tires

Too lazy to search. So my Tioga factory DH 2.3 tires are finally wearing down, and I will want new tires for my Surly. The Tiogas have been so so, and I know there's better out there, so I'd like opinions. I'm looking for versatility. This bike (like it's owner) is a jack of all trades, master of none. I can fit up to a 2.7 on this frame and fork. Need something durable that can handle drops, middle of the road sticky cause I do pedal some distances to get to the skinnies and stunts I like to do. No tubeless. Occasionally I swap on a set of Hookworms if I'm going to do park or urban riding.

www.jensonusa.com was having a closeout on maxxis minion 2.35" for I think 12 bucks a couple days ago. might want to check those out.

super psyched on the kenda blue groove/nevegal combo. they make singlewall 2.35's and 2.5's and doublewall 2.5's and 2.7's. great tires.

I really like the Specialized Enduros, both the old pattern but this years new dual compound pattern especially. I believe they make a 2.4 for sure, and they are true high-volume tires. Nice and big. Their description slates them for loose/loamy conditions, which they are great in, but I have also had really great luck with them in very muddy and hardpack as well.

I have heard great things about the Blue Groove/Nevegal setup, and I will try that next in the single-ply 2.35 because I can typically find those cheaper than the Enduros.

Either option is a bit more spendy than a Maxxis closeout price, but I need to trust my tires, and it's worth it to me.

How about grip on rock? Compare to Intense ex series? I agree that the connection between bike and surface is most important. A lot of people I know really bash the Tiogas that I run, but I find them adequate, and won't throw away a serviceable piece of rubber before it's time.

conti vertical pros

I don't ride on many open slabs, but in tightly packed rock gardens, or cobblestone erosion features, the new Enduros are resonably predictable.

I think Specialized tires tend to get overlooked these days because maybe they have the stigma of being an OEM house-brand, when in actuality Specialized was designing tires as one of their first products back in the day before they even offered a full bike.

I admit that that is my impression, but I must say that I can't really criticize any of their products.