Tyre recommendations

[thomas_cho]

Hi there, been trying my hand at MTBiking.

Can anyone recommend tyres for XC use? Mainly on hardpack, gravel tracks.

Thanks[/list]

[Kalgrm]

G'day Thomas,

There are heaps of good tyres out there, but I'd recommend going into one of your more reputable LBSs in the ACT who work with MTB riders, and ask their advice. Local knowledge is very hard to beat, and your area is a cracker for MTB riding!

Whatever you end up getting, make sure your pressures are as low as you can run without pinch-flatting. Somewhere in the region of 30psi is a good place to start (28 on the front, 30 on the rear).

Cheers,
Graeme

[thomas_cho]

Thing is ... I dont really want to pay LBS prices for the tyres, so I am not comfortable with leeching off their knowledge, if you get what I mean.

I have been trying my hand at Mulligan's flat (for those who are in the ACT).

I have my tires at 30psi, but still dont feel confident taking corners. I can feel the bike slipping from under me. It could be that I need to gain more bike handling skills.

I currently have Hutchinson Pirahna tyres on my XtC2.

[leximack]

i have done plenty of races down in canberra and have run Maxxis Crossmarks or Larsen for most of them.
I have found the crossmarks to be the best all round tyre, fast rolling and predictable cornering, ie you can "feel" when they are about to let go.
You can get them cheap online from the usual places. I have used piranhas before (came standard with my bike i think), i didnt use them long as the got warn out fairly quick, good rolling tyre but cornering was not confidence inspiring.
What some like as a tyre you may not so experimentation is the key, you may like one sort of tyre on the rear and a different up front, ie knobbier on the front for better turning. Nothing wrong with that.

Don

[Kalgrm]

I currently have Hutchinson Pirahna tyres on my XtC2.

There's the problem - they are utter crap tyres ....

I'm very partial to several tyres, but none of them are "fast" tyres - I like them because they inspire confidence with the grip they offer. If you're prepared to be a little slower for the sake of grip, take a look at the following tyres:

* Kenda Blue Groove 2.3", Stick-E compound (front) and Kenda Nevegal 2.3" DTC (rear). This combo gives great grip in most conditions but is known to be a little slow.
* Geax Lobo Loco 2.3". These are a personal favourite of mine, but are probably over kill on the width - I love 'em here because we have "pea-gravel" to contend with. I run them tubeless (25psi) and have rarely felt like they were going to let go. Maybe try the 2.1" version for your application. They are about $25 - $35 on CRC.
*I currently have Schwalbe Nobby Nics Evolution Snakeskin 2.4" tyres on my XtC (running SS and tubeless). These are absolutely awesome tyres, but they are a just a little too broad to be run on the rear. The side knobs rub the frame. CRC have the the "non-SnakeSkin" version in a 2.1" width though, but at $54 each! I'm going to take the rear one off the SS and swap it for the front Geax from my Epic, so I'll have the super grippy Schwalbes on the front and the Geaxs on the rear of both MTBs I own.

The Kendas can't be turned into tubeless, but the others can be. (Run a search on DIY tubeless.)

Cheers,
Graeme

[toolonglegs]

i have done plenty of races down in canberra and have run Maxxis Crossmarks or Larsen for most of them.
Don

+1 on both these tyres...I am a big fan of all Maxxis tyres.

[thomas_cho]

I have also had good feedback about Crossmarks from a friend. I think I will try them out.

Thanks again for all your feedback

[trailgumby]

I can't post links yet, so here is a post I made from another thread that is relevant to your question:

I use a Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 on the front and a 2.1 Crossmark Exception or 2.0 Larsen TT on the back. Doing a straw poll at Manly Dam today it's a very popular combo for general trail riding, and cheaper than Schwalbe. It's certainly improved my riding confidence.

The Ignitor offers great hold and control on the front, and on the couple of occasions it's washed out I've been able to catch it and stay upright. They clear OK when it's damp, although they are not a mud tyre. They roll OK.

