a set of Purgatory's, and I think they're really good though I've got nothing to compare them against

The Rookie

I've found the purgatory is a bit to prone to clogging in my local rather clay based soil, the Nic much less so, but I would say it probably offers a little more grip if it isn't clogged/clogging.

When it's really muddy my Panaracer Fire Mud is awesome (1.8"), getting my up climbs when those on Nic's are spinning up and stopping.

lawman

benpinnick wrote:

the new one _looks_ to be a significant improvement.

Not had masses of time on them yet but so far I'd have to say they are a huge improvement. Kind of like a faster rolling Hans Dampf and much more predictable and confidence inspiring than the old ones

Ferrals

Surprised you don't like the x-king in the wet. I found it really good, didn't clog even in clay and provided loads of grip on all sorts of surfaces (rear tyre).

mark_fogel

My local shops in Swindon don't seem to have anything decent. Found the recommended tyres above on wiggle will probably order later this evening. X King on the front just seems way to sketchy I nearly lost it a couple of times when it started sliding out when I wasn't pushing it particularly hard.

poah

check out bike-discount.de for tyres.

Ferrals

mark_fogel wrote:

My local shops in Swindon don't seem to have anything decent. Found the recommended tyres above on wiggle will probably order later this evening. X King on the front just seems way to sketchy I nearly lost it a couple of times when it started sliding out when I wasn't pushing it particularly hard.

Ah yeah I was talking about the rear, when I tried it on the front it was horrific, sliding even on fairly gentle corners.

paul.skibum

WTB Vigilante, good clearance and grip. Good front tyre.