Tyre recommendations, please

[Kermit power]

Hi All,

I'd be interested in knowing what tyres people would recommend.

99% of my riding is off road, and at least 75% of that is on singletrack in the Surrey Hills. I don't generally drop off anything more than about 10-12 inches at most, but the combined weight of me plus bike is getting on for 20 stone, so they do need to be pretty good at resisting pinch punctures.

I had been using Panaracer Trailraker 2.1", which were absolutely wonderful to ride on, and not too draggy on the way up the hills, but the rear recently split in two different places, which was somewhat worrying, so I probably need something a little more robust, at least on the rear. Weirdly, the rear managed to split the tyre without puncturing the inner. Not quite sure how it managed that!

I have also used a combination of Blue Groove and Nevegal from Kenda before, but whilst they were great in the dry and on sand in particular, they were frighteningly dreadful in mud - something which occurs all too often around here!

[pdV6]

I've ended up running Trailrakers as the mud around here only dries out for a month or so in the summer. When it's really dry, I switch to semi-slicks.

I use the PR- versions of the Trailrakers, which are a bit heavier but maybe more robust as a result?

[longblackcoat]

Trailraker? That's pretty much a mud-specific tyre, so regardless of anything else I'd not be using them in summertime. My own use of these is that they're terrible for wet roots, reasonably draggy, and not particularly good on corners.

For summer use I use (and would recommend to anyone else) Schwalbe Nobby Nic. They're expensive, but they're quick. My total bike/rider weight is 16st, and I've only managed to damage the tyres riding on flint. That said, I do run them tubeless. For your weight I'd suggest you go for the 2.25 width (or even the 2.4) and run them at around 40psi.

For properly dry conditions, Hutchinson Python or Schwalbe Racing Ralph are really fast rolling.....an entirely different uphill experience.

[theboymoon]

Have a look at the continental vertical pro.

I think they would be a good choice for your style of riding and being the 'pro' model have a kevlar bead so are a bit more puncture resistant than the normal one.

I used to ride these when living in Edinburgh and doing a lot of XC riding both natural and trail centre. Good grip/roll compromise. Really really liked them, although 2.3 continental have a strange sizing system so they come up like 2.1-2.2 with other brands.

worth a thought?!

For what its worth i never got on with nobby nics (think i'm the only one) as never trusted the grip on the front, and for XC riding i am now on a maxxis Ardent (F) crossmark (R) combo which is awesome (if a little oversteery) unless its really muddy in which case they are rubbish!!!!

[R.P.M]

look at the conti mountain kings.