The crossmarks are simply great rollers and have great hold when leaned over hard thanks to the side lugs. Great rear tyre, but use on the front only on hardpack or light loose-over-hardpack. The Larsens don't quite roll as well and offer a little less bite when leaned over, but they still roll very well and give better braking and climbing grip. Again, use on the front is appropriate for a narrower range of conditions than the rear

atm i have the crossmark on the back as I did the Fat Tyre Festival a couple of weeks ago and haven't gotten around to changing it back to the Larsen.

I run these tubeless on tubeless rims using Stan's sealant at 28 psi front and 30-32psi rear, non-UST kevlar bead versions. I can't comment on wear yet as I haven't been running them long enough.

[brent84]

I'm in Canberra as well Thomas. And also had Hutchinson's on my bike when it was purchased...they lasted a day before i swapped them for some 2.0 Larsen TT's. I thought it was mainly me that caused my two stacks, turns out the tyres weren't helping!

[alchemist]

I use a Maxxis Ignitor 2.1 on the front and a 2.1 Crossmark Exception or 2.0 Larsen TT on the back. Doing a straw poll at Manly Dam today it's a very popular combo for general trail riding, and cheaper than Schwalbe. It's certainly improved my riding confidence.

<snip>

I run these tubeless on tubeless rims using Stan's sealant at 28 psi front and 30-32psi rear, non-UST kevlar bead versions. I can't comment on wear yet as I haven't been running them long enough.

Unless you're light-weight, a very smooth rider or after a race only tyre, stay away from the Exception series - they're nice and light but prone to tearing sidewalls (particularly in Sydney conditions, Canberra less so). Otherwise as a value for money set of tyre the Ignitor/Crossmark Combo is a good choice.

[Deanj]

I mainly use Maxxis tyres for all racing and other riding. I'll swap between crossmarks, monorails, ignitors and if its "really wet" then Medusa's. At the end of the season I stuck with crossmarks front and back, but now have put a set of Kenda small block 8s on for the summer.

Maxxis are good tyres and well priced so hard to go past them. I'd like to race with Schwalbe but they're to much for me as, I like to run the same tyres on my spare training wheels. Experiment with pressures though and see what works best for you as it makes all the difference.

[trailgumby]

Experiment with pressures though and see what works best for you as it makes all the difference.

+1.
Rubber compounds also seem to be important.

[black4tress]

i have done plenty of races down in canberra and have run Maxxis Crossmarks or Larsen for most of them.
I have found the crossmarks to be the best all round tyre, fast rolling and predictable cornering, ie you can "feel" when they are about to let go.
You can get them cheap online from the usual places. I have used piranhas before (came standard with my bike i think), i didnt use them long as the got warn out fairly quick, good rolling tyre but cornering was not confidence inspiring.
What some like as a tyre you may not so experimentation is the key, you may like one sort of tyre on the rear and a different up front, ie knobbier on the front for better turning. Nothing wrong with that.

Don

+1 for the Larsen TT.
I have original Hutch Scorpions on the front and TTs on the rear. Scorpions are wearing out quickly and will soon be swapped out for WTB Weirwolfs - I don't fly down hills but in saying that the scorp up front have felt very dodgy on some corners.
But the TTs on the rear are great. Seem fast rolling, quite predictable and seem to be slow wearing. Not had a problem with them at all.

[glawrence2000]

I ride in Canberra very often and find that the following combinations are great for the Canberra loose, loamy dusty and rocky tracks.

Schawbe Nobby Nics (1.95 Inch I believe) on my full suspension job, and
Kenda Klaw XT on the front and Kenda Negaval on the rear (1.95 and 2.35 Inches respectivley).

I buy all of mine on ebay from the states.

[morcre]

I find the Schwable Racing Ralph to grip nicely and roll fast in dusty or hardpack conditions. I've found the Larsen TT's don't grip as well or inspire the same confidence. Not keen on the Hutchinson Scorpion at all.

There is talk of the Ralph's having weak sidewalls, but I am still on my first pair. The ones I have are not the current model, which has a different tread pattern and I'm not sure how they will go in comparison.