Front Tyres

[JacquesT]

Hi guys

 

Hope someone with experience can give me some advice here. I am currently running anthem x1 with maxxis crossmark 2.1 front and back. Tyre pressures about 2.1bar and i weigh 88kg.(anything less and i get punctures)

 

I find the front tends to wash out on hardpack and dry dusty conditions. I am thinking of changing the front tyre to something else and possibly increasing to a 2.25 width tyre.

 

I read on another forum somewhere that suggested a maxxis monorail for the front tyre. Is this the way to go or is there a better option?

 

I also want to upgrade to tubeless. So will need to buy some new tyres anyway. Should i stick with the crossmark on the back or is there a better xc tyre i should be looking at?

 

I have mavic tubeless ready rims.

 

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

Jacques

[Bike Mob]

The monorail is better - but not perfect.

 

If you like maxxis - you can convert the Maxxis Larsen - MIMO to tubeless - very nice grip and good as a tubeless tire. run them about 2.2bar for your weight.

 

Otherwise the Specialized Captain Control 2bliss on the front and Fastrak LK 2bliss on the back is ideal..

[Capricorn]

before u change your tires, check your body position on the bike when taking the corner. Do u lean back or forward? I would imagine that incessant washing out would make u lean abit back to get away from the impending crash, increasing the chances of the washout you hoping to avoid.

Get a bit more forward, adn then see what happens. With such a low pressure, you should have sufficient grip.

[JacquesT]

The monorail is better - but not perfect.

 

If you like maxxis - you can convert the Maxxis Larsen - MIMO to tubeless - very nice grip and good as a tubeless tire. run them about 2.2bar for your weight.

 

Otherwise the Specialized Captain Control 2bliss on the front and Fastrak LK 2bliss on the back is ideal..

 

 

No particular affinity to maxxis. Just popped into LBS and the guy suggested mountain kings 2.2 rear and race kings 2.4 front. Any thoughts on this?

[JacquesT]

before u change your tires, check your body position on the bike when taking the corner. Do u lean back or forward? I would imagine that incessant washing out would make u lean abit back to get away from the impending crash, increasing the chances of the washout you hoping to avoid.

Get a bit more forward, adn then see what happens. With such a low pressure, you should have sufficient grip.

 

 

Not too sure, but i dont think i am leaning back, especially on fast sections. But will def try putting more weight on the front when i ride tomorrow. Thanks for the advice.

[dirtrider]

Capricorn said it !! But if you really think that a tyre will make your life easier then you would want to try a Kenda Karma on the rear and a Nevegal on the back .

[Bike Mob]

how is he going to ride with two tires on the back?

[JacquesT]

was going to ask which was which?

[dirtrider]

sorry . Karma front !!!

[JacquesT]

What about the sizes? Will moving from 2.1 to 2.2 or even 2.4 up front make a big difference?

 

Currently 2.1 front and back.

[Vinnydabutcher]

I switched from Crossmark 2.1 front to Mountain King 2.2.

 

Found that I can run the Mountain King at 1.8 bar where I use to have the Crossmarks at 2.0 - 2.1 bar. The Mountain king, to me, has a stronger sidewall so you can run it at a lower pressure which gave much better grip and seems to roll better too.

 

But this is for XC - you might whant to get something even more aggresive for Freeride/all mountain if you need.

[dirtrider]

2.4 on the front !!! donno never tried it , had 2.4 on back but it did not do a lot for handling . Ride was very comfy though . 2.1 should be enough for our normal mud , sand and rock riding .

[goatman]

Maxxis Aspen LUST (tubeless) version if you can find them in SA as a front tyre would work well

Schwalbe Nobby Nic tubeless version but they are just stupidly expensive.

 

From my own experience the Kenda Nevegal aka "Nevergo" is not an ideal XC racing tyre...

[nickc]

No particular affinity to maxxis. Just popped into LBS and the guy suggested mountain kings 2.2 rear and race kings 2.4 front. Any thoughts on this?

 

Depends on where you ride, I have found the Maxxix tyres to be more durable and puncture resistant here in typical Gauteng dry and rocky conditions.

[goatman]

What about the sizes? Will moving from 2.1 to 2.2 or even 2.4 up front make a big difference?

 

Currently 2.1 front and back.

 

Jacques I would strongly recommend wider tyres, especially ones with more volume (the Australians call them "big bag" tyres)

The confusing thing is that manufacturer's don't measure their tyres the same way so one company's 2.2 may be smaller in profile and have less volume than another's 2.1!

At your weight you would certainly benefit from the additional volume in wider tyres.

Also depends on whether you just ride trails for fun or whether you race XC seriously? or both?

Almost every mtb'er will have a different opinion when it comes to tyres and of course I am the only one who knows "best"

[Capricorn]

I dont ride XC often so this is for the XCers: what's your experiences riding a narrow tire like a 2.1 or 2.2 versus a wider tyre, like a 2.5 or 2.7, with a focus on cornering.

 

I find that with the wider tire you have to ride more aggressively to get onto the side knobs. A narrower tire makes the transition quicker and with less drama.