GF6 Tyre choice for MTB - slicks?

GForcer1

Hi all,

Just looking for some quick advice if possible, I am currently training for GF6 on an oldish MTB, it's a decent enough bike, Deore LX comps but i was planning to train on this and rent a hybrid bike on the day, idea being i would gain some adavtage training on the heavier bike and get a boost on the day so to speak on the hybrid but speaking to some people, they reckon i'd be better using the one i have, also i'm not in this to win it either, just to complete but i do still would like to do a decent time if i can..

I have been thinking of maybe putting slicks onto the MTB, most people are optiing for road bikes,would this make a big difference or only a minimal difference to me, would i notice it? I was thinking of these ones, they seem to get good review, and are puncture resistant as there is a little bit of trail on the course.

Just wondering if anyone had any advice on this perhaps?

cheers

**Timbuk2**

What type of surface would you be riding on? If you do any actual MTB'ing, slick tyres may not provide enough grip, especially in wet weather.

No tyre is completely puncture proof - even the best can be punctured in extreme conditions (glass, nails etc.) but they offer a good level of prevention. I've never managed to puncture my Continental Gatorskins yet, even after accidentally cycling over glass to avoid a pothole I didn't see (but Gatorskins are not available in MTB sizes).

petethedrummer

GForcer1 wrote: »

there is a little bit of trail on the course.

If you read Enduro's posts in this thread it should give you some advice. Am I right in saying he has won this event?
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055519560

I think the general gist is to use as fast a bike (and tyre) as you can and take your chances on not puncturing over the trail section. If you do, start running.

blorg

You are better off racing on a bike you are familiar with I reckon, renting a bike just on the day probably not a good idea, you would need to be riding it for a bit to get used to it and get it fitting right. If actually bothering to rent a bike, rent a road bike and try it out for a while beforehand, wouldn't see the point of renting a hybrid.

Most people looking to be competitive do that race on road bikes I believe so slicks would be the best choice on the mountain bike. They make a phenomenal difference over knobblies on the road.

The Rubino Pros would be fine as would Gatorskins.

@pete- yes, Enduro won it last year using a road bike.

keith_d99

Got Continental Sport Contacts a few months back http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=18829

Have them a few months and no punctures yet - massive difference on the road. Swap tyres then if I'm heading for the trails!

Oh they come with tubes also!

GForcer1

tks all for the replies..

Keith - what size did you get or would you recommend, the 1.5 or 1.75..?

Enduro

For GF go with the smallest available, so 1.5

keith_d99

GForcer1 wrote: »

tks all for the replies..

Keith - what size did you get or would you recommend, the 1.5 or 1.75..?

GForcer - I went for the 1.3's! No bother on the road at all.
Might be useful to get a track pump too if you don't have one - best to keep at max pressure to avoid punctures

KoemansCC

Hi all,

Also competeing in GF6 in a couple of weeks and looking to get some slick tyres for an MTB, have been putting in decent miles lately and the knobbleys are noticably slowing me down, hadn't been cycling for a couple of years before this training so not too sure which measurement standard is used.

The markings on the tyre are as follows:
37-622 (ETRTO)
28 x1 3/8 x 1 5/8 (German)

The bike is a German import, can anyone suggest a type of tyre that will suit and a good website to purchase.

Cheers.

blorg

@KoemansCC- are you sure it is not a hybrid, rather than a mountain bike?

37-622 is a standard road bike tyre albeit wide (35mm.) Maybe go down to 28mm wide slicks, going any smaller might be a bit much for your rim width... You might get away with 25mm. To be honest a local bike shop may well be as cheap for you as the web for tyres and you will be sure to get the right size then.

If buying online, www.chainreactioncycles.com, www.wiggle.co.uk and www.probikekit.com are the sites I use most often.

Gavin

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Continental_Ultra_Gatorskin_MTB_Tyre/5360021704/

26" 1.25" conti gatorskins. I have em on me banana bike, quality.

edit - Sorry, that was directed at the OP

steof1984

Doing GFW on my Hybrid (Specalized Sirrus Comp) but I’m not confident in the tires I have on the bike at the moment, I’m not sure what they are just bog standard slicks that came with the bike. There is not much grip in the wet with them and I don’t think they will take the wear and tear of GFW.

I’d like a good pair of tires that are capable of doing GFW and then work as a good commuter tire. Something with a bit of grip and durability but don’t want anything too heavy that would effect the ride.

Am I right in thinking gatorskins and armadillos are the ones to go for.

Was looking on Wiggle but I couldn’t tell the difference between the Vittoria Randonneur Tyre and the other more expensive tires.

Thanks for any help guys.

blorg

Gatorskins have better grip and ride quality, Armadillos have better puncture protection. Either are a good commuter choice depending on which of these you prioritise.

steof1984

Thanks a million Blorg

Gatorskins it is so.