Mountain Biking - How often do you switch tires?

How many people switch out tires depending upon the type of terrain? For those who race, do you have a specific "race" tire that you use? While I'm thinking about it, do different tires make that much of a difference?

I will only switch the tires when racing. If it is gumbo mud, deep sand, hard packed, wet grass, etc. etc. etc. As for noticing a difference, that will depend on how intune you are with your bike, your skill level and in terms of racing how fast you go, especially in a dh race.

Other then that I will leave my NBX 2.3 FR's on no matter what the terrain when just out toolin' around the trails. Other wise it gets to pricy and is a pain.

:beer:

If/When I start racing, I will use Michelin soft compound tires just for the race. Im using a Michy dual compound tire that doesnt wear down as fast because I dont need the extra traction.

I switch tires whenever the tread gets worn out, or I get a stupid idea to try new tires.

Installing crap is annoying to me, tires especially.

When my old ones wear out.

If/When I start racing, I will use Michelin soft compound tires just for the race. Im using a Michy dual compound tire that doesnt wear down as fast because I dont need the extra traction.
Ooh! Dirtbike, how are the Michelin Dual Compounds? Just wondering because when I'm leaving for a weekend in Andorra to cycle you get a free set Michelin Dual Compounds along with the use of the DH trails, lifts, etc. :)

When my old ones wear out.
Same, once my front or rear tire is just too poorly to be on road or offroad, a new one goes on. :)

Same, once my front or rear tire is just too poorly to be on road or offroad, a new one goes on. :)
Yep.

Tires can make a big difference if you ride aggressively, bike in rugged/steep terrain or in areas with sand and sharp rocks.

I switch rear tires between where I live in N Florida and the N Georgia/Tenn./ N Carolina Mountains. I switch both tires when I go out to Moab.

I also experiment, though infrequently, when I see an interesting tread pattern.

Al

Ooh! Dirtbike, how are the Michelin Dual Compounds? Just wondering because when I'm leaving for a weekend in Andorra to cycle you get a free set Michelin Dual Compounds along with the use of the DH trails, lifts, etc. :)

Sweet!! New tires just for puchasing tickets and using their trails. So what is the price to use their facilities? Does it cover the price of the tires? :rolleyes:

:beer:

Tires can & do make all the difference in the world as far as riding/racing goes. One quick note about "dry conditions" DH racing tires, they're usually almost worn-out by most people's standards. Not that they're old by any means (they're brand new), only that the tread height is alot lower for decreased rolling resistance. That leads me into what makes the differences so apparent. The weight and tread design have the biggest effect on your ride as far as tires are concerned. Just by changing from a 1.8" rear to a 2.3" tire makes my bike alot harder to pedal uphill. I run the same air pressure in both sizes (60 lbs).

To repeat myself many times over, your tires/wheelset has the greatest effect on the amount of effort it takes to climb or simply pedal your bike. If you can lower these weighs only by a single pound, you'd be amazed at how much easier it is to pedal...

The tread design is also a huge factor in yes, "rolling resistance". The design is also something you'd want to consider for the particular terrain your gonna ride on. I usually keep mud knobbies on my bikes year 'round since it's usually muddy year 'round in my area. It's all common sense really.... ;)

Which one has the most rolling resistance:

http://www.cyfronet.krakow.pl/rowery/images/opony/o-stormc.gif ... OR... http://www.cyfronet.krakow.pl/rowery/images/opony/o-geo19.gif

The Storm Control on the left obviously. But it makes one helluva snow tire, believe me....

Ooh! Dirtbike, how are the Michelin Dual Compounds? Just wondering because when I'm leaving for a weekend in Andorra to cycle you get a free set Michelin Dual Compounds along with the use of the DH trails, lifts, etc. :)

I found that they arent that great. They are kinda slippery on wet rocks, but they are supposed to last a long long time. The sideknobs are a little softer compound, which helps, but dont grip as well as other tires I have used. The main reason I got them is because I ride on conrete/asphalt alot, and because they roll very well. The Michy DH soft compound tires are where its at. They glue you to the ground, and according to my friend mike, who races semi-pro DH, they last way longer than any other DH tire.

