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What is a good tire size for agressive cross country? Right now I am running 2.5 rear and 2.3 front weirwolf wtb and I think its too much on the climbs. Im thinking of using the 2.3 for the rear and finding something similar or smaller for the front. Thoughts appreciated.
I'd say anywhere between 2.1 and 2.35 depending on the tire.
I run a 2.1 in back and a 1.9 in front.
Being the bike jong that I am, I have no idea why that is good or bad. Just what is. ;)
First, I recommend running the bigger tire on the front. When you're pedalling, most of your weight is over the rear tire, so having a lighter/smaller tire back there will decrease rolling weight and resistance and make things easier. On the opposite side, when you downhilling, more of your weight and braking power is on the front, so you want a bigger patch of rubber up there.
On my hardtail I run 2.35 front, 2.1 rear for XC and 2.35 on both for everything else.
Quote:
Originally posted by bagtagley
First, I recommend running the bigger tire on the front. When you're pedalling, most of your weight is over the rear tire, so having a lighter/smaller tire back there will decrease rolling weight and resistance and make things easier. On the opposite side, when you downhilling, more of your weight and braking power is on the front, so you want a bigger patch of rubber up there.
On my hardtail I run 2.35 front, 2.1 rear for XC and 2.35 on both for everything else.
What he said. Exactly what I run.
I'll second the bigger tire in front, smaller in rear. Less rolling resistance running a smaller in the rear, right?!?!?! More control steering w/ larger in the front. i run a 2.4 Panaracer FR front and a 2.35 Conti Survivor Pro rear.
See, you guys are smart. Glad I hang out here. I'm still not changing it though as an act of defiance.* ;)
*Only because a new bike is in transit and my current bike is getting slicks and it will all be changed around next week.
Added question:
Does anyone out there ride in mostly loose/sandy/rocky conditions?
If so, what tires do you find to work the best?
I am riding mostly singletrack/fire roads/old mining roads in the high desert with an occasional trip up to the Sierras. I plan to purchase new tires asap. I currently have a Michelin Wildgripper Hot S 2.1 in front (which I like but it is wearing out) with Bontrager Jones 1.95 rear (which has lost a side tread knob and is also wearing out). I'm on a 2001 GT i-drive 3.0.
Thanks.
:confused:
Since I see those conditions maybe a handful of times each season, I'm not the best source of information, but I'll try.
Early this season I rode a bike w/ Maxxis Mobster XC tires on it. They rolled well and cornered even better. Another choice would be the High Roller XC or the 2.35 DH in a 60 durometer. If you're short on cash, I've always found the Panaracer Fire XC to be a great all-arounder, or if you want bigger, the Fire DH comes in a 2.35 and is relatively light.
I third the larger one in the front not the back. I have 2.5 Maxis Mofo DH on the front and a 2.35 something or other on the back. I don't race so I don't care how slow I am.
Try something from Nokian maybe, a gazz. dual, bazzobeano, nbx, etc. I say this because they have tall outer lugs and a square profile which helps them dig in on corners with loose sand/dirt. Whatever you run, i'd avoid worn out WTB's (what I'm running).
2.4 Mutano Raptor in front
2.24 Mutano Raptor in back
Sweeeeeeet setup. Great in sand and loose stuff. Just don't inflate them all the way. The word is they don't run as well with a lot of pressure.
good info...ok heres another one. Do you recommend flipping the tread pattern on the rear for more traction?? Ive heard this before and not sure what to make of it.
I found a great deal online for the Panaracer Fire XC in a 2.1. I picked those up. I hope they work as well as they look. The red and black looks great. I'm also looking into the Maxxis, Nokians (they look extra beefy) and Mutano Raptors based on Beaver's, Darkside's, and Arty50's recommendations. Thank you.Quote:
Originally posted by bagtagley
Since I see those conditions maybe a handful of times each season, I'm not the best source of information, but I'll try.
Early this season I rode a bike w/ Maxxis Mobster XC tires on it. They rolled well and cornered even better. Another choice would be the High Roller XC or the 2.35 DH in a 60 durometer. If you're short on cash, I've always found the Panaracer Fire XC to be a great all-arounder, or if you want bigger, the Fire DH comes in a 2.35 and is relatively light.
Evil E, I hope that you don't mind me adding to your questions.
