splat Posted December 12, 2008 Posted December 12, 2008 What I have gleaned from all these threads: There is no tyre that does it all. Each one will be comprimised in at least one area. Many of the tyres are iterations of the same design, so its best to choose a brand and then stick stick with what they have to offer.Your head will pop with all the choices and associated marketing jargon and claimed benefits etc.One man's favourite is another man's worst nightmare. Someone will suggest something because that's what they have on thier bike and it seems to work for them.There are few people that have experimented with many tires - so most people are not qualified to give comparitive advice.This topic has done so many laps around the block on so many threads on so many forums - there is never a really comprehensive summary of conclusion. This one is turning ugly.
Bike Mob Posted December 12, 2008 Posted December 12, 2008 I thought the purpose of this thread would be more like: I tried the Conti's they are crap. I used the Crossmarks they are ok I used the Specialized and they are good etc We are trying to compare peoples opinions about a tire. The more people who say they like it or dont will give you some direction. We are trying to save money but weeding out unsuitable tires. We dont care about anything else...
Velouria Posted December 12, 2008 Posted December 12, 2008 The new Conti Race Kings look like another good option for the epic. I think I will be riding those next year, or the Mountain Kings
Goodbadugly Posted December 12, 2008 Author Posted December 12, 2008 This topic has been covered many times by MTBR ect. There are many newer tires on the market. The Race Kings for example. They were successfull in Europe when tested by their racer boys. That does not mean that they will be accepted by our local layman (including me) or pro riders. They don't have sekelbos. Or pendoring. Or 41 degrees celcius. Or a guy called "Johan". They talk about wet roots. We don't see lots of that.Like Tarmac-GSTR said, the purpose of this tread is to rule out stuff people dislike and the reasons. My experience in the last few months:Tried the Speed King protection 2.1 as a back tire. Too skinny. (46mm carcass) Feels fast, but a "plastic" (Made in India) compound I disliked. Little grip. Maybe the 2.3 would be better.Been riding a Intense systems 2 as a rear tire. I like it. Rolls nice. Rubber compound I like. BUT I got a hole big enough to put my pinky in it on a fairly standard South African dirt road.Continental Mountain King Protection 2.2: Being foolish enough to try to get this non-tubeless tire to seal with Joe's (running it tubeless) is prooving to be a mission. Can't get it to hold air long enough to ride it. PS. If you don't like this tread or get bored, don't read it again. And don't be rude.
Goodbadugly Posted December 12, 2008 Author Posted December 12, 2008 Topic closed. See similar topic in chit chat
Groot Lem Posted December 12, 2008 Posted December 12, 2008 Frans, the Epic route, conditions is a closed kept secret. So how can you make an informed decision without having that info?After day 3 it makes no difference.Its like people riding on heart rate after day 3. Hey, boet, you wont get it up. And thats not me talking ***, come c 4 yourself. JUst ride the thing, a rugby prop finished last time, so it cant be that bad.
Johan Bornman Posted December 14, 2008 Posted December 14, 2008 Its like people riding on heart rate after day 3. Hey' date=' boet, you wont get it up. And thats not me talking ***, come c 4 yourself. JUst ride the thing, a rugby prop finished last time, so it cant be that bad.[/quote'] I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that flatlines on heart rate after three days. Agree with your tyre comments. Whatever you have on will do.
PhilipV Posted December 16, 2008 Posted December 16, 2008 Its like people riding on heart rate after day 3. Hey' date=' boet, you wont get it up. And thats not me talking ***, come c 4 yourself. JUst ride the thing, a rugby prop finished last time, so it cant be that bad.[/quote'] I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that flatlines on heart rate after three days. Agree with your tyre comments. Whatever you have on will do. I took off my speedo and HR strap after day 1. Stressing the technicalities becomes pointless when you do so many km's. Ride in your comfort zone physically, and don't be too aggressive in corners or on technical stuff etc, no use in winning a couple of minutes the one day because of your great skill, and falling the next day because you overcooked a corner. Just ride...muddy p2008-12-16 06:47:37
Goodbadugly Posted February 7, 2009 Author Posted February 7, 2009 The reason for this question only became apparent today. I won't be riding these. Less than 500km's. All tires are not created equal. Goodbadugly2009-02-07 04:57:11
Santa C Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 Goodbadugly.Are those the Conti Kings?? Ouch!!
Goodbadugly Posted February 7, 2009 Author Posted February 7, 2009 Conti Race King 2.2 Tubeless. Made in Taiwan.
JPW# Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 The top guys will be using different tire combo's for different stages, luckily i'm not riding this year, decisions decisions decisions
Bike Mob Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 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' date=' or they suggest running Monorail up front and the Crossmark at the back.[/quote'] Running this exact combo now for sani. Monorail hold much better in loose turns, not bad in sand, seems to roll as fast and doesnt chuck little stones in your face like the crossmarks in front!! Quieter tires too on tar and hardpack - So far I'm pretty happy. I used Crossmark Front and Larsen TT rear. UST and 2.3. Had absolutely zero problems. In fact no punctures in a year and a half now. Maxxis have been good strong tires, not the lightest or the best handling, (crossmark) but I used to DH a bit and still ride my XC bike like that and these tires didnt complain, over rough rocks and jagged edges etc in the 2008 epic. You may want to recheck your stans fluid halfway though, in the heat my latex bits had formed a ball by day 5-6 and was rolling around in the tire!
Santa C Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 Conti Race King 2.2 Tubeless. Made in Taiwan. Just shows not worth the price...I have also just changed mine after Sabie, now using Maxxis-Monorail/Crossmarks and am happy with the choice! ( I guess until something happens?) Was not happy with schalbe
Groot Lem Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 most of my buds in stellenbosch ride pythons
Santa C Posted February 7, 2009 Posted February 7, 2009 most of my buds in stellenbosch ride pythons Nice tyre...A bit expensive
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