Basically I change tyres twice a year, One winter set and one hardpack set, Oh then theres the odd occasion when slicks go on for a road ride. In fact I don't--3 sets of wheels so if it is gloopy in the spring I can put on the Mud set of wheels, or if it I know theres not much mud on the route I am taking on that ride, Then the normal offroad wheels are used.

But then I only ride one area and I know the terrain I am going to meet. I know the tyre that works for me on that terrain so only need one set of offroad tyres.(Fire XC's in 1.8 and Mud Pro's in 1.8 for the gloopy stuff). As I say theres then the Road rides and I use Continental Grand prix's for that. Then of course then there's the Tandem but thats a different story.

Tires can & do make all the difference in the world as far as riding/racing goes. One quick note about "dry conditions" DH racing tires, they're usually almost worn-out by most people's standards. Not that they're old by any means (they're brand new), only that the tread height is alot lower for decreased rolling resistance. That leads me into what makes the differences so apparent. The weight and tread design have the biggest effect on your ride as far as tires are concerned. Just by changing from a 1.8" rear to a 2.3" tire makes my bike alot harder to pedal uphill. I run the same air pressure in both sizes (60 lbs).

To repeat myself many times over, your tires/wheelset has the greatest effect on the amount of effort it takes to climb or simply pedal your bike. If you can lower these weighs only by a single pound, you'd be amazed at how much easier it is to pedal...

The tread design is also a huge factor in yes, "rolling resistance". The design is also something you'd want to consider for the particular terrain your gonna ride on. I usually keep mud knobbies on my bikes year 'round since it's usually muddy year 'round in my area. It's all common sense really.... ;)

Which one has the most rolling resistance:

http://www.cyfronet.krakow.pl/rowery/images/opony/o-stormc.gif ... OR... http://www.cyfronet.krakow.pl/rowery/images/opony/o-geo19.gif

The Storm Control on the left obviously. But it makes one helluva snow tire, believe me....

60lb???? I run 38 rear and 34 front in my Minion DH tires.How do you get much traction with that kind of air pressure?

I don't, but that's the way I'm used to riding....

Actually, I have to ride pretty aggressive tire patterns to be able to stay on the trails @ high speeds. It's a different experience with high pressures. I feel everything, and yet my 6" of suspension soaks it up nicely. Usually the only times I have it difficult is with "wet" slick rocks & "wet" slick roots....

three times everytime i ride.... I have had my bike for a year, have not replaced the tires once. They are DH tires though, i'd say they still have at least half a season left in them.

Sweet!! New tires just for puchasing tickets and using their trails. So what is the price to use their facilities? Does it cover the price of the tires? :rolleyes:

:beer:
Well, overall, the use of the facilities is 25 euros (ski lifts, trails, test out 2006 products, etc) but I'm choosing to pay the 100 euros for which my LBS takes me and my bike to Andorra and back, gives me lodging, gives me breakfast and dinner and use of the facilities (ski lifts, trails, test out 2006 products, etc).

But yeah, going there alone just for the tyres is worth it. :p

Dirtbike: OK, thanks for the info. :)

One question: Would the Michelins be better than Specialized Enduro 2.2s for mostly mountain riding? I mean, should I switch the tyres the second I get them so I can use them over the weekend in Andorra or should I just have them as spares?

Depends on the bike. I use all my bikes so tires don't wear like they used to. But I used to replace my rear every 3 months or so and my front once a year.

I don't, but that's the way I'm used to riding....

Actually, I have to ride pretty aggressive tire patterns to be able to stay on the trails @ high speeds. It's a different experience with high pressures. I feel everything, and yet my 6" of suspension soaks it up nicely. Usually the only times I have it difficult is with "wet" slick rocks & "wet" slick roots....

Hey killed, stick to one name :)...you posted under your old account :D

More often thn some but nowhere near as often as KonaRider24