New XC Tyres?

[Flippa]

I'm looking to purchase new tyres for my dual XC bike. I'm currently running Tioga Extreme XC 2.1 on the front and Tioga Factory XC 1.95 on the rear. Problem is they are heavy, high rolling resistance and shed mud like I shed weight, with difficulty!! In fact, I came to a grinding halt there was so much mud caked between both tyres and the frame and fork.

 

I'm considering the Hutchinson Python 2.0 or Bulldog 2.0 or Maxxis Larsen 1.9 for the rear and 2.0 for the front. I am also considering the Maxxis Crossmark but it seems to only come in 2.1.

 

Any reasons why a should choose one of the above over any other or should I be looking at other options?

 

[AndreZA]

Maxxis Larsens and Crossmarks are terrible in mud. Bulldogs got bet "winter tyre" in What MTB in UK. An you know how their winters are.

 

What about Kenda Nevagels?

 

 

[Flippa]

Never really considered them. Any good?

[MtbCpt]

Maxxis Larsens and Crossmarks are terrible in mud. Bulldogs got bet "winter tyre" in What MTB in UK. An you know how their winters are.

 

What about Kenda Nevagels?

 

 

 

Agreed - Maxxis Larsens are no good in the mud.

[Azonic]

If you are a smooth rider and can avoid the rocks, get Panaracer Speedblasters, 420g. Or, I also use Continental Twister Supersonics, 350g.

[Flippa]

If you are a smooth rider and can avoid the rocks' date=' get Panaracer Speedblasters, 420g. Or, I also use Continental Twister Supersonics, 350g.[/quote']

 

No, I'm not.

 

I need something thats fairly hard wearing.

[MintSauce]

I found the Kenda's quite good in mud, unless it's really thick like at last years Dirtopia 9-5 race....but that was lie riding in putty.

 

Kenda's rolling resistance is not great though. Not terrible....just not great.

 

I just switched from the Kendas to Specialised The Captain 2.0 treads and am really impressed. They're tubeless which is always heavier, and yet these are the same weight as the Kenda Nevegal non-tubeless 2.1.

 

I have lost a little in ultimate cornering grip(bear in mind the the Nevs are one of the best for cornering) One area where there has been a big improvement is in off-camber sections. This really took me by surprise. They just feel much more stable in loose off-camber sections.

 

Rolling resistance is definitely better.

 

They're also reasonably priced at R300 a tyre.

 

Edit: Haven't tried them in mud yet.

 

 

 

MintSauce2008-01-29 02:51:14

[Flippa]

So....... No comments at all on the Hutchinsons? Anybody tried them, riding them?

[#Pete#]

 

What are these tyres for? Racing, mucking about? Do you want light weight or long lasting? Dry or wet conditions or just an allround tyre? Are you concerned about size because they're for mud?

 

 

#Pete#2008-01-29 03:04:41

[Flippa]

What are these tyres for? Racing' date=' mucking about? Do you want light weight or long lasting? Dry or wet conditions or just an allround tyre? Are you concerned about size because they're for mud?

[/quote']

 

I'm looking for an allround tyre that is light enough to race, but durable enough to train on, that can handle most of the conditions I would see at an XC race. 

 

Yes, I know, its the holy grail of the mountain bike world, but if I can find something that fits most of the criteria, I'll be happy.

[MintSauce]

Try have a look at the Bontrager Dry X which is a variation of the Mud X, but adapted for dry use. They've taken the same square block design but with smaller blocks, a lower profile and reduced the spacing between the blocks...(They did this after a buddy of mine rode with Keith Bontrager and suggested they try it after my buddy was very impressed with using the Mud X in dry weather on Table Mountain....cool, eh?)

That being said....I really think you should seriously consider The Captain

 

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=35727

 

 

[NotSoBigBen]

Hey Mints, LittleBen has also moved to the 'captains' albeit from CrossMarks and he agrees very much with your experience! They'll be my next tyre as well. Also well priced!!!!