Mountain Biking - Tire Talk

There are just too many tire choices for one guy to handle. :)

Hi folks, looking for some suggestions. I'm currently riding a Trek 4900 with Bontrager Jones AC tires. They feel great on paved and hard packed dirt, but their puncture resistance is nil. I got a flat the other day from riding over a little branch.

I'd like a tire with a feel comparable to the Jones AC, but with better puncture resistance. I mostly ride this MTB on hard packed dirt, rocks, and the occasional loose stuff. Although I'd like something that rides smooth on paved surfaces like the Jones AC, I'm NOT looking for a commuter tire. I also don't need an aggressive freeride or DH tire. I'm adventurous, not crazy! :)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm riding Panaracer Fire XCs and I find they work well as an all-around offroad tyre. They do have some issues in really thick mud and I wouldn't recommend them for working the boulders but I'm guess you're not looking to do that anyways. I would recommend the 2.1" version over the smaller 1.9" ones. The other downside to them is that they don't roll as smooth/fast on hard pavement as something with a bit closer spacing between the treads.

Michelin XLS and Front S.

Michelin XLS

Yes.


I run the XL on the rear of my hardtail. I beleive the XLS is either the tubless version or a softer compound version. I love Michelins:D .

-Moab

Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1's.

Exactly what you need :)

I just got a set of Panaracer Fire XC pros (Red baby!). Havent run them yet but once i do ill tell you how they are, i have a race this sunday so they will get put through there paces then :)

Panaracer's suck if you run in any mud, by the way. They load up REALLY badly. Practically everywhere else, they're fine.. but when things get wet, they get scary.

Originally posted by moabrider47
Yes.


I run the XL on the rear of my hardtail. I beleive the XLS is either the tubless version or a softer compound version. I love Michelins:D .

-Moab

Yup, mine are tubeless. Michelin makes some awesome tires.. I've been really happy with them.

Any tire will pack up in mud, its just a matter of how bad the mud is. I havent really had a problem with my Fires shedding mud

Originally posted by PeterG1185
Any tire will pack up in mud, its just a matter of how bad the mud is. I havent really had a problem with my Fires shedding mud



That's the thing.. they SHED the mud fine, but they load up so badly its not even funny. Like riding semislicks or something in muddy conditions. That's what I like about my Michelins.. this entire summer has been SO wet... so I have to have a tire that has good all around traction, and the Michelins do great when it's wet and muddy. They don't load up with mud at all... I think it's the special compou they use in the rubber, because they're some of the best tires I've used in the mud.

Originally posted by Jim311
That's the thing.. they SHED the mud fine, but they load up so badly its not even funny. Like riding semislicks or something in muddy conditions. That's what I like about my Michelins.. this entire summer has been SO wet... so I have to have a tire that has good all around traction, and the Michelins do great when it's wet and muddy. They don't load up with mud at all... I think it's the special compou they use in the rubber, because they're some of the best tires I've used in the mud.

I have never used michelins but they are by far the most popular tires on the shore where there is no dry season. They stick well to wet logs and shed mud like no other. The only other tires I would buy are my current setup of Maxxis mobster rear and highroller front which seems to stick and shed mud well. :)

Yeah, I've never had any tires like them. They're awesome for wet conditions.. even in the most sticky of mud they don't load up at ALL.

Take a look at the WTB line. I got the Velociraptors and love them. I heard IRC Kujos are damn good also.

Thanks for the tips folks. I see a lot of people praising the Michelins, but at MTB Review a lot of people complain about them having weak sidewalls. Opinions?

well, My panaracers worked well yesterday durring my race. they climb much better than WTB Motoraptors, and seam to roll better to. But it think i had my tires to high (like 40 PSI and i only weigh 135 pounds) and they washed out once (could have been the surface to) but so far they have been fine.

Go Conti, I just got a conti survival, dam strong tire, good sidewalls, and it doesn't care about mud.

To me the rolling resistance was minimal, and coming from pythons I would be able to sense them.

The traction the gave was great, uphill, downhill, etc. Give me traction, screw a few seconds in time:beer:

I run either Michelin Comp S or Hutchinson Pythons - tubeless. Both are darn light.

Pythons seem to corner better--Comp S seem to grip when climbing in the rocky, dusty stuff.

i use panaracer trail blasters and have been VERY happy here in va.it has been very wet and they shed mud MOST excellent.corner very well hold up well while braking.i am 200lbs and run them about 45psi on trails and 55 on street.these have been by far the best ive ridden in the 10 years ive been mt biking.tried tioga,wtb vitorria .more than one model of each.they are controllable in all conditions ive ridden.mud, snow,sand,dry,pavement,pine tags ,and plain old dirt.wwill be buying more soon, worn them out.ride db xts 3 with mods.hope this helps