Mountain Biking - Whats a good XC tyre for loose conditions?

Hi all,

I've been loosing traction around some corners, and even washed out today because of the loose, stoney conditions on the single track. I am running Panaracers Fire XC Pro and they are sort of worn down a bit, so i'm looking into new tyres and I need recommendations for one that will suit these conditions? Basically riding over loose stones.

Thanks as always :)

I'm real happy with the Nevegal Stick-E rear/Blue Groove Stick-E front set-up that my LBS talked me into . Yes the do wear out quickly , but the grip is great , and they float through the deep sandy washes that are common in my area.

My Tioga 2.1" DH tires work like a charm on any surface. They have proven to last quite a long time, as I have put about 1,000 miles on them so far. At 35 bucks for the pair, I'm happy.

I was a long time user IRC Mythos, front and back spefic tires, and pretty pleased with how they perform on all surfaces here in CO, but on the new bike I have the Panaracer Smoke and Dart set, so for so good.

FWIW, Hutinson tires just plain suck, had a set of Mosquitos wore out in 5 weeks, and the Airlight Pythons tread was so weak, it would probably work will on paved trails.

Edit, I am beyond cheap and the IRCs are normally $14.99 at Performance, part of the reason I am a long time IRC user :D

I got to test ride a bike with IRC Mythos's for a few hours and to be honest in my opinion they were basically horrible, even as a rear. :( I don't know if it's just me but I'm definately never riding them again.

Kenda navegal has good reviews for loose sand, and kinetics for the mud. I would prefer the stick e. I am happy with the kinetics that I have. Warning you though on biking in pavement as I heard this would accelerate the wear and tear of the tires. I believe this would be for both.
JD

wtb velociraptor. i ride in rocky/sandy/soft dirt and they hook-up will in all conditions. they are a little heavy though. but i would trade weight for a good set of tires.

I got to test ride a bike with IRC Mythos's for a few hours and to be honest in my opinion they were basically horrible, even as a rear. :( I don't know if it's just me but I'm definately never riding them again.
you mustve riddin an old pair... cuz mythos hook up on anything

I got to test ride a bike with IRC Mythos's for a few hours and to be honest in my opinion they were basically horrible, even as a rear. :( I don't know if it's just me but I'm definately never riding them again.

I ride with a guy who has the same opinion, when he had a set on his Fisher, we could ride the same obstacle, he would spin out, lose traction and have to put a foot down, but I could clear it w/o the same problems. ????
he refuses to ride them, but they serve me well.

Hmm I'll be trying to get hold of a 2.35" tyre for the front, and a 2.1" for the back.

I'll try getting hold of a Nevegal or something for the front but i'll have a look for other options for the back.

Does the Nevegal have 2.35"?

:):)

Does the Nevegal have 2.35"?

:):)

Sure does. I would go with the lightest 2.35" though, the others look too heavy for XC.

http://www.kendausa.com/bicycle/JohnTomac.html

Maxxis Ignitors are great tires. Pretty fast rolling, there is a bit of vibration on pavement/super hardpack though. They dig in like crazy in loamy, soft stuff though.

Hmm I'll be trying to get hold of a 2.35" tyre for the front, and a 2.1" for the back.

I'll try getting hold of a Nevegal or something for the front but i'll have a look for other options for the back.

Does the Nevegal have 2.35"?

:):)I'm running 2.35 Nevegal Stick-E/Blue Groove Stick-E rear/front . I can't say enough good things about this combo. They do wear a bit fast though .

My new ride came with IRC Mythos tires...the rear has excellent traction, but the front tire tends to wash out. However, when it washes out, it does so in a very smooth manner...it lets go gradually so I can easily correct it. Some of it could be the new bike's geometry though. I'd prefer a wider tire on the front.