Mountain Biking - Climbing Tire recommendations????

I have a specilized epic/I cant put anything bigger than 2.2 in the back, Have nasty traction problem on climbs w/ my wtb werewolf 2.1./we've had 2 weeks of non stop rain.....muddy terrain but not deep ,very doable with the right traction...
Any Ideas what's been better for you guys & gals

Ok im going to add my own question too instead of starting a new there. What is in your opinion the best tire for xc. I ride mostly on hard packed dirt but there are sandy sections everyonce and a while or loose gravel. The hills i ride have big rocks or loose dirt kind of. I want something fast but some grip.

I have been using the same tire in the same size. It has been very wet and the tires and most any tire will mud clog. There are tires for muddy conditions but you may pay a price when it drys out. Try the question on mtbr.com forums under wheels/tires ther is a link to a tire evaluation/recommendation. For my use they suggested Hutch Spiders as a all purpouse XC tire for my combined use. When climbing with the Weirwolf's when I stary to lose traction on a muddy climb, I push my butt back further and usually regain it back.

I have always been a fan of large rectangular/square knobs on back tires for climbing traction. I like the Velociraptor rear. It works well on loose climbing conditions.

I have a specilized epic/I cant put anything bigger than 2.2 in the back, Have nasty traction problem on climbs w/ my wtb werewolf 2.1./we've had 2 weeks of non stop rain.....muddy terrain but not deep ,very doable with the right traction...
Any Ideas what's been better for you guys & gals

With 2 weeks of non-stop rain, you should stop riding for a while and allow the trail to dry out.

With 2 weeks of non-stop rain, you should stop riding for a while and allow the trail to dry out.
I live in florida waiting for it to stop raining is not an option .....lmao.....

When climbing with the Weirwolf's when I start to lose traction on a muddy climb, I push my butt back further and usually regain it back.
I have the habit of getting off my seat when I am feeling the slip coming,bad form ,I tend to think it's my technique, maybe I shouldn't blame the tire, & keep my butt on the seat & DONT stop pedaling!

Panaracer

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/Tire/Panaracer_Fire_Mud_Pro.jpg

Too many options, but for muddy trails you want a narrow tyre that will cut through the mud and bite on the firm ground underneath. Pure mud tyre that works is the Panaracer Mud Pro 1.8 or the Continental cross country in 1.5. For mixed condition trails with mud on, a good compromise is something like the Panaracer Fire xc in 1.8. However I generraly use a 1.9 tyre like the IRC and if muddy and wet just let the pressure down to around 40lbs. This works for me most of the time.

Wide tyres cause two problems. first of all they skate over the mud, and secondly the build up of mud will block out to the forks and chain stays and be a very effective brake.

I know it has been said that a directional tire has a direction for a reason and to not turn it around, BUT I have those same wtb werewolf tires on my giant, I hated them for the longest time, until one day I turned them around before a ride. I get SOO much better traction now its unreal. They handle great and climb on loose terrain fantastic. I would try this before you buy.

Michelin Hot S ...oh geez. These are mud tires by nature, I was simply amazed at how well they hooked up. The Hutchinson Scorpion gold elite is good for light mud, but if you're tire is going to sink I'd highly recommend the Michelins
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=4487
...here are a few pix.

http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2884.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2885.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2886.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2887.JPG

I live in florida waiting for it to stop raining is not an option .....lmao.....
Try doing some road miles so that the nice folks who actually do trail maintenance can catch up with all the damage

I know it has been said that a directional tire has a direction for a reason and to not turn it around, BUT I have those same wtb werewolf tires on my giant, I hated them for the longest time, until one day I turned them around before a ride. I get SOO much better traction now its unreal. They handle great and climb on loose terrain fantastic. I would try this before you buy.

I swapped my rear Weirwolf tire, and had the same experience. much better traction on muddy (and dry) upphills. If you read the fine print on the side of the weirwolf tire is says that the front wheel should be the right way, wich makes sense since the thread gives better braking performance that way.

Ritchey Elevaders, iv ebeen riding these in mud and i am very pleased. Cheap too

Michelin Hot S ...oh geez. These are mud tires by nature, I was simply amazed at how well they hooked up. The Hutchinson Scorpion gold elite is good for light mud, but if you're tire is going to sink I'd highly recommend the Michelins
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=4487
...here are a few pix.

http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2884.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2885.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2886.JPG
http://www.pwrdbytrd.net/gallery/albums/wpw-20050409/normal_DSCF2887.JPG

Michelin! :love: :love:

I have the Mountain 'Xtrem Dual Compound tires with the same tread. I love them! Once they are broken in, they are great!