Mountain Biking - The valueable lesson learned today.

Don't trust a xc rear tire when running Dual Slalom, I tried running a Michelin Wild Gripper XL S on the back. It was matched up with a Maxxis Lopes Bling Bling Dual that was on the front. Major Imbalance. Usually able to catch wash outs, but this one was so sudden and unexpected I did not have time to catch it. The results a bruised right knee.

Lesson learned...too bad it was the hard way...what made you decide to try a xc tire on a ds course?

I was basically trying to find a setup that would turn on a dime.

I run an XLS... it's a good tire. Hooks up in practically any terrain.... my guess is that you just pushed it too hard :)

I put a 2.4 Motoraptor on the front last week just to see how it felt. I loved the feel of it especially on rocky descents. But I noticed the same thing as you did. The Kenda Kharissma on the rear would break loose way before the front even got sketchy. Anybody else run big tires for mostly XC riding? A little heavier but it sure feels good on there.

My hardtail can't run anything wider than 2.2 in the rear.. which sucks.

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
I put a 2.4 Motoraptor on the front last week just to see how it felt. I loved the feel of it especially on rocky descents. But I noticed the same thing as you did. The Kenda Kharissma on the rear would break loose way before the front even got sketchy. Anybody else run big tires for mostly XC riding? A little heavier but it sure feels good on there.

2.4 for XC ?!?!?! Holy mackerel!!

Originally posted by Dirtgrinder
I put a 2.4 Motoraptor on the front last week just to see how it felt. I loved the feel of it especially on rocky descents. But I noticed the same thing as you did. The Kenda Kharissma on the rear would break loose way before the front even got sketchy. Anybody else run big tires for mostly XC riding? A little heavier but it sure feels good on there.

I run a 2.35 on the front and 2.5 on the rear...my xc is very technical and slick and anything less than 2.35 has serious traction problems sometimes...so yes some of us do :)

I run:

[5cos60deg + 5sin60deg]/[x^2-theta=y/x]..on the front. And 1.856666666666 on the rear.

I run a 2.1 Tioga DH on the front and a 2.3 Conti Vertical rear. Physically they are the same width :confused:

I ride I suppose aggro XC and race XC. I love the extra grip of the wider tires, and I am considering a 2.5 WTB weirwolf for my next front.

Yeah, I've always wondered about those tire widths. I run two tires which are 2.1s, front and rear. But you can visually tell that the rear is wider than the front, although Michelin claims they are both 2.1 inch tires

There is no standard way to measure. My 2.35 on the front is easily smaller than my gf 2.1 Tioga...but my 2.5 is closer to 2.7 AND they are made by the same company just a different tire. :)

I run 2.3 Continental Vertical Pro's front and rear and have been very happy. They aren't really that heavy, 610 grams.