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Tyre recommendations anyone?
I'm currently using WTB Weirwolfs which are fine in a straight line but always feel a little 'sketchy' in the corners. I'm not sure if it's my riding style or bike set up, but when they slip out they tend to do it quite suddenly. My ideal tyre would be fast, light, durable and bites like hell in the corners. Am I wanting to have my cake AND eat it?
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There was a recent conversation about this here:
http://nobmob.com/node/5520
Depends what kind of riding you are doing?
I really love weirwolf tyres and have been using them for ages. At present I use a 2.3" size f&r on one bike and a 2.5" size f&r on another bike. The aramid bead version is rather light considering the size and I rarely get a puncture.
I corner with supreme confidence. With that said I am about to buy a prowler XT, also by WTB in a 2.3" to go on the rear. This is only to gain some extra traction whilst climbing up rocky steps and platforms as the weirwolf will slip in that regard. This is a WTB recommendation.
Tyres are a personal choice and you could very well take a long time to find a favourite. I really love discussing and researching tyres. It's somewhat of a hobby.
I won't bang on to much about my favourites but I will offer a guide for you to find yours.
Get online and research tyres and have a good read on the manufacturers sites and pay attention to what a particular tyre is designed for. Look for expressions such as 'loose over hardpack' 'dry hardpack' 'dry to moist' 'sandy terrain' 'softand loamy' and the all important 'mud specific' or 'clears mud well'.
Get a big size. Newer models will have a reasonable weight even for a 2.3" size. Most general purpose mountain bikes won't take a tyre bigger than this anyway, both in terms of the size of the stays and the oem rims. Big tyres will get throgh the terrain better no matter what bike you ride. And they are generally togher. Don't be too obsessed with weight. Unless you are trying to win a race a lightweight tyre is counter productive. I've never met anyone who enjoys being on their knees by the side of the trail fixing a flat. Light often means fragile. And if you ever want to jump or launch of a drop, no matter how tame, light tyres need not apply.
I've not embraced tublessness with the enthusiasm of some however I'll not knock it. If you wish to go down that path then go nuts, and all power to you. Or you could just get quality tubes to go with the quality tyres, making sure the size is compatible and once correctly fitted flats will be rare.
As a hot tip try a full knobby tyre called a Kenda Kenetics in a 2.35" folding bead. This tyre has front and rear specific models with tonnes of grip. They weigh 700g each and beyondbikes.com has good prices and postage.
When you fit your tyres use the print on the side as a guide for pressures but play around a bit for what works for you best. I like 35psi front and 30psi rear for that extra bit of plushness.
Are you now any wiser?
thanks for the guided tour today, I would never have found that place otherwise! Further to the tip I might give the Kendas a go. I still maintain that my Weirwolfs feel unpredictable at times but as you saw they're only 2.1's wheras you run the (relatively) massive 2.5's. From reading your comments and the other thread I guess it's down to riding style and type. I'll probably end up trying a couple of options to find that perfect combination.
That was a terrific ride today and a thank you goes to Matt, Paul and also to your good self for the company. Ebony has received a stern talking to for getting in your way. She promises to not do it again yet I'd say her promises are pretty unreliable.
In a few weeks I'll post a ride for that area aimed at freeriders and downhillers. In the meantime our small group can organise amongst ourselves for more of the same action.
So thanks again and while I think about it I'll mention that Maxxis make some great tyres and are well priced. The Minion is popular, tough and downhill specific and would suit your Nomad well.