Best tyres for loose sand

[dev null]

What do you recommend for the back?

 

It depends on your weight, as well as the type of tyre. My weight is 82 kg, and I run it at 1.8 bar, but lately I was thinking that I must increase it to 2.0 bar.

[Traveler]

If you really want to increase the tyre contact patch (larger area surface area offers more float on sand) look at a wider wheel. Running Loaded X-30's with WTB 2.25's and the increase in grip and floatation has left me super impressed. Benefit is that I did not need to go for 2.3 or 2.4 casing tyres. Also able to now run crazy low pressures.

 

Need to add that my previous favourite tyre for sand was the Spez Ground Control Grid. Will fit one anytime again.

[s14phoenix]

Rear pressures depends on rolling resistance vs grip.

 

1.8bar grips nice but may be a bit draggy on the tyres with bigger side knobbies like the Trail Boss and Rock Razor. 1.9-2.0 bar rolls faster but is definitely mor skittish.

 

Its a feel thing... once you are in the ball park its all up to personal preference.

I have a very heavy buddy (130kg+) on a hardtail 26er with 2.35 Fat Albert in the rear that has to run 2.2ish bar - never had a flat never had a snakebite or any other form of air loss.

[DC Carbon]

Hey guys,

 

I have developed a phobia for riding through sand on those awesome single track bends. I dont really have an issue with straight line patches and ride through them with ease. Its on those bends that I feel the front is constantly sliding out.

I have a decent Fork (Fox FIT 4) and have a Continental X-King(non protection) in the front. Bike is a hardtail and I run my tyre pressure at 1.9 bar.

I did Modderfontein over the weekend and struggled with all the loose sand.

 

What would be a good front tyre for sandy conditions? I was looking at the Brazo or Specialized Butcher. Other suggestions welcome:)

 

NB- only started riding last year and this was the only tyre I rode thus far.

Maybe your problem is not the tyre but your technique. Since the circuit is hardpack with mildly sandy sections your best option is an intermediate tyre not a sand tyre. The continental X king doesn't have large amounts of grip but then changing the tyre you would sacrifice the lower drag the tyre offers. After replacing my Xking with a new one after a year actually made quite a difference in the grip something to consider...

[dirtrider]

Darren nailed it . It's all about technique .

[GSG]

I use the Barzo and I can say I am really enjoying them more in the sandy stuff when cornering, but maybe that's also got to do with the new frame I have. The previous frame I felt on top of the bike and now I feel more in the bike and more centred if that makes sense. But also as Darren said, alot of it is also technique. Go ride Thaba once a week your technique will improve alot!

[BDF]

I use the Barzo and I can say I am really enjoying them more in the sandy stuff when cornering, but maybe that's also got to do with the new frame I have. The previous frame I felt on top of the bike and now I feel more in the bike and more centred if that makes sense. But also as Darren said, alot of it is also technique. Go ride Thaba once a week your technique will improve alot!

This^ is truth!!

[Harryn]

Please, can someone explain to me, like I am 2 years old, the difference between:

 

Nobby Nic

Racing Ralph

Magic Mary

Rocket Ron

 

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Racing

Rocket

Nobby

Magic

 

In order of burliness and grip, from least to most

[Bspoke]

Try to avoid spinning up the back wheel,keep a low cadence and bigger gear.

Avoid sudden changes of direction by trying to pick the most direct line,

looking further ahead than normal and stay committed to the line.

Weight the bike a bit more to the front .

Lastly PRACTICE and then do It again !

[Paul Ruinaard]

Like everyone says:

 

1.) Pressure

2.) Width

 

BUT 

 

skills are kind of the biggest. If you are already anticipating a fall you will stiffen up and ride like a dumbo as you are worrying about when you will fall not if.

 

So you need to get your mind right most of all.

 

And speed is your friend with sand as well.

 

Even on corners.

 

So stop worrying about tyres cause you will still wash out on the best tyre in the world if your technique is lousy. Also how wide are your bars and how far over the front are you (stem length). Wide bars = more control.

 

But start with building your confidence in sand.  And you can only do that by riding it more and more.

[Headshot]

Isn't riding in sand all about the width of your bars and stem length?

[Pete the Pirate]

FATBIKE - just saying