Here is an answer to your latest one. Many of the tires I have seen and used recommend that they are turned around depending on whether they are used as front or rear tires. The Bontrager Jones tire I have even designates a wet or dry direction on the tire. Once when changing a flat (on a Michelin - thorn in the sidewall) I noticed a slight difference in how the bike handled when I reversed the way it was supposed to be. I switched it back. I would guess that in some easy conditions you might not notice a difference and in others that it might actually make a difference.
i kept the 2.3 weirwolf on the front and I now have a 1.95 veloceraptor bringin up the rear. definitely spins a little faster. Looking forward to some better climbing tommorrow for my first winter park race
2.35 Ritchey Z-Max Millenium front and rear on my hardtail. Love it.
Just to expand on what vets said, it depends on the tire.Quote:
Originally posted by Evil E
good info...ok heres another one. Do you recommend flipping the tread pattern on the rear for more traction?? Ive heard this before and not sure what to make of it.
For instance, the Conti Vertical Pros have arrows noting direction. Forwards for the front and reverse rotation for the back.
Velociraptors have front and rear specific versions, so no need to switch there.
And the Mutanos are sorta the same. The 2.4 is basically a front specific tire; while the 2.24 can be run as either. They both only run in one direction though. I wanna say a local LBS employee played with turning the 2.4 around an putting it on the back, but I can't remember the conversation that well.
So basically, it depends. If in doubt, check out the mtbr.com tire reviews. For instance, the Mutano reviews are favorable/unfavorable mainly depending on whether the rider aired up or aired down initially. I was told not to air up too much when I bought them. So dialing in the air pressure can make a difference too.
Arty50,
Based on your enthusiasm for the Mutanos, I picked up 2 of the 2.4s on ebay. I'll try using one of these on the front along with a Panaracer Fire XC in a 2.1 on the rear. If the shipping is quick enough, I hope to have these on by next weekend. I'll post on how they feel after a ride or two. Probably a ride here in the Pinenuts and another ride in the Sierras.
Cool! If you don't like them, I'll buy em off you. Not just because I feel responsible, but I need one also. :D
2.4 Mutanos are GREAT tires - great grip and very fast rolling. However I've had more pinch flats with them that any other tire I've ever used.
They are awesome as a snow tire too.
Yeah baby! Just finished my first ride with the new tires. 2.4 Mutano on the front and Panaracer Fire XC in a 2.1 on the rear. I rode the Minnehaha Secret Singletrack near my house. It is a steady climb up a road with a loose dirt and rock surface. The Fire XC just kept going up w/o a slip. The Mutano held a stready line. On the downhill to Secret Singletrack I was able to go faster than usual with confidence. No problem at all on the very narrow loose singletrack. The Mutano even allowed me to practically carve a turn through what I previously considered a sandtrap. Thank you again to bagtagley and Arty50! Great recommendations! Arty50, I do have another Mutano 2.4, if you really need one PM.
I'll only take it if you don't want it. Otherwise if it's a back up, keep it. I can get one no problem. As for the suggestion, don't thank me. Thank Paul at Sports LTD. He's the one that suggested I get the Mutanos. Unfortunately, I only got to ride them a handful of times. Sooon....very soon....
I love the tires. I brought it up because it sounded like you were in need of a tire, I got a real good deal and I went with the Mutano based on your genuine enthusiasm. It probably will be wise to have backups for my tires. I'll have to thank Paul at Sports LTD the next time I am up at the Lake. Maybe this weekend when I"m skiing (today and Sunday), biking (Saturday - I've got to try the tires in the Sierras too), or just looking for Yebisu beer. :DQuote:
Originally posted by Arty50
I'll only take it if you don't want it. Otherwise if it's a back up, keep it. I can get one no problem. As for the suggestion, don't thank me. Thank Paul at Sports LTD. He's the one that suggested I get the Mutanos. Unfortunately, I only got to ride them a handful of times. Sooon....very soon....
damn. the mutanos are the hot tire aperantly....I run them on my dirt jump bike. great compromise of rolling and cornering abilities.
ditto: run bigger up front, smaller in back. i run wtb mutanoraptors front and back (sweet tires) w/a 2.4 upfront and a 2.24 in back.......run this same combo on my FS (Blur) and SS Hardtail (Yeti) - works great for both.Quote:
Originally posted by p-tex
What he said. Exactly what I run.
are these mutano's available in a UST version?
