Tyre choice

xand_xand · July 2009

I think im going a little mad with the amount of tyre choice available.
Im currently running conti speedkings 2.3 which came with my mtb.

Im need of some new tyres now - would like to stay around the 2.3 / 2.25 region.
Do mainly XC trails, bridlepaths, woods etc - some roads occassionally.

Was looking at nobby nic on front and racing ralph on rear as an option?
Should I go for conti mountain kings perhaps?
People I speak with local to me suggest Panaracer XC Fire.

Looking at reviews of all the above there are alot of negative comments

any other ideas???

Lastly - and sorry fro being a new bit newbish - but can i opt for Tubeless tyres OR do i need to have wheels/rims on my mtb which are designed for tubeless tyres???

davcow · July 2009

You can run tubeless tyres on any rim you want (with a tube)...

But if you want to run them tubeless then you will need either tubeless compatible rims,

or a conversion kit, from Stans or Joes No-Flats, to adapt your current rims to tubeless.

robmanic1 · July 2009

Nobbies and Ralphs are a great choice for summer riding, but being as though we aren;t having one I've stuck with Nic's fromt and rear.

I wouldn't use anything other than Nic's and Ralph's now, I really rate them.

I wouldn't bother with tubeless either personally, not sure the advantages outweigh the disadvantages really, and these tyres are plenty light enough for me with tubes.

xand_xand · July 2009

thanks chaps - anyone know of a good competitive online supplier of tyres?

or should i just try the usual retailers wiggle, leisurelakes etc etc

davcow · July 2009

Wiggle are usually good for tyre prices, depending on what brand your looking for.

Also have a look at Chain Reaction they have quite a wide range of tyres and free postage as well! That is usually next day, always been good for me.

robmanic1 · July 2009

best off "googling" your tyre choice, prices vary greatly so worth having a good shop around.

Stoo61 · July 2009

I feel your pain, there is SOOOOO much choice. I'm sticking with Panaracer Fire XC Pros.

stueyscott · July 2009

Just gone with the Kenda Nevagal & Blue Groove combo 2.1s (both available as 2.3s I think)

Will let you know how they ride.

Typically do the same sort of stuff as you.

Mark909 · July 2009

I just swapped my tyres last nite from WTB prowler mx 2.3 to Panaracer Fire XC Pros 2.1.

The prowlers were great for flying down hill but had too much rolling resistance for flats and uphill.

I havnt had a chance to ride on the Panaracer Fire XC Pros yet but they look really really skinny compared to the prowlers!

mellex · July 2009

I've been running a mixture of Racing Ralph (up front) and a Kenda Tomac Stick-E Nevegal on the rear. Road riding doesn't seem too much of a chore. I have to cycle six miles before I even hit my chosen trail so I just get on with it. General wear is very good and punctures have been few and far between.

Best price for Racing Ralph rubber that I've found is here: RALPH

kitenski · July 2009

I've been running Conti Verticals on my hardtail, very happy with them and the price can't be beaten...

£11.96 from Wiggle!

xand_xand · July 2009

grt tips chaps thanks ever so much

ads4 · July 2009

kitenski wrote:

I've been running Conti Verticals on my hardtail, very happy with them and the price can't be beaten...

£11.96 from Wiggle!

Running Conti Verticals too. Great all round tyre IMO.

http://www.conti-tyres.co.uk/conticycle ... ical.shtml

rhyko7 · August 2009

if its speed you want then go for something light weight
if its cornering grip you want then go for something with a big aggressive shoulder tread.
for snake bite resistance you want a tall tyre or thick side wall

my choice for trail centre rides and some DH:
single ply Maxxis minion or high roller (2.35) up front, excellent cornering grip whilst not too heavy
Maxxis ADvantage 2.25 folding on the rear, very light and quite tall, good climbing and braking grip too

Dannyrado · August 2009

Hi guys,

I can't stand my Spesh "the captains" in the wet, and being from N Wales, it's always wet!
They seem to have no grip whatsoever as i corner.

The width is 2.0, and they're on my stumpjumper expert. What do you guys reckon for a good all round tyre, ie wet and dry? I do mostly XC, but do venture down the black at LLandegla.

You think i should go wider?

KnightofCydonia · August 2009

I'm also having tyreache. I don't think a lot to the wtb prowler ones that came with it, but since I'm doing 95% tarmac surfaces I'm tempted to get some slicks or trekking tyres but still dunno what to do. Looking for puncture protection which is one thing but I do worry about grip & suitability over wet/dry/damp surfaces, It's such a damn big market!

blister pus · August 2009

Slicks = Schwalbe Marathon plus / Specialized Nimbus Armadillo are the usual go to

All rounders = Conti Traffic 09 / Kenda Small Block 8 / Specialized Sauserwind are regular recommends

Tyre choice

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