Epic tyre choice

[Goodbadugly]

What tyre (tubeless) did you run on the 2007-8 Epic? How wide? Any problems? Would you recommend it?

 

We ran the Specialized Control Fast trak LK 2.0 2 Bliss tyre and had no major mishaps. Could have been better on the sandy patches though. Are there better choices?

 

I am thinking of the Racing Ralph Tubeless EVO 2008 (EXPENSIVE!) or the Conti Race King Supersonic for 2009. Both are wider than the Specialized tyre.

linnega2008-08-25 00:51:23

[Racer X]

Check out the tubless Schwalbe Furious Fred, 400 grams a side for a 2 inch tyre. Conti's Supersonics aren't that much cheaper than any Schwalble and are likely to puncture on a ride like the epic.

[GoLefty!!]

ran with Hutchinson New Python Tubeless Ready. 26x2.00 50mm wide.

[Goodbadugly]

The Specialized Fast trak was durable enough, just felt a bit slow rolling. The Pythons : any mishaps?

 

I would be a bit careful of the Fred's as a front tyre, especially if Dr Evil works something like the Gamkasberg downhill into the 2009 route. A good suggestion as a rear tyre though. Fast rolling. 

linnega2008-08-25 00:51:47

[idrive]

a simple good value tyre is Maxxis Crossmark ....... but it isn't the best in mud, but how much mud you gonna find in the Cape at Epic time?

[splat]

Has anyone put down some mileage in the Monorails yet?

I have been phoning around asking about them. Either the shops havent heard about them, or they suggest running Monorail up front and the Crossmark at the back.

[GoLefty!!]

No mishaps with the Pythons at all.

 

I've used them many times over teh last 10yrs and I've never damaged the sidewalls on one.

I have damaged Bontrager Revolt Super X, & MAxxis Crossmark. 

[xak1]

I have been running Monorails for 3 months now - UST version.  Excellent tyre - better in mud than Crossmarks, rolls fast (difficult to say if they roll faster or slower than Crossmarks, but my perception is that on hardpack, they do roll slightly faster) and have not had issues with grip on loose stuff.  They are also about 50g lighter than Crossmarks.

[Velouria]

CrossMarks in 2007, Geax Mezcal in 2008 (not a lot of traction, but super fast, and were ok in the sand)

[Goodbadugly]

Anybody who used Kenda Smallblock 8? The run fast on most surfaces.

[shaunh]

Try the Schwalbe Nobby Nic for the front and the Racing Ralph for the rear.

[Troi Sport]

or wait for the new Schwalbe Rocket Ron

 

more aggessive than the Racing Ralph

less aggressive than the Nobby Nic

[Johan Bornman]

The Specialized Fast trak was durable enough' date=' just felt a bit slow rolling. The Pythons : any mishaps?

 

I would be a bit careful of the Fred's as a front tyre, especially if Dr Evil works something like the Gamkasberg downhill into the 2009 route. A good suggestion as a rear tyre though. Fast rolling. 

[/quote']

 

What is a "fast rolling" or "slow rolling" tyre?  I don't understand. Also, plesase tell us how you perceived the one to be faster/slower than the other.

 

 

[Overlord]

Team Alb-Gold that won the last stage of this years Epic rode with Nobby Nic's and had no problem at all.

 

My personal choice would be The Nobby Nic's.

 

BTW----They rode the complete Epic with that single set of tyres.

[Tumbleweed]

have you seen that advert in the cycling mags showing the teamwork of the cannondale team, when their rider finished an epic stage on a tire-less back rim? wouldn't be a great advert for vredenstein.

[Dirtbreath]

have you seen that advert in the cycling mags showing the teamwork of the cannondale team' date=' when their rider finished an epic stage on a tire-less back rim? wouldn't be a great advert for vredenstein.[/quote']

 

Couple that with the finish of the marathon world champs.