MTB tires

enoonan

Lo All,
Can anyone recomend a decent set of mountain bike tires for a Cube hardtail? Will be used mostly in Ballyhoura and other such trails.

The bike came with Schwalbe Smart Sams(2.5s) but after about a month or two I found them to be pants pants. I then fitted WTB Velociraptors(2.1s). They did well for the first few months but I washed out about 6 times yesterday evening despite dropping tire pressure a few times incase I had it too high(38/40 to start)

Looking for a decent tire that rolls well and has plenty of grip in the mixed conditions that can be found in Ballyhoura and other trails(grip is higher priority). I like to go hard on the downhill stuff. Due to weight restrictions Im not that fast on the uphills!!

Thanks in advance

Eoin

langdang

My tyres aren't made or stocked any more but I find them excellent in Ballyhoura. WTB Prowlers, (MX 2.1 on front, XT 2.3 on back*) and the softest/tackiest version of the rubber. 35psi ish (very ish!) I don't like to go too low as there are plenty of pinch flat opportunities on the way back to the trailhead.
I find those tyres very predictable, and they'll give you a bit of warning rather than just a digital switchover from "fine" to "washout".

Personally, I'd avoid any tyres with extreme "shoulder" threads for ballyhoura, there isn't much soft or muddy ground.

Rider style/ personal preference makes a difference. I did suffer washouts there with other tyres.

(*most people seem to prefer a wider tyre on front but my setup works for me!)

C3PO

Maxxis Ignitors 2.1 ...... end of story! The best upgrade you can make is a conversion to tubeless and then run 30-32psi front and back - the difference is amazing!

enoonan

Langdang & C3PO - Thanks very much for the info lads. Very much appreciated.

C3PO - can any set of wheels be converted to tubless or is it only certain ones. Also if you get a flat with a tubeless can you fit a tube to get you home or have you to change the tire?(Not got a clue of tubeless stuff)

Eoin

tippgod

i use racing ralphs both front and back and find them excellent in ballyhoura. Rolls and corners very fast. if its going to be wet and muddy during the winter i change the front to a knobbly nic

ddixon

kenda nevegal 2.35

langdang

The above suggestions are well regarded tyres, and look (to me anyway) like they would suit Ballyhoura. Personal preference - I would use them on the rear only and use something different on the front.

Note - rubber compound can make a difference in performance between the cheapest version of Tyre X and the premium version. I'm a big convert now to getting sticky/tacky/slow-rebound rubber rather than long lasting rubber.

C3PO

enoonan wrote: »

C3PO - can any set of wheels be converted to tubless or is it only certain ones. Also if you get a flat with a tubeless can you fit a tube to get you home or have you to change the tire?(Not got a clue of tubeless stuff)

Most wheels can be converted to tubeless with a Stans Conversion kit - I use Mavic Crossrides (Mavics cheapest MTB wheel) on my training bike with the Stans conversion and it's bullet-proof!

Still think Ignitors are the best allround tyre for Irish conditions - winter and summer!

langdang

C3PO wrote: »

Still think Ignitors are the best allround tyre for Irish conditions - winter and summer!

Yes, my previous comment about my preference for rear only (uh-oh :eek:) was directed at the racing ralph, nobby nic, nevegals.
The ignitors look better for dual use.

C3PO

I use Nobby Nics myself for wet/mucky races and Racing Ralphs for the annual pilgrimage to the dry track of the ROC but like all Schwalbe tyres the sidewalls are very suspect and I certainly wouldn't trust them on 3-Rock on a wet/cold January night!!!

enoonan

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Guessing its a toss up between Racing Ralphs and Ignitors.

Anyone know which is the grippier and which would be the option for a 15st load?

Eoin

Drapper

enoonan wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies guys.

Guessing its a toss up between Racing Ralphs and Ignitors.

Anyone know which is the grippier and which would be the option for a 15st load?

Eoin

Ignitor if you plan to ride of road! Racing Ralph has no real traction on the front! Plus they wear fast! I use Nobby Nic on Front and Rocket Ron on the rear

silvo

I love my Specialized Purgatorys. Cheaper than the Maxxis option and just as good. Great on roots and muck.

enoonan

Drapper & Silvo - Thanks for the info. Will be using the tires full time off-road.

Eoin

mockerydawg

i highly recommend the Maxxis Advantage FR 2.35's. I am 15 stone riding a hard tail and these tryes work well in Ballyhoura and on road (cycle to work every day). Also with tubes have run them as low as 10 psi without punctures. Grip brilliantly on everything, and last longer that Hi Rollers.
Ignitors would get my second vote, not nearly as comfortable but great all rounds and superb in mud. Just need to run them above 20 psi (tubeless).

enoonan

Thanks for that mockerydawg.
Must look them up.

Eoin

Outkast_IRE

Would also reccomend the Racing ralphs , i find them a great tyre for ballyhoura type terrain, and they arent the worst on the road either , i use them cycling to college and ballyhoura .

If i was going out in really bad conditions i would like some nobbly nicks

bazzer86

Hey, Without trying to sound like a complete bagle, can someone please help me...

Based on the discussion above, I have decided to go for the Maxxis Ignitors..

Currently have Bontrager xr3(http://bontrager.com/model/11641) on a trek 6500 since I bought the bike over 1 year ago... Like the lads above, Ballyhoura is my main port of call... Maybe I have it in my head that they are garbage tyres, but thats what I think they are and reckon a spill on slippy surface is overdue...

Can someone help me pick from the following 4 options as I am not sure about sizes etc as im only learning about equipment and sizes over the last 15 months... Just to be sure that I get a compatable tyre to my bike... thanks

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/s?q=maxxis+ignitor