Fast rolling tyres - your recommendations
Discussion
I'm currently running 2.35" High Rollers on my hardtail (super-tacky front, 60a rear) which are amazing in wet/muddy conditions but I'm finding them a bit draggy in the dry conditions we've had lately. Has anyone got any recommendations for some faster rolling tyres that'll still grip rock/packed dirt adequately?
cheers
cheers
Agree with MTFU 
but alternatively you could try a Maxxis ADvantage 2.25 on the rear. Keep the High Roller on the front though for front-end grip.
I stuck a spare 2.25 ADvantage on the rear of my big bike (Giant Reign) after tearing a High Roller singleply sidewall, and it works surprisingly well. Not as much outright grip or traction for braking, but perfect for more conditions. And they roll a lot quicker than a High Roller.
I've also picked up a set of Specialized 2.30 tyres (can't remember model but they came off a 2008 Specialized Pitch) second hand but unused. The tread resembles the High Roller pattern but lower profile. Should be similar behaviour but quicker rolling but I've yet to actually try them.
but alternatively you could try a Maxxis ADvantage 2.25 on the rear. Keep the High Roller on the front though for front-end grip. I stuck a spare 2.25 ADvantage on the rear of my big bike (Giant Reign) after tearing a High Roller singleply sidewall, and it works surprisingly well. Not as much outright grip or traction for braking, but perfect for more conditions. And they roll a lot quicker than a High Roller.
I've also picked up a set of Specialized 2.30 tyres (can't remember model but they came off a 2008 Specialized Pitch) second hand but unused. The tread resembles the High Roller pattern but lower profile. Should be similar behaviour but quicker rolling but I've yet to actually try them.
I'm currently experimenting with 2.35 Maxxis Ardent upfront with a 2.25 Maxxis Crossmax on the rear.
Searching for that elusive perfect aggressive XC/trail centre set up. I quite like this option, the Ardent up front is quite like a slightly less grippy Minion while the Crossmax on the rear is super quick and still gives enough grip as long as it isn't muddy. Totally and utterly useless in the mud akin to lairy cerbera in the wet while wearing lead shoes!
In terms of grip vs rolling resistance its a really good setup. Rolls waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than minions front and rear but still plenty of clinging on ability
Before that i had some Kenda Nevegal Tomacs which i loved but kept on getting pinch flats and eventually a passing rock ripped a hole in the tyre sidewall.
Searching for that elusive perfect aggressive XC/trail centre set up. I quite like this option, the Ardent up front is quite like a slightly less grippy Minion while the Crossmax on the rear is super quick and still gives enough grip as long as it isn't muddy. Totally and utterly useless in the mud akin to lairy cerbera in the wet while wearing lead shoes!
In terms of grip vs rolling resistance its a really good setup. Rolls waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than minions front and rear but still plenty of clinging on ability
Before that i had some Kenda Nevegal Tomacs which i loved but kept on getting pinch flats and eventually a passing rock ripped a hole in the tyre sidewall.
Edited by theboymoon on Tuesday 14th April 15:22
Moose. said:
I am trying to MTFU but anything to help me along's always good
Moonie - did you mean Maxxis Crossmax or Crossmark? I was looking at the Crossmarks which look temptingly cheap so might give them a go on the rear.
skis on the brain sometimes - yes Crossmark.Moonie - did you mean Maxxis Crossmax or Crossmark? I was looking at the Crossmarks which look temptingly cheap so might give them a go on the rear.
As i say as long as your local trails are not often gloopy-mud they are great!
a11y_m said:
I've also picked up a set of Specialized 2.30 tyres (can't remember model but they came off a 2008 Specialized Pitch) second hand but unused. The tread resembles the High Roller pattern but lower profile. Should be similar behaviour but quicker rolling but I've yet to actually try them.
If those are the same as my Pitch came with (Eskar Controls?) then they're pretty good in the dry (although they don't really inspire loads of confidence), but utterly rubbish in any sort of mud. I've been looking at getting something that hooks up a little better in wet conditions as even when it's been really dry lately most of the trails I ride have wet patches that I'm sliding all over. I'll probably just MTFU and deal with it until I wear these out though.
I was thinking of trying out the CrossMark tyres (in large part due to MBR using them as their control tyre) but the comments above about their wet performance kind of worries me!
delusional said:
a11y_m said:
I've also picked up a set of Specialized 2.30 tyres (can't remember model but they came off a 2008 Specialized Pitch) second hand but unused. The tread resembles the High Roller pattern but lower profile. Should be similar behaviour but quicker rolling but I've yet to actually try them.
If those are the same as my Pitch came with (Eskar Controls?) then they're pretty good in the dry (although they don't really inspire loads of confidence), but utterly rubbish in any sort of mud. I've been looking at getting something that hooks up a little better in wet conditions as even when it's been really dry lately most of the trails I ride have wet patches that I'm sliding all over. I'll probably just MTFU and deal with it until I wear these out though.
I was thinking of trying out the CrossMark tyres (in large part due to MBR using them as their control tyre) but the comments above about their wet performance kind of worries me!
I use Maxxis Crossmark 2.1's at 40-60psi, They are fine for riding the phoenix trail (p. risborough) which is a hard pack trail, but if you go off into the woods where theres some good downhills on clay then they clog quickly and are not much cop.
On the roads and pavements with them up at 60 psi they are a very fast tyre, with the option to hop on to the pavement and across the grass with plenty of grip.
They have a ridge of blocks around the centreline of the tyre which gives them their straight line speed.
On the roads and pavements with them up at 60 psi they are a very fast tyre, with the option to hop on to the pavement and across the grass with plenty of grip.
They have a ridge of blocks around the centreline of the tyre which gives them their straight line speed.
WildCards said:
I like Larsen TT's.
Same here, but only on the rear. A lot of the riding here is hard, dry firetrail and singletrack, and the Larsen is just the job. Currently using Maxxis Ignitor on the front, for a bit of extra grunt going up rocky bits, but will prob look for something different soon as we get towards winter. Agree about Crossmarks being a bit crap in the wet.A mate uses Kenda Small Block 8 front and rear and seems to like them.
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