Desert Dash

[partydave]

I've tried many different tyres, but I keep going back to (non snake skin) Racing Ralphs. Spez Fastrack come in second, but they are pricey compared to the Ralphs

[nonky]

What tires are you guys running? I currently run a Rubena Kratos 2.45 on the front and the Arisun Mount Graham 2.2 at the back.

I want to go with something less aggressive with less rolling resistance at the front - I am looking at the Schwalbe Thunderburt 2.25, Racing Ralph 2.25, the Conti Race King 2.2 or the Maxxis Ikon 2.35.

Obviously with the non-techical nature of the route, puncture resistant sidewalls are less of a priority than rolling resistance and weight.

 

I am going for Spez fast tracks front and rear - prob 2.1 and 2.3.

 

Only decision is whether to go "Control" or "GRID" sidewall protection - GRID is strongest tyre Spez makes.

 

About ZAR650 a tyre for the GRID, R100 less for the Control.

 

GRID is probably the safest option - I defn don't want tyre hassles.

[Patchelicious]

Anybody else riding tubbies?

[IH8MUD]

What tires are you guys running? I currently run a Rubena Kratos 2.45 on the front and the Arisun Mount Graham 2.2 at the back.

I want to go with something less aggressive with less rolling resistance at the front - I am looking at the Schwalbe Thunderburt 2.25, Racing Ralph 2.25, the Conti Race King 2.2 or the Maxxis Ikon 2.35.

Obviously with the non-techical nature of the route, puncture resistant sidewalls are less of a priority than rolling resistance and weight.

Sias  . . .

I'll go for the Maxx ikon  but in 2.2.

It is a favourite Dash tire. More than enough for the gravel travel. 

Make sure it is the 3C EXO TR   model

 

The weight is very reasonable and roll resistance very low. 

I currently ride on Vitiora Barzo  but as soon as they are done it will these

Maxxis Ikons. 

 

Price/weight/ rolling resistance/ "toughness"   they tick many boxes

 

Your other options is also good.  

 

 

 

 

[sias]

Sias  . . .

 I'll go for the Maxx ikon  but in 2.2.

It is a favoutre Dash tire. More than enought for the gravel travel. 

Interesting that you say that! The reviews I read all say the 2.35 is much better!? It has a bit more volume and on my wider rims I can maybe run the at a lower pressure for the sinkplaat in stage 4...

I'll get one this weekend and see how it goes...

[partydave]

Now you're really starting to get me worried about Stage 4. I run narrow tyres, inflated rock solid, on a hard tail O_o

[IH8MUD]

Interesting that you say that! The reviews I read all say the 2.35 is much better!? It has a bit more volume and on my wider rims I can maybe run the at a lower pressure for the sinkplaat in stage 4...

I'll get one this weekend and see how it goes...

Your'e right.

Nothing wrong with your thinking.

 

But I assume you have a full suspension bike.

You paid many "Rands"  for that suspension. 

Get them set up "softer" for the sinkplaat and let them do their work. 

I would like  to save some rotational weight over 370 km.  

 

If you can get a reasonable weight tire in 2.35 then is the best. 

 

If you're running rigid  or a hard-tail bike, then I'm with you. 

Get a bit more volume so you could run lower pressure. 

[sias]

Now you're really starting to get me worried about Stage 4. I run narrow tyres, inflated rock solid, on a hard tail O_o

I rode Thunderburt 1.9 tires in 2013 and it was not a nice experience! I would say a 2.2" is the minimum requirement... And depending on your wheight, not more than 1.9bar...

Mud - with the 2.4's I have on at the moment, there is a marked difference in the wheel's diameter when compared to a 2.2 and it rolls better over small bumps and irregularities in the road.

As I said, I'll get one (or try) and ride it in the next few weeks and see how it goes.

If I set up a softer suspension for the sinkplaat, I'll have more bobbing on the climbs, especially on the front. On the rear I can choose three settings so it is not an issue. Maybe take the shock pump with and adjust it at checkpoint 3.

[Pulse]

Currently using Ralphs on my DS (that I'll be doing the Dash on), but planning on running Burts for the race.

 

HT (that I do most of my training on) currently runs GEAX.

 

Just a bit of a mission currently to find the Burts

[partydave]

Thanks Sias, I'm not certain of my tyre width, will confirm. May be 2.1. 65kg

[Pulse]

Have a look here:

http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/mtb-reviews

[sias]

Thanks Sias, I'm not certain of my tyre width, will confirm. May be 2.1. 65kg

Gmf, 65kg? Maergat!! You can definitely run at 1.8-1.9 bar even less. 2.2-2.3 gives you just that little bit of extra volume to make it bearable...

[partydave]

Thanks Sias!

Been looking for a DS frame so I can just swap over parts, but the exercise is proving futile 

[IH8MUD]

Thanks Sias, I'm not certain of my tyre width, will confirm. May be 2.1. 65kg

 

 

Gmf, 65kg? Maergat!! You can definitely run at 1.8-1.9 bar even less. 2.2-2.3 gives you just that little bit of extra volume to make it bearable...

 

Partydave, . . . go lower!!  . . .  I'm 87kg and I ride 1.5 bar.   

[partydave]

Then I'll have to train harder. I was banking on less rolling resistance 

[IH8MUD]

Your'e right.

Nothing wrong with your thinking.

 

But I assume you have a full suspension bike.

You paid many "Rands"  for that suspension. 

Get them set up "softer" for the sinkplaat and let them do their work. 

I would like  to save some rotational weight over 370 km.  

 

If you can get a reasonable weight tire in 2.35 then is the best. 

 

If you're running rigid  or a hard-tail bike, then I'm with you. 

Get a bit more volume so you could run lower pressure. 

 

 

Partydave, . . . go lower!!  . . .  I'm 87kg and I ride 1.5 bar.   

 

Please take note . . . this is how I do it  in response to questions asked.

Please dont come and sue for 4-million Zim Quid    if your dentures rattle out in stage4 of the Dash.