Advice on tyres for Absa Cape Epic 2015

[CK MTB]

Did epic and bull of Africa AR on cross marks. Had schwables but side walls gave in within the first 200km. schwables are lighter though.

[MaxKnox]

Use what u most comfy with even heavy tire can slit with bad luck..

[DanielJhb]

Just out of curiosity why is WTB (e.g wolverines) not more popular?

[JohanMalan]

I rode my last Epic with Ardent front and back. 500gm heavier, lose 500gm more bodyfat if its gonna bother you. But let me tell you Epic riders, I'm gonna sit at that one bit of track and count the amount of flats. Especially the pro's with that lightweight tyres.

Tyre weight is obviously relative to the rider weight and riding type.

Rotating weight, especially peripheral rotating weight, makes a huge difference, you cannot really compare it to the static weight of the rider ( the rotating weight has to be accelerated and decelerated all the time).

I would never advise using the flimsy EVo  type Schwalbes , but the skakeskin versions are very reliable. A Racing ralph or Rocket ron ( 29er) is typically 350 grams lighter than Maxxis crossmark lust, this feels very different on the bike, unless you weigh 150kg, then use the Crossmark rear and Ardent front.

[NGUTF]

As someone not doing the epic, but  rather the SANI, its a pity that there is little agreement in tyre choice. Or perhaps it a good thing that there are different views which means people are trying different options and are therefore able to share. Either or I still have no clue which is tyre is better than the next and it ends up being an expensive trial and error game. 

[_David_]

Use what u most comfy with even heavy tire can slit with bad luck..

 

Please don't tempt fate, I hope you and Kevin go with proper, reliable tires.

 

I'll never forget when poor tire choice bad luck cost Kevin and DG second place and lots of time in the 2012 Epic.

[Groadie]

This is always going to be a personal question. Its like "SRAM or Shimano"? I rode 1 x Epic on GEAXX and although tough initially, if they get a cut then they don't respond well to plugs. Then rode last years Epic on Vredestein Black Panthers - not a days issue! My partner was on Schwalbe and he had endless problems! 5 plugs on day 1! So I'm going with Vredestein again....