MTB Tyres

Donie75

Hi,
I'm new to the whole MTB thing but I'm a roadie for the last few years. I bought a secondhand Cube Acid for a great price and I did a forest trail today with a friend. I really enjoyed it. It was tough and a great workout but my back tyre was struggling for grip in the mud so I need a new one.
I know very little about MTB's or their tyres. What size tyres should I buy for forest trails, Ballyhoura, etc that will also work for the odd short road spin.
Do I need 2.2 or 2.4? I've read a few threads but can't find much info. Some say Nobby Nics or Maxxi Ignitors. I'm only starting out so trying to keep it under €25 a tyre.

Thanks,

D

Raymzor

if you road work best to go for 2.2. i would pick the maxxis over nics but im sure other recommendations will come

The Tyre Dude

General rule is wider on the front 2.3/2.4, narrow on the back 2.0/2.2.

Given that you relatively new to mtb the problem is more down to technique than tyres though. Wet roots and mud require a good deal of experience to ride best, that mean going 'light' through those sections, lifting over the roots, etc. It's not easy. Even the best tyre is not much use on a wet root.

When it comes to mud narrower is often better for cutting through the mud to get to the grip, you also have more tyre clearance so the bike is less likely to clog up.

I've never really clicked with Schwalbes, too light and prone to tears and punctures.

Choose a tyre with an open tread pattern for Winter to avoid clogging. For muddy trails I would run something like a Maxxis Ignitor 2.3 on the front and and Bontrager Mud X 2.0 on the rear. Both will tolerate short road sections fine.

triggermortis

I use Nobby Nics on my MTB and like them a lot, but they're not the cheapest. I used to use Michelin tyres before and there is a decent range for different riding conditions and they were not too pricey.

Tenzor07

Best all-round tyre here and only €20...

davey101

I have used both and find Ignitors to be the better allrounder, relitively good on mud and roots and roll pretty well on tarmac also quite hard wearing. Tyre pressure also has a lot to do with it too for the muddy rooty stuff go as low as you can, I usually run ~27psi in $h!ty conditions. Mind you thats on a tubless setup 30psi is probably best when using tubes.

steamsey

I have been using Panaracer Fire XC's for the last 2 years and they have been great on the trails. The front is still in great shape and only after two years is the rear tyre starting to show real wear. They mightn't be the fastest on the road but they do the job. 2.4's might be a little big. I have 2.2's and they seem adequate for Ticknock & Ballinastoe. Can't remember where I got them but they were roughly €25 each. Haven't tried 2.4's but if you will be on the road at all on your MTB, 2.4's might be slow.

Also had Specialized Fastrak's (about €60 each!). They have shorter knobs than the Panaracers's so roll better on roads but I found them to be pants in Irish muddy conditions, especially on cornering, so I got rid of them. Maybe they are best suited to drier conditions that we have there in Ireland. You don't have to spend a lot to get excellent tires.

C3PO

2.1 Ignitors! The sooner you can go tubeless the better but that's for another thread!

Donie75

Thanks for all the advice folks. I'm going to try the Ignitor 2.1's and see how I get on. Now if only there were a few more mtb trails around the midlands...

Tenzor07

Donie75 wrote: »

Now if only there were a few more mtb trails around the midlands...

Dig some trails yourself?