Cushioning but light rear tyre

Cqc
Cqc Posts: 951
edited August 2015 in MTB buying advice
Hey everyone,
Been a while since I posted but my annual alps trip ( livigno bike park) is coming up and I had a quick question.
It's a lift accessed DH / freeride park, but I ride it on my short travel trail bike each year ('07 stumpy, great bike, handles all the trails there including the ex world champs descent no problem ) so to add some cushioning to make up for the lack of suspension I usually run DH tyres. Last year I ran a single ply super tacky high roller 2 on the front and a dual ply with steel bead on the rear, which gripped and cushioned amazingly, and I didn't puncture once, but the rear tyre was so heavy that it always unbalanced my bike in mid air; I would land rear wheel first on drops, and my rear often wouldn't lift off on smaller tabletops. I therefore want a new rear tyre- I've been thinking of a minion dhf supertacky in single ply as my front tyre isn't sold any more as super tacky single ply high roller 2s were a very short run. Will I get away with this single ply or is it too thin a casing? I don't want to go dual ply again as they all seem to weigh 1200g +, nearly a pound more. What do you all suggest?

Comments

  • Cqc
    Cqc Posts: 951
    Given the lack of replies I've continued with my research and now have a hopefully easier question for you all: which casing is stronger, maxxis' exo or specialised's grid casing? Trying to decide between butcher grid and high roller 2 3c. The grid weighs slightly less, but does that mean it's less strong?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    How about something like a Rubber Queen 2.4 black chili?
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    If you like the feeling and durability of a dual ply but are not keen on 1kg+ tyres you need a folding Supergravity Schwalbe. 99% of the stiffness of a dual ply and ~200g lighter depending on size. They don't last very long but they are good. Don't be put off by the Vertstar compound it rolls very well. Despite stellar performance in the dry they are not outstanding in properly wet/slippery conditions. Try a SG Hans Dampf or Magic Mary for more gnar.

    Butcher Grid is good but not particularly well made. Every one I've had has had a slight wobble or eccentricity and while they're fine when new the characteristics change as the edges wear

    HR 2.3 probably one of the most versatile tyres ever but not as focussed as a SG Schwalbe

    Exo and grid casing good but again not in the same league as a supergravity carcass
  • Cqc
    Cqc Posts: 951
    Thanks guys, I've got the rubber queen black chili 2.2 on the front for regular cross country, and while I think it's a good tyre for that, I Wouldn't want to get a slightly larger one as my casing has been buckled and doesn't hold air overnight, so I don't want to spend any more money on that.

    Thanks for the schwalbe suggestion, I will look into a Hans dampf, but currently I am leaning towards the Highroller as that would be more useful the rest of the year, whereas the SG tyres I wouldn't want to use on non - uplifted riding.
    Thanks for warning me off the specialised

    . Any more suggestions? I haven't been able to find the minion I want in stock so I've ruled those out.
  • Cqc
    Cqc Posts: 951
    Just saw the chunky monkey - anyone tried it? Looks great and absurdly cheap
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    Ive got one but on the front, its not a bad tyre to be honest but not suited to rear work. Id suggest a 2.2 rubber queen which blows up to the same size. I had one on mine for about a year really good tyre.
  • Cqc
    Cqc Posts: 951
    Why is it not suited to rear work? I don't really mind it being slightly draggy as I'll be uplifting.
    Thanks for all the rubber queen suggestions, but I'm thinking something softer and gripper as I already have one abs so know it's not great for DH / free ride
  • step83
    step83 Posts: 4,170
    Tread blocks are more for steering than pushing. I used the RQ for cross country worked well in all sorts of terrain. Im using a Nobby Nick at the minute which is very grippy Hans Dampf is always a good tyre both come in 2.25 which isnt a bad size. Maxxis ardents worth a look as well.