Mountain Biking - Need some help deciding..

i just bought a specialized hard rock comp and the tires really suck i am looking to buy a new set but i am not really sure what to get i had a trek and it had wtb velica raptors they were descent imo but i was wondering what you guys thought

plus im considering gettin a new front derailler the one that came with it is pretty lazy
thanks in advance

Tires, Seats and Grips are items that every person has a different opinion on. Personally I prefer a $13 WTB Velocraptor over a $45 Continental.

I've tried a lot of different tires and just keep coming back to the WTB's. I'm interested in Specialized's new Enduro tire for a good all around tire, but haven't been able to actually ride them yet.

I've tried: IRC Mythos and Notos. Ripped the knobbies completely off the Mythos on my local trail that the WTB's have been fine on. The Notos came stock on my bike and they felt loose and squirrely. Not enough tread. They are good however for hardpack conditions.
I've used Geax 200, probably my 2nd Favorite all condition tire. A little thinner than my WTB's, so good for climbing.
I've tried Continental Atlanta's ( I think) and they were o.k., nothing great, just o.k., but expensive ($45).
I've tried Michellins Wildgrippers. I got a pair free, and they are a good tire, but I was given the green rubber ones and couldn't get past the color. They make them in black, but I wouldn't buy them over buying the WTB's.
I have a pair of Specialized Ground COntrols, they're a big knobby meaty tire that works in loose conditions where traction is critical, but they're a heavier tire, best for slower conditons. I do think that Specialized does make a good tire.


I must say that I'm a Clydesdale (about 225lbs) and a good tire for me might not be good for a skinny racer boy,...etc.

Hope this helps and not further complicates.
L8R:beer:

I have always been a big fan of Panaracer tires. I currently use the Panaracer Trail Blaster 2.1s, before them I was using the Fire XC Pro 2.1. They are both great tires to use; the XC Pros roll good on pavement and are grippy on the trail. They excel on off-camber trails, when it come to mud though, they aren't that great.

This is where the Trail Blasters come in handy, they have as much grip as the Fire XC Pros and are really good in mud. The knobs on the tire are spaced further apart.

Go to:
http://www.panaracer.com/e05lineup/e05linupframe.html

...and check them out, then go to www.pricepoint for some nice prices.:)

The type of tire you should get will depend on the terrain you ride. Soft sand, muddy or thick grass will require a diff tire then say a hard packed fire road or street. Also, the style of riding you do should be considered.
Slainte

Quote: "i just bought a specialized hard rock comp and the tires really suck i am looking to buy a new set but i am not really sure what to get i had a trek and it had wtb velica raptors they were descent imo but i was wondering what you guys thought"


WOW! is that ONE sentence? I think that my English teacher would start crying right now...