Mountain Biking - DH Tahrs

I've been running DHF/DHR for a few seasons now, and I'm feeling like it's time to mix it up and try something else. Terrain will be primarily loose rocks, wet rocks, roots, wet roots, and muddy rocks and roots. Thinking about Specialed Butcher SX or Hillbilly, but I would entertain other suggestions - Michelin? Schwalbe? Lighter is gooder but no single plies need apply.

In other words, what DH tires are you running?

How about the DHF 2.5 EXO 3C? It's sort of a 1.5 casing. At the very least you could try it on the front. Beefier than a single ply, but still near a pound lighter than the average DH tire. For me, it'd probably even work as a rear DH tire, especially if I set it up tubeless.

Nevegal 2.35 DH DTC in back, and the Minion mentioned was a very nice combo this last Moab trip. A bit less weihgt up front but still with a tougher sidewall, but still pinch protection out back. Beat them both silly for four good days of riding, no trouble with either one. Ran about 30psi in both. Not sure on your Nevegal feelings though - since they seem to be alove 'em or hate 'em sort of tire.

YMMV - I'm a little dude who does small air, and rides far less true DH than I do trail.

Lots of tires I'd love to try out, but when a single decent tire is in the 50-60 range, it's tough to commit to buying just to see if it may work. I've got a nice stack of tires that have turned out to suck.

Terrain will be primarily loose rocks, wet rocks, roots, wet roots, and muddy rocks and roots.Sounds like Excavator country. I know you will take me with a grain of salt . . . well . . . just because. But in this case it is not just pure boosterism. I though DHF/DHF was the living end until I put on Excavators. Go 2.5 front/2.35 rear if you want to save a bit of weight and go Stick-E both ends. Yeah, they wear a bit faster maybe but you should still get a season out of them. They won't be the lighest but they will hang on to everything. I've used them at wet spring Whistler, dry summer Whistler, wet rocks, wet roots sharp-granite-and-moon-dust and decomposed-granite-over-hardpack in North idaho - - they hang onto it all.

My new bike has Butchers. They look nice. I haven't been able to ride them because of all of the ****ing snow!

Well it took me a while but I was finally able to sort through all the responses.

AAAaand the verdict is: DHF/DHR in Super Tacky. Weak, I know. At least they wear quickly so I'll be able to revisit this question in a couple months.

I did order a DHF exo for the trail bike though.

OK, I have to ask - - why the DHR instead of going the DHF/DHF route?

I concur on going ST. Yeah they wear quicker but the payoff (IMO) is worth it.

OK, I have to ask - - why the DHR instead of going the DHF/DHF route?


I don't like the braking characteristics of the DHF rear. It may have something to do with terrain, or mass, or maybe it's just personal pref.