Tyre recommendations - South Downs Way
Discussion
I'm planning to ride the South Downs Way in the summer. From what I understand of it, it seems to be a mix of chalk and flint, and being an English summer, I've got no particular expectation of it being dry!
So... What sort of tyres would people recommend for a 26" steel Hardtail that's not likely to get shredded by the flint, but light enough to not be too much of a pain going up hill.
So... What sort of tyres would people recommend for a 26" steel Hardtail that's not likely to get shredded by the flint, but light enough to not be too much of a pain going up hill.
I'd just change the rear to something like a Specialized Fast Trak, Schwalbe Racing Ralph or a Maxxis Crossmark. Fairly fast rolling but still a decent amount of grip. Sadly, flint will rip anything apart so take your old tyre and 2 tubes too. Sticking with a more grr type front MTB tyre wont slow you that much.
Racing Ralph will be too flimsy, I cut mine on it's first outing on the sdw. Same thing happened with an Onza Canis, first ride and a Spec purgatory grid on a stony path in the alps - perhaps I'm just unlucky. I think you need a tough, highish volume tyre and run lower pressures, sounds counter intuitive for a long XC ride but it'll be more comfy on a hard tail and less likely to get torn by Flint - that's what I'll be trying anyway.
Only UST tyre that's been ok on the sdw for me was a Crossmark lust but I couldn't find any I the size I wanted.
Only UST tyre that's been ok on the sdw for me was a Crossmark lust but I couldn't find any I the size I wanted.
That's a good point from duff... I'm not currently running this bike tubeless, but do have that option with the wheels I've got fitted to it.
Any make considered except Schwalbe, as their stupid bloody tyre names hit me like nails down s blackboard, even though the frame I'll be fitting them to is a Cove Handjob!
Any make considered except Schwalbe, as their stupid bloody tyre names hit me like nails down s blackboard, even though the frame I'll be fitting them to is a Cove Handjob!
Local here.
Tubeless*, fast rolling, not Schwalbe
I use Geax AKA on the XCFS and Ground Control F Fast Track R on the SS
Bring a spot of chain lube, last year when I rode it one day it was (sopping) wet in the Meon Valley, then had 50 miles of squeaking chain!
* Actually, if not tubeless, bung some Panaracer Flataway tape in, it's brilliant stuff.
Tubeless*, fast rolling, not Schwalbe
I use Geax AKA on the XCFS and Ground Control F Fast Track R on the SS
Bring a spot of chain lube, last year when I rode it one day it was (sopping) wet in the Meon Valley, then had 50 miles of squeaking chain!
* Actually, if not tubeless, bung some Panaracer Flataway tape in, it's brilliant stuff.
trashbat said:
I did it three times on Panaracer XC Fire Pros, which are nearly as old a design as me. Sometimes I got a handful of punctures, sometimes none. IMO to guard against shards of flint, the newer the better, at least once worn in a little.
Used these and Nobby Nics with no problems as well as the standard conti mountain or speed kings or my Boardman HT Pro, had a few punctures, but par for the course when you're doing 100 miles.Tyres I’ve used on it so far
Racing Ralphs – full distance – Summer - 0 punctures
Nobbly Nics – 36 miles – Winter - 4 punctures
My riding partner on the same trips
Ground Control – full distance – Summer - 1 puncture
Ground Control – 36 miles – Winter - 4 punctures
Luck plays a massive part in it really
Racing Ralphs – full distance – Summer - 0 punctures
Nobbly Nics – 36 miles – Winter - 4 punctures
My riding partner on the same trips
Ground Control – full distance – Summer - 1 puncture
Ground Control – 36 miles – Winter - 4 punctures
Luck plays a massive part in it really
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