Yup, that's the shiz. I'd like to echo what hev said too. My first time out on them I railed sand like I never had before, and felt super stable the whole time. I could have gone even faster and scared the absolute bejeezus out of myself had I wanted to. Sweet tires.Quote:
Originally posted by freshies
ditto: run bigger up front, smaller in back. i run wtb mutanoraptors front and back (sweet tires) w/a 2.4 upfront and a 2.24 in back.......run this same combo on my FS (Blur) and SS Hardtail (Yeti) - works great for both.
Vets, have fun skiing, biking, and drinking!!!! ;) Hang on to that tire too. Thanks again for the offer though! My new bike is being built at the Crescent V LTD (Paul works at the Y), and they have a bunch of them. So no worries.
check it: www.wtb.com
wtb makes the best tires and saddles, and they are local, about a mile from my house - good peeps there, good products.
The 1.95 is UST. The fatter ones are traditional tubes.Quote:
Originally posted by homerjay
are these mutano's available in a UST version?
http://www.wtb.com/mutanoraptor.html
And like freshies said, their saddles are the shiz. The Laser V is a sweet seat.
Edit: Holy crap! Sick pic on their site...
http://www.wtb.com/images/photos/rim...rop1_smREV.jpg
Conti Vertical Pros are great in any dry conditions, totally rule on gravelly hardpack, and are very light for a 2.3. I run them front and back, as does lph.
Not a great mud tire, though, because the lugs are too close together to clear in really sticky stuff. They're fine in occasional soupy spots and wet rocks/roots.
Just a note: Skinny tires don't necessarily have less rolling resistance. In fact, testing indicates that (assuming identical tread and pressure) fat tires frequently roll faster. (Dig through the following tables for figures.)
http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/tech/JL.htm
http://www.discoveryride.com/human/rolling.html
Skinnier tires do weigh less, which lets you *accelerate* faster -- and this is usually more important when mountain biking. But it doesn't matter whether the skinny tire is on the front or the rear as far as acceleration is concerned: both tires must rotate to get you somewhere.
Where having a fatter tire on the front helps is with traction. If you lock up or skid your rear tire, your forward momentum will drag it back in line with the front, no matter how far out of shape it gets. If you lock up or skid the front, momentum will try to push the rear past it, and the bike will get out of shape and frequently go down. This means if your tires have unequal traction, it's best to have the most traction on the front.
Another great mtb tire link with a lot of good tire data (such as, all 2.3's are not created equal, nor are they necessarily actually 2.3") -> Shiggy's Tire Site -> http://www.themudzone.com/tireQuote:
Originally posted by Spats
lots of smart stuff
i also think that a fatter tire upfront also gives you more surface area, and thus more control when riding technical stuff: e.g. roots, rocks, etc, having that bigger tire up front (esp. if you run it a little soft) just allows you to clean stuff easier and feel more confident tackling technical sections vs running a skiiny tire up front. unless you race xc, going fat up front is the way to go IMHOQuote:
Originally posted by Spats
Conti Vertical Pros are great in any dry conditions, totally rule on gravelly hardpack, and are very light for a 2.3. I run them front and back, as does lph.
Not a great mud tire, though, because the lugs are too close together to clear in really sticky stuff. They're fine in occasional soupy spots and wet rocks/roots.
Just a note: Skinny tires don't necessarily have less rolling resistance. In fact, testing indicates that (assuming identical tread and pressure) fat tires frequently roll faster. (Dig through the following tables for figures.)
http://www.legslarry.beerdrinkers.co.uk/tech/JL.htm
http://www.discoveryride.com/human/rolling.html
Skinnier tires do weigh less, which lets you *accelerate* faster -- and this is usually more important when mountain biking. But it doesn't matter whether the skinny tire is on the front or the rear as far as acceleration is concerned: both tires must rotate to get you somewhere.
Where having a fatter tire on the front helps is with traction. If you lock up or skid your rear tire, your forward momentum will drag it back in line with the front, no matter how far out of shape it gets. If you lock up or skid the front, momentum will try to push the rear past it, and the bike will get out of shape and frequently go down. This means if your tires have unequal traction, it's best to have the most traction on the front.