Mountain Biking - Help! Need a good set of tires for gravel!

As the subject mentions, I need help on finding a good set of tires that are capable of maintaining good traction on gravel (going up and down). Thats my main concern. It would also be good to have a tire that can grip well on dusty trails as well. What characteristics should I look for in the knobs? Also, I have a color issue with tires. I'd prefer them to be black or red--my bike's colors. I've heard mixed reviews about the WTB Velociraptors and Motoraptors, and Panaracer Fire XC Pro's. Some say its good, others, bad. What do you think would be a good set of tires for someone who weighs 130lbs?

Sorry for so many questions..

Funko :beer:

I've heard mixed reviews about the Velociraptors also. Especially on wet roots etc. I have a set of Motoraptors and like them. Hook up good on dirt. I've heard the Panaracers are good but haven't tried them. The trouble with gravel is that it is so loose anything will spin. It's not really a matter of traction since the gravel itself moves on you.
Pricepoint has the Motoraptor for about 17 bucks ea. Not a bad price to try them out! :) Good Luck!

Are the Motoraptors front/rear specific? I know the Velociraptors are. Sine the current low knob tires that I have are the same, I flipped the rear one around. I dont know if it has had a positive effect because I havent tried any other tires, or tried them when they are both facing the "correct" way.

Funko!

No, the Motoraptors are not front/rear specific. Looking at the tread pattern though, I can see where traction might be better (like in mud,) reversing the rear. I haven't tried it though.

Oh ok...well, right now mud isnt really a problem for me since I'm in school during late spring and summer is when I start biking again. But actually, come to think of it, Im probably gonna start biking year round....so mude traction/mud release might be a plus for the future. Anyhow, how do the Motoraptors grip on hardpacked dirt? Hows the cornering?

Thanks,

Funko

They do pretty well on hardpack dirt. I think they are a good all-around tire. The best I've found for hardpack are Hutchinson Pythons. I used the UST version though. Fairly close knobs and super sticky on the corners. The only problem I found with them was that I cut them on sharp rocks alot. I don't know if the non-UST's have that problem or not. But they do corner great on the dirt!:)

Thanks for the info! :) But if the tires do really well on packed terrain, wouldnt that mean they would be sketchy on gravel? The main issue is the gravel: about 70% of my descent is gravel. Gravel. I hate gravel. :crash: So I guess anything that would do better on gravel compared to other tires is what I'm looking for.

Funko :beer:

Yea, I would think the closer knobs on the Pythons wouldn't do as well on gravel as the Motoraptors. But they are awesome on dirt! :) I don't think you'd be unhappy with the Moto's, they're a pretty good tire for doing both. And not very expensive either.

Thanks! Well, I guess I'll buy the Motoraptor's first. If i dont like them, I can always try out the Velociraptors, since both tires are relatively inexpensive!
Jeez, I've got to say thanks! You've answered my questions so quickly!--in one night!

:thumbup:

Funko :beer:

No problem. Let me know how you like them after you try them out for a while. Best of Luck!:)

Just want to give my .02. I LIKE my velociraptors, even in wet rooty sections. Never had a problem with them. I keep trying new tread patterns and always end up going back to the velociraptors. I will add, I haven't tried the Nanoraptors. Another tire that's good all around is the Michelin Wildgrippers. I got a pair free and tried them out, the traction was good, but I couldn't stand the green color!

L8R

Cool--same here..being that my bike is black with red and white decals, I have to say that green wouldn't look the best on my computer. So you use the Velociraptors? Have you used them on any types of hardpacked trials and on gravel-based downhills? Also, does the positioning of the threads on the front and rear tire help in controlling the bike?
Funko :beer: