MTB Tyre Choices

[Capricorn]

Which is a tough MTB tyre in 27.5?

 

My Trance came standard with Schwalbe Nobby Nic's which the LBS converted to tubeless but they never really sealed, particularly the front. It went flat on a rocky ride recently (admittedly after bombing down a really bony downhill). No visible puncture but would not hold air (or CO2) and eventually needed a tube.  Took the tube out, washed the tyre - no visible hole.  Reinstate the tubeless (what a mission - compressor, no valve core, soapy water and a tie strap needed). A visit to the bath showed a tiny hole about 3mm in from the bead.  I suspect this was the problem all along; maybe a new tyre is needed.  But maybe it's a snakebite although I had plenty pressure in the tyre.

 

But I'm not so happy with the Nobby Nic's after about 1000 maybe 1300km including sani2c as I haven't felt such a floppy tyre with paper thin sidewalls. You could put it on with real butter fingers (I thought it may be a 29 it slipped on so easily).

 

Question is?  What is a tougher tyre that affords reasonable grip. What is the toughest MTB tyre?

 

Your question is very general, in which case the toughest MTB tyre more than likely also implies of the heaviest tyres: DH tyres. Its a fact that if you want less chance of cuts and punctures: you need more material, in this case, rubber.

 

Fast = light = thin = higher risk of punctures and tears. So you will need to define your preferred type of riding, and then go find the toughest tyre within that category of riding.

 

I've personally had very good experiences with Nobby Nics where it concerns both grip and durability. Granted, it was NN with snakeskin and pacestar. i honestly will not take any schwalbe tyre that doesnt at least have snakeskin. the sidewall protection against tears and cuts is utterly superb (in my experience).

 

The maxxis tyres with EXO sidewall protection is also recommendable. But Maxxis' sidewall stiffness is rubbish compared to the schwalbe Super Gravity carcasses.

Super gravity carcass weight wise, falls between that of evolution + snakeskin, and the full 4-ply downhill carcasses offered by schwalbe. i dont know of a comparable carcasse technology offered by any of the other bicycle tyre brands.

 

In the schwalbe brand, Nobby Nic is the cross over from XC/weight weenie considerations into more hardcore trail riding.

[burty]

4 me its been Schwalbe RRalph Back & RRon front but quite interested on trying NNick infront now after some posts 

[mazambaan]

Thanks guys; I think I see the problem - no snakeskin or pacestar. I also see the need to be specific as for sure I don't need a downhill type tyre and my previous 26" Maxxis Crossmarks lasted ok although none (well maybe one) made it to being worn out. One bubbled and two, maybe three suffered sidewall cuts or a big hole.

 

I have a Giant Trance and a few grams here and there won't make any difference to my overall glacial performance.

 

I should have swapped the tyres out to an upgrade when I got the bike, the bloody Trance is so stable it makes you go a bit fast for your own good every now and again.

[georges]

Hi George

 

I had crossmarks front and rear and upgraded to racing ralphs front and rear, i noticed a little more noise on tar but not much, they roll easier at high speed. I sent my rear wheel in for repairs and they gave me a loan rear wheel with a Rocket Ron tyre. i found my rear wheel sliding on roots and in the mud. Not happy with the Rocket Ron tyre at all.

Go for Racing Ralphs all the way.

Sorry, I missed your post but thanks for replying. I've done exactly that and gone for R/R, evo, s/s.   Still not 100% but am sure this has to do with tire pressure. running 1.7 raer and 1.6 front.

Thanks again.

[Mook]

Been using Crossmarks for 4 years now - first 26", now 29". They are bulletproof on any terrain, BUT tyre pressure is key.

Riders generally tend to run tyres too hard, especially 29". Let 'em down and watch 'em grip.

[Mook]

Been using Crossmarks for 4 years now - first 26", now 29". They are bulletproof on any terrain, BUT tyre pressure is key.

Riders generally tend to run tyres too hard, especially 29". Let 'em down and watch 'em grip.

[JeffD]

Anyone know of any local (Joburg northern suburbs) or online (SA based) stores running any specials on tyres currently? I need to do a tubeless conversion.

[Bizkit031]

Anyone know of any local (Joburg northern suburbs) or online (SA based) stores running any specials on tyres currently? I need to do a tubeless conversion.

Easybike.co.za

[JeffD]

Thanks @MariusKlokie! Looks like there are Racing Ralph or Rocket Ron are good options but they don't have stock.

 

I need to kit out the girlfriend's bike for B&B 2day race on 18/19 Oct.

Edited October 7, 2014 by JeffD

[Bizkit031]

Thanks @MariusKlokie! Looks like there are Racing Ralph or Rocket Ron are good options but they don't have stock.

 

I need to kit out the girlfriend's bike for B&B 2day race on 18/19 Oct.

Phone them they will make a plan

[Guest Divan Ras]

I have a Scott Spark 60 2012 Model and want to get new tires.

Will the Michelin Wild Gripper Tubeless 26 x 2.25 be a good tire to do a bit of downhill (Not too extreme) and x-country in Cape Town area.

 

What other suggestions??

[CyberSakkie]

Buycycle currently have a special on Continental Raceking and CrossKing Combo. Two 29 x 2.2 or even 2.4 for R849.

[mtbride]

Is there no place in SA that stocks 2.1 size Schwalbe's?

[NukeproofPeanut]

Is there no place in SA that stocks 2.1 size Schwalbe's?

Could be wrong but thought I saw some at Solomon cycles the last time I was there.

[Mawbs]

i wish Maxis would bring out the crossmark in a bigger size...2.25 - 2.35 

[DemitriN]

I'm currently eyeing a Hans Dampf tyre for my front wheel (trail bike). Seems like a great one for grip and durability! Does anyone know if this would fit well on a Mavic 317 disc